[Orlando, FL] – National law firm Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB) is proud to announce the grand opening of two strategic locations in Orlando and Jacksonville, Florida. This expansion marks a significant leap forward for the firm, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to meeting the escalating demands of clients across the country.
Leading this new venture is trial partner Chad Dunigan, who is accompanied by a team of highly skilled attorneys, including four partners and 13 associates, all of whom were previously affiliated with Koeller Nebeker Carlson Haluck LLP. This dynamic team of accomplished attorneys brings a substantial amount of experience and expertise to the newly established offices at WSHB.
"We are thrilled about our new offices in Florida, further expanding our footprint across the State" said Stewart Reid, firmwide managing partner. With office locations in Miami, Boca Raton and Tampa, the new office locations in Orlando and Jacksonville cement WSHB as a go-to firm throughout the State of Florida. Explained Reid, "This expansion allows us to meet our clients' legal needs more effectively and is clearly driven by client demands."
Trial lawyer Chad Dunigan has been tapped as the managing partner for the new offices. His litigation experience extends to handling all facets of construction matters including commercial, mixed use, residential, public works and private projects. Notably, the practice areas for the team of 18 lawyers is driven largely by the construction clients of WSHB who include some of the largest owners, developers, REITs and general contractors in the nation.
Dunigan and the new team will handle all facets of construction issues including claims for defects, contracts, licensing, project delays, and suretyship matters. Whether in the courtroom or arbitration, Dunigan is known for his adept navigation of complex construction projects and environmental laws.
Joining Dunigan are four other partners, all thought leaders known for exceptional results.
Litigator Ian Gillan is a partner and thought leader in WSHB Florida representing developers and general contractors. Ian brings over two decades of experience as the go-to lawyer in Florida for his results representing national and regional builders and developers. He enjoys a national reputation for his trial skills and exceptional results outside the courtroom. Ian enjoys an impressive trial-tested success rate and a proven track record in appellate matters. Ian's construction practice encompasses a broad spectrum, with expertise in arbitration, mediation, and litigation in both State and Federal Courts.
Partner Ryan Brooks joins the Orlando office with a solid reputation for his adept handling of all facets of construction and commercial litigation. Ryan is a trusted representative for small, mid-size, and Fortune 500 companies facing complex commercial challenges. Ryan's practice areas span professional liability, catastrophic injury, and property damage.
Katie Klapsa also joins the WSHB partnership. Klapsa is widely respected for her exceptional representation of builders, developers, and general contractors. Her practice areas include all facets of construction litigation, including construction defect, contractual disputes, and insurance coverage matters. Katie also prides herself in using a proactive approach in providing strategic counsel on construction licensing and successfully defending clients in licensing board enforcement actions.
Finally, Justin Leise joins WSHB as a partner. He has successfully represented developers and general contractors in all facets of litigation challenges. His track record boasts solid results in high profile construction defect cases, tort-based litigation and unfair and deceptive trade practice matters.
Chad Dunigan, the newly appointed Managing Partner for both the Orlando and Jacksonville offices, commented, "I am honored to lead the charge in establishing WSHB's presence in the new Florida locations. With this team of talented partners and associates joining me, we are well-equipped to deliver top-tier legal services."
Wood Smith Henning & Berman: Your Trusted Partner
Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB) is a national law firm known for trial results and expertise in handling complex litigation. With our nationwide network of almost 500 lawyers across 41 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 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 40 fields of practice, covering an extensive range of specialties.
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.