Design Professionals
A successful building project relies on the talent, experience, and dedication of its design professionals. Those attributes are shared by the attorneys in our Design Professionals practice area who serve the legal needs of architects, engineers, and surveyors throughout the Northeast.
Our premier team of experienced lawyers crosses over several disciplines to ensure that all the legal needs of this unique practice of professionals are met expeditiously and cost-effectively.
We provide advice and assistance to design firms ranging of all sizes: firms with large, international practices, businesses that have significant regional presence, and small, energetic, growing firms.
We strive to share our knowledge and keep our key constituency informed of changes in the law that affect their businesses by speaking at professional society meetings at state and local levels, and by offering in-house loss-prevention seminars.
Advice and Representation Regarding Loss Prevention and Litigation
Members of the practice advise and represent design professionals regarding potential claims and lawsuits, and work to avoid or minimize losses. In litigation, we advocate for the fairest, least costly, and earliest resolution of the dispute. We defend architects, engineers, and other design professionals in malpractice and contract litigation. Our attorneys have been involved in numerous lawsuits on behalf of architects and engineers, ranging from major construction projects involving the removal of hazardous waste, and the construction of hydroelectric facilities and professional sports stadiums, to office building renovation projects, and the evaluation of bridge and dam structures and facilities. Our attorneys also have extensive experience in various forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), including arbitration, mediation, and mini-trials.
Legal Advice and Representation for State Licensing Matters
We advise clients about compliance with state licensing and practice requirements and provide advice and representation at licensing hearings.
Legal Advice on Business Structuring and Operations
In consultation with the firm’s Corporate Practice Area, we advise clients on a wide range of business decisions, including incorporation, partnership, restructuring, and mergers and acquisitions. Our attorneys also advise design professionals regarding real estate transfers, employee and personnel matters, pension planning, and the collection of unpaid fees. In consultation with the firm’s Environmental Law Practice Area, we advise clients regarding environmental matters and governmental requirements in this highly regulated and developing area. At all times, our attorneys practice “loss prevention” by identifying areas that may lead to liability.
Legal Advice and Representation on Contract Matters
Our attorneys advise clients about contracts and actively assist in their negotiation, as well as update and standardize contracts. We keep abreast of legal developments affecting the client/professional relationship and advise design professionals regarding these developments.
Our Clients
- Architects
- Engineers
- Surveyors
- Other design professionals
Key Contacts
-
Jessica A. Myers
Counsel
Buffalo
716.844.3740
jmyers@hselaw.com -
Peter H. Abdella
Partner
Rochester
585.231.1116
pabdella@hselaw.com
Team
-
Joseph G. Casion
Partner
Rochester
585.231.1407
jcasion@hselaw.com -
Michael Damia
Counsel
Rochester
585.231.1168
mdamia@hselaw.com -
Matthew A. Eldred
Senior Associate
Rochester
585.231.1487
meldred@hselaw.com -
John G. Horn
Partner
Buffalo and New York City
716.844.3728
jhorn@hselaw.com -
Brian B. Shaw
Partner
Rochester
585.231.1193
bshaw@hselaw.com
According to our clients:
“Representing design professional defendants requires knowledge of the law and of the types of services your clients provide. Harter Secrest is one of the few law firms in Upstate New York whose lawyers possess this combination of skills.”
“The Harter Secrest & Emery firm has provided us with the utmost professionalism, dedication, and responsiveness in meeting our legal needs. I highly recommend the skilled attorneys with HSE.”