As some of you readers know, I spoke at the 35th Annual Construction and Public Contracts Law Seminar (schedule is linked here) this past weekend. Aside from the great and flattering opportunity to join my friend Hanna Blake at the front of the room to speak on the topic of payment bond claims (yes the picture is my name tag from the event), I had a chance to sit and listen to some of my fellow construction lawyers and colleagues speak on the “nuts and bolts” of everything from mechanic’s lien claim prosecution to claims against the federal government and (one of my favorite topics) dispute resolution.
I always learn something at this event. Whether is it some nuance of a claim I thought that I knew inside and out or just a trend that other attorneys are seeing that can help me get ahead of the curve and help my construction clients, I always leave the seminar on Saturday afternoon feeling like I am a better lawyer for having attended.
Finally, and in many ways just as importantly, I get a chance to network and have some good face to face time with new and old friends. Having a chance to expand my group of resources, both for business and knowledge, at breaks between speakers or other social events would make the weekend worthwhile even without the 12 hours of CLE credit (though this certainly helps).
To those new friends I met around a table: It was great meeting you, let’s catch up again soon. To those old friends I got to catch up with again: Let’s not go so long next time. And to those that I didn’t get a chance to chat with due to speaking or other family-related engagements: I’m sorry that I missed you this time, lets catch up soon. To those Virginia area attorneys that have an interest in construction law and did not attend: I hope to see you next year.
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