October 19, 2021

1pm-2pm

Construction- Back to Basics: Guide to Resolving Construction Claims

The construction industry has faced many unique challenges since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. As the industry adjusts to the new “normal” way of working, it is important for construction project participants to maintain their focus on the basic techniques that are effective in managing construction risks inherent to every construction project. This session will bring participants “back to basics” and provide guidelines to apply for the mitigation and resolution of construction claims that often manifest into cumbersome litigation.

Speakers: Christi Fu and Brenda Radmacher

As the West Coast Operations Manager of the construction claims and scheduling group (Contract Solutions), Christi Fu, manages the delivery of complex construction projects, monitors the performance and behavior of all team members, oversees the overall business relationship with key customers, and executes business development strategies. Christi has diverse experience in the construction and project management field as a contractor, as an owner’s representative, and as a consultant. Her contract solutions experience includes analyses of claims on numerous project types including: roadways and highways, bridges, light rails, wastewater treatment facilities, airports, ports, and buildings. She has participated and made preparations for Dispute Review Boards, mediations, and arbitration. She has presented on the topics of Construction Management and Claims Management. She earned a BS and MS in Civil Engineering UC Berkeley, and a MBA from UCLA. She holds PE, CCM, ENV SP, and LEED AP credentials.

Christi is on the Executive Board of WTS Los Angeles, serving in crucial roles such as Treasurer and Secretary, and was a past WTS-LA Scholarship winner. Christi has also served in several official roles with ASCE. For the past fifteen-plus years she has volunteered as a mentor and team leader for high school students with ACE. In addition, she has led workshops for young girls in local middle schools to learn about math and science. In 2015, Christi was recognized by Civil + Structural Engineer magazine as one of 20 Rising Stars.

 

Brenda Radmacher focuses her practice on construction law, working as a counselor, litigator, and noted speaker on issues involving landowners, developers, general contractors, and design professionals. She has a multi-faceted practice handling litigation and providing advice and transactional counsel to her construction-industry clients. Brenda has experience advising clients on risk management best practices, drafting critical documents, contracts, and procedures, and effectively resolving disputes.

With 25 years of experience working with construction contractors, construction managers, design professionals, developers, and owners, Brenda’s practice emphasizes resolving complex construction disputes through negotiation, mediation, and when necessary, arbitration and litigation, on projects in California, nationwide, and internationally. Developers, construction companies, and design professionals call on her legal and negotiation expertise for issues including course-of-construction disputes, claims of construction defects, and insurance issues. She has substantial experience in building envelope, water infiltration, and mold-related claims, having counseled clients with respect to hundreds of such matters. Brenda works with her clients dealing with mechanic’s liens, payment disputes, bid protests, and contract and delay claims on both public and private projects. Brenda has substantial experience and expertise in dispute resolution, including a background as a mediator and professor on negotiation and mediation.

Brenda also provides her clients with assistance on regulatory compliance, including issues involving California’s Prop. 65, ADA, OSHA, and employment and COVID-19 issues. Multi-national and Fortune 500 clients rely on Brenda's knowledge and experience to navigate Prop. 65 compliance and related litigation. She also assists her construction and developer clients on employment-related concerns and issues. With the recent legalization of cannabis, she advises on issues regarding jobsite and employee compliance on construction sites, as well as in regard to the construction and renovation of facilities being used in the growth and distribution of cannabis products.