Chad N. Dunigan

Meet Chad Dunigan, the Managing Partner of WSHB’s Orlando and Jacksonville offices. Nationally recognized for his exceptional results in managing all aspects of complex construction litigation, Chad is also sought out for his expertise handling commercial litigation, catastrophic injury, and environmental matters.

As a seasoned trial lawyer and legal strategist, Chad consistently delivers favorable outcomes for our clients through a powerful combination of courtroom prowess and strategic insight. His commitment to excellence is evident not only in his extensive trial experience but also in his nuanced approach to case resolution. With a laser focus on achieving early resolutions, Chad possesses the capability to navigate assertively in the courtroom, ensuring optimal results at every stage of a case's lifecycle. Chad's versatility extends to alternative dispute resolution methods, including mediations and settlement conferences, where he has proven to be a seasoned practitioner. His multifaceted skill set positions him as an effective legal advocate for WSHB's clients nationwide.

In the realm of construction litigation, Chad stands as a national thought leader, boasting expertise in public and private contracting, bidding and protest issues, mechanics’ liens, stop notices, licensing, and surety disputes. With over two decades of experience, he passionately represents owners, developers, and general contractors across a diverse range of commercial, public works, and private projects. Chad diligently advocates for WSHB's clients nationwide, handling significant construction claims such as defects, delays, defaults, and bond surety matters. A thought leader, he is active in industry events speaking and publishing on emerging issues.

Chad also brings a wealth of experience handling environmental litigation. He has successfully handled various cases involving environmental cleanup, as well as litigation related to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and superfund sites. Chad's deep understanding of environmental law and his ability to navigate complex regulations make him a valuable asset to his clients in these challenging matters.

Beyond litigation, Chad is a trusted advisor, offering expert guidance on claims presentations, particularly those arising from denied change order requests or additional work beyond contractual agreements. Recognizing the pivotal role of insurance and bonds in construction disputes, Chad leverages his extensive experience in handling insurance coverage claims, spanning errors and omissions, builder’s risk, environmental issues, and general liability.

Education

• California Western School of Law (J.D., 1999)
• Saint Mary’s College (B.A., 1996)

Licensed to Practice in

• Florida
• California
• Nevada
• Texas 

News

Events, Seminars & Speaking Engagements

• CLM Construction Conference Presentation – "The DOs and DON’Ts of Defending High Rise and Mixed-Use Project Claims While Exploring Options for Resolution," Panelist (September 2024)
• ExecuSummit 6th Annual Construction Defect Conference Presentation – Statutory Round-Up — Snowbird Edition: Florida Tort Reform And NY Insurance Disclosure Rules, Panelist (December 2023)
• Perrin National Construction Defect Conference Presentation – Unwrapping the WRAP Policies, Panelist (November 2023)
• ExecuSummit 5th Annual Construction Defect Conference Presentation – The Coverage Corner: Update on EIFS, Continuous and Progressive Damages and the Texas Eight Corner’s Rule (December 2022)
• Magna Legal Services Webinar Presentation – “Risk Transfer,” Panelist (February 2021)
• Sacramento Lawyer, Sacramento County Bar Association Magazine – “Construction Defect Litigation Issues: A Round Table Discussion,” Panelist (July/August 2009)
• MC Consultants Annual Sacramento Construction Defect Law Seminar – “New Statutory and Case Law Affecting Construction Defect Litigation,” Panelist (April 28, 2010)
• 8th Annual East Region Construction Litigation & Insurance Coverage Conference – “Winning or Losing? – Choosing and Retaining the Right Expert Consultants,” Panelist (June 25-27, 2014)
• Florida Construction Law Seminar – “Navigating the Minefields of the Tripartite Relationship,” Panelist (June 11, 2015)
• CLM & Business Insurance National Construction Conference – “Southeast – There’s Nothing Wrong with the Construction, But It’s Still Your Fault!” Panelist (October 9-11, 2017)
• CLM Webinar Presentation – “Construction Claims – Significant Construction Defect Litigation and CD Coverage Decisions from 2017,” Panelist (January 11, 2018)
• CLM & Business Insurance Construction Conference – “Extrapolation: You’re Asking Me To Assume What?” Panelist (September 26-28, 2018)

Publications

• CLM Construction Magazine, “Cold Lessons, Seven Tips for Contractors after February’s Winter Storms,” Summer 2021

Community Activities

• Orange County (Florida) Bar Association
• WSIA
• Claims & Litigation Management Alliance