Wood Smith Henning & Berman is excited to share that Partner Tom Fama will serve as a panelist at the 2026 Claims and Litigation Management (CLM) Construction Conference, where he will discuss the legal and practical considerations involved in terminating construction projects before completion. He will be joined by fellow industry leaders Maureen Mooney of TSIB, Matt Kovacs of US Howden, and Mark Van Wonterghem of B2R Consulting Group.
Fama will speak during session three, "Ending a Construction Project Early: Legal and Practical Considerations," on September 24, 2026. During the session, he and his fellow panelists will examine the legal, financial, and strategic challenges that arise when construction projects end prematurely.
The presentation will provide a structured framework for evaluating early project termination, including contract analysis, payment disputes, affirmative claims, and abandonment issues. Through real-world examples, the panel will explore how owners, contractors, insurers, and counsel approach termination decisions and develop strategies that help reduce risk, control costs, and protect their clients' interests.
"Construction projects rarely end exactly as planned," said Fama. "When circumstances require a project to end early, stakeholders must navigate complex contractual obligations and evolving legal risks. I look forward to discussing practical approaches that help clients make informed decisions while minimizing exposure and preserving their legal rights."
The Claims and Litigation Management (CLM) Construction Conference will take place September 23-25, 2026, at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas Texas. Dedicated exclusively to construction claims, insurance, and risk management, the conference offers three days of in-depth educational programming, professional development, and networking opportunities for mid-to-senior level claims and litigation professionals. Attendees will participate in roundtable discussions, panel presentations, and expert-led sessions focused on today's most pressing issues affecting the construction industry.
"Tom's experience counseling clients through complex construction disputes makes him an outstanding resource on this topic," said Firmwide Managing Partner Stewart Reid. "His practical perspective on navigating project termination and resolving high-stakes construction claims will provide attendees with valuable guidance they can apply to real-world matters."
Tom concentrates his practice on all aspects of construction claims including defending builders and developers against defects, handling worksite accidents, transactional claims with general contractors and pursuing subcontractors for contribution. He devotes a significant amount of his practice to advising general contractors, developers and risk management teams in Northern California on emerging areas of exposure in construction law and construction safety practices, and guides builders through best practices for preventing claims.
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