San Diego, CA

Wood Smith Henning & Berman is proud to share that Melissa Saracyan, a leading attorney in construction litigation, will join a distinguished panel at the 2025 CLM Construction Conference in San Diego. Her session, "Breaking Down the Walls: Joint Mediation strategies for Construction Disputes," is scheduled to take place on September 18 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. as part of the three-day conference.

As construction litigation grows more complex, the need for early, collaborative resolution strategies become ever more urgent. This dynamic roundtable will highlight how joint mediation sessions- bringing together insurance experts, carriers, and counsel, can lead to more precise claim evaluations, reduced litigation costs, and expedited settlements.

Saracyan and her co-panelists: Ted Bumgardner- Director for MC Consultants; Stacy La Scala- mediator and arbitrator for JAMS; and Emma Tortorici- National Claim Director for Turner Surety & Insurance Brokerage, Inc., will offer actionable guidance on structuring joint sessions, preserving confidentiality and privilege as well as navigating the challenges of multi-party involvement in high-stakes disputes.

"In today's environment, siloed approaches to mediation don't always represent best practice," said Saracyan. "By breaking down the walls between stakeholders early, we open the door to more transparent, efficient, and ultimately more successful resolutions."

The CLM Construction Conference is the premier national gathering for professionals in construction, insurance, and risk management. Each year, it brings together thought leaders to exchange insights, share innovations, and build stronger industry connection.

For more information or to register for the event please visit: https://events.theclm.org/event/Construction25/summary.

Wood Smith Henning & Berman: Your Trusted Partner

Experience the power of a proven industry leader in the law. Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB) is renowned globally for our exceptional trial results and expertise in handling complex litigation. With our nationwide network of over 500 lawyers across 43 office locations, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive litigation and counsel to both public and private companies. From start-ups to Fortune 100 corporations, we deliver unrivaled legal representation that consistently achieves favorable outcomes for our clients.

At WSHB, our strength lies in our diverse and accomplished team of attorneys. We boast thought leaders and defense specialists in over 41 fields of practice, covering an extensive range of specialties. Founded in 1997, we are proud to be among the top ten law firms in the nation for diversity, female partners, female lawyers, and Hispanic lawyers. This rich tapestry of diversity forms the foundation of our success when presenting cases to juries of our peers, ensuring we understand the unique nuances underlying each claim.

Our expansive geographic footprint allows us to provide effective and efficient representation to clients nationwide, regardless of their location, background, or legal expertise. By prioritizing strategic and cost-effective approaches to litigation, our dedicated attorneys work tirelessly to protect the interests of our clients. We have a track record of success, securing numerous victories such as summary judgments and defense verdicts on behalf of our clients. As a trial firm, we have taken over 2,000 cases to verdict, making us well-equipped to handle even the most complex and high-stakes litigation matters across the country.

By using this site, you agree to our updated Privacy Policy.