Experts to discuss the state of the construction industry at ABA forum

New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan along with Homeland Security officials, leading construction lawyers, judges, economists and other stakeholders will discuss hot-button legal issues involving the future of construction projects, self-driving cars and cybersecurity risks at the American Bar Association Forum on Construction Law Annual Meeting, April 20-22 in Washington, D.C.

Hassan (D-NH) will be the keynote speaker at the Forum’s Diversity Breakfast on Friday, April 21 at 8 a.m. She will speak on issues of diversity and inclusion. Hassan is the second woman in history to serve as governor and U.S. Senator.
Other program highlights include:

• “A Risky Proposition: The Ever Changing Role of Insurance in the Current Construction Climate—Need-to-Know Trends for In-House and Outside Counsel” — The ever emerging risks facing today’s construction projects include cybercrimes and terrorism. Find out what steps can be taken to protect existing, current and future construction projects. This panel will discuss insurance requirements and specific coverage for various construction endeavors. Speakers include Kent W. Collier, of Greyling Insurance Brokerage; Samuel V. Laurin, of Bose McKinney & Evans, LLP and Douglas J. Lareau, vice president, chief legal officer and chief information officer, Shawmut Design and Construction.

• “A Crystal Ball to Tomorrow? Leading Economic Indicators for the Construction Industry and What the New Era Could Hold for You!”— Are you curious about the future of the construction industry? Or what about the relevance of the self-driving car on the construction industry and the affect this will have on city planners and engineers? This panel will discuss the impact of these issues and how it will affect city living. Speakers include Kenneth D. Simonson, chief economist, Associated General Contractors of America, Arlington, Va. and Victor B. Dover, of Dover, Kohl & Partners design firm, Miami, Fla.

• “Cybersecurity—The Case for Lawyers as Cyber Risk Leaders: Key Issues for In-House and Outside Counsel”— Cybersecurity is a growing challenge for lawyers and their clients. This panel will discuss how to lead cybersecurity risk management discussions and how to respond in the event of a cyber-intrusion. Speakers include Cinthia Granados Motley of Sedgwick LLP and Daniel W. Sutherland, associate general counsel, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.