Year End “Musings” for 2012

Where did the year go? It seems like only yesterday that I posted my thoughts on what was an eventful 2011.  Now, here we are at the end of 2012 in what seems like the blink of an eye. Looking back I had an overall great year and I hope that you did too.

On the law firm front, we celebrated 2 years at The Law Office of Christopher G. Hill, PC this past July.  From a professional standpoint, I gained my certification as a Virginia Supreme Court general district court mediator and began working regularly in the Chesterfield court to help folk resolve their disputes.  The firm also began offering private construction mediation services for those that wish to take advantage of a process in which I firmly believe.  I am excited to continue acting as a mediator in 2013.

I would also be remiss if I did not thank those that nominated and elected me to a second inclusion in the Virginia Super Lawyers Rising Stars and a sixth straight year as a member of the Virginia Business Legal Elite in Construction.  Thank you to all of my friends and colleagues who continue to believe in me and my construction law practice. To be chosen so often is a humbling and heartwarming feeling.

I also continued as a member of the Virginia State Bar’s Construction Law and Public Contracts Section board of governors.  I am thrilled to be a part of the committee that planned the 2012 annual CLE and look forward to helping plan an even better CLE in 2013.  The friendships and knowledge that I’ve gained from being on the board with some of the truly great Virginia construction lawyers has been invaluable.

On the Construction Law Musings front, this year has been fulfilling as always.  The big news both personally and in the construction legislation world was the introduction, fight, and (thankfully) tabling of a new and onerous mechanic’s lien bill by the Virginia General Assembly.  The insight into the legislative “sausage-making” process was enlightening.  This experience along with the various cases relating to mechanic’s liens, contracts, and payment bonds made for a great 4th year at this little construction law blog.

Of course, I am not the only one that posts here at Construction Law Musings.  I am sure I would not have half the regular readers if it weren’t for the Guest Post Friday series.  This set of posts is always a great read and 2012 was no exception.  Posts ranging in topic from HOA assessment liens and construction contracting tips to Lance Armstrong and updates to North Carolina lien agent law keep me learning and this corner of the blawgosphere a much more interesting place.  These links point to only four of the many great, topical, and insightful posts contributed by friends both old and new.  Thank you to all of you who volunteered to post here.  I truly appreciate your efforts and welcome you all back to post again.

Last, and certainly not least, thank you to my wonderful family.  Without you all none of this would be as much fun.  Your support and love keep me focused on the important things and for that, I cannot thank you enough.

So, without further ado, here’s to a wonderful 2012 and an even better 2013.

As always, I welcome your comments below.  Please subscribe to keep up with this and other Construction Law Musings.