Wood Smith Henning & Berman Partner Tom Fama will speak at Perrin Conferences' National Construction Defect Conference, taking place November 12-13, 2026, at the Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale.
Fama will join the panel "Jurisdictional Analysis and Future Outlook of Nationwide Industry Trends" on Thursday, November 12, from 9:00-10:00 a.m. The discussion will examine jurisdictions seeing the most construction defect activity, emerging markets, 2026 filing and building trends, and what the industry may face in 2027. Panelists will also address construction risks, state-specific standards for work in new jurisdictions and housing legislation.
"Construction defect risks can look extremely different from one state to the next," Fama said. "As builders enter new markets and housing laws evolve, understanding the standards that govern each project is essential. I look forward to discussing what we're seeing across the country and how the industry can prepare for what comes next."
Michael Bryant, Vice President and Head of P&C at RiverStone Group, will moderate the discussion. Fama's fellow panelists are Benjamin Dowers of Gunther Legal; Ken Kasden of Kasdan Turner Thomson Booth LLP; and Phyllis Modlin of Markel.
Tom Fama is a partner in WSHB’s Northern California office. Tom brings his honed litigation skills to complex construction claims counseling and defending the nation’s largest home builders against all facets of construction defect and construction accident litigation. He advises home builders on creative alternative strategies and proposals to litigation that have helped clients avoid multi-million dollar lawsuits. He has been recognized by judges and mediators as a creative lawyer that brings practical effective solutions to complex construction situations.
He has successfully defended professional and product liability matters, businesses against personal injury claims and counsels home builders in contractual matters with subcontractors. Tom secured favorable results for his clients in litigated matters, including receiving defense verdicts for lenders, general contractors and veterinarians. He is highly skilled in all facets of litigation, including trial and appeal. He is a licensed real estate broker and licensed to practice in Bankruptcy Court for the Northern and Eastern District of California.
For conference details and registration, visit the Perrin Conferences event page: https://www.perrinconferences.com/conferences/cd26/
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