Hicks Leads Roundtable at CLM Construction Conference
Trial lawyer Ryan Hicks has been tapped to present at the CLM Construction Conference together with a panel of thought leaders from around the nation. In a session aptly entitled “Dirty Jobs: A Hands-On Approach to Concrete Construction Defects,” Hicks and his co-panelists will tackle emerging issues and trends emanating out of concrete-related issues focusing on a national perspective. “Historically, concrete issues have fueled huge settlements and caused angst for the construction industry,” said Hicks, a partner in the Colorado offices of Wood, Smith, Henning & Berman. “From the era of sulfate attack to the more modern iteration of defect issues in the as-built condition of the concrete, we will attack and provide real practice pointers and proverbial tools each participant in the conference can take back to their respective practices for defending any aspect of the claims presented.”
In one of the mostly anticipated sessions, Hicks explained “we are doing a first for CLM Construction – an actual interactive, hands-on workshop where participants will be provided with quick set concrete mix at the outset of the presentation and tasked with constructing their own concrete beam or structure.” While participants’ newly-constructed concrete beams are curing, the presentation will focus on allegations of construction defects at all stages of litigation, from the initial notice of claim through resolution. Towards the end of the session, the participants' concrete beams will have cured, providing the majority of them with the ability to see and feel actual defects in the beams they constructed. A select few participants will walk away with bragging rights in the event their concrete beam does not contain a defect.
Hicks continued, “the hands-on experience provides attendees with a visual representation, in real-time, of concrete construction and/or design defects of their own making. This interactive experience will fuel a greater understanding of risk management, litigation management and defense strategies when attendees return home and are later asked to handle concrete claims and litigation.” In addition to the participants’ own creations, Hicks explained that the presentation will also include pre-completed concrete exemplars, so participants can see, feel and touch real-life examples throughout the presentation.
Joining Hicks in this groundbreaking presentation is Terence Kadlec with Envista Forensics, who will bring a wealth of forensic information to the panel. Also joining is Christopher Lambert with Engle Martin and Maren Mooney with Construction Risk Partners, two national thought leaders on concrete-related issues. Together, this innovative group will provide unique insight on concrete issues from the litigation management, forensic and defense perspectives. Participants are expected to leave the presentation with an immediate increase in their ability to identify, discuss and explain concrete defects with their peers, clients and insureds.
CLM’s Construction Conference takes place at the historic Hotel del Coronado, September 22 and 23, 2022. The “Dirty Jobs: A Hands-On Approach to Concrete Construction Defects” presentation is scheduled for Session 4 on September 22, 2022 at 4:00 PM.
Hicks is a partner in WSHB’s Denver office, handling complex litigation involving construction defect, catastrophic injury, insurance coverage, premises liability, medical malpractice and professional liability issues. In addition, Hicks handles litigation involving products liability, toxic torts, subrogation and business litigation. His construction defect experience includes representation of large residential and commercial builders / developers with claims exceeding $50 million down to individual subcontractors on single family residences. Hicks also has substantial experience representing individuals, small businesses and trustees in Chapter 7 and 11 bankruptcy proceedings.
Hicks earned his law degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas – William S. Boyd School of Law. While enrolled at UNLV, he was a student attorney in the Thomas & Mack Immigration Law Clinic and also taught local residents family law and child custody basics through the law school’s community outreach program. Hicks earned bachelor’s degrees in economics and marketing from Western Michigan University, where he also received the Presidential Scholar Award in Economics and the Outstanding Academic Achievement in Marketing.