Held in Chicago at the Hilton Chicago, the 50th Annual Conference of the ABA Forum on Construction Law brought together nearly 800 construction attorneys, industry professionals, and thought leaders for the Forum’s largest stand-alone Annual Conference to date. Shareholders Asha Echeverria and Conor Shankman played key roles in the milestone event, which centered around the theme, Lessons Learned from the Last 50 Years on Project Execution and Claims Management.
Serving as Program Co-Chair, over the two-year planning process, Asha helped shape the conference’s programming and discussions throughout the multi-day event, which reflected on the industry’s evolution while exploring the future of construction law, project delivery, and claims management.
Conor participated as a speaker, presenting on “Laying the Foundation: Aligning the Team During Pre-Construction for a Successful Build,” focusing on how early coordination, communication, and strategic alignment can position projects for long-term success.
Throughout the conference, several key themes emerged across sessions and panel discussions:
- Early collaboration and risk management continue to shape successful projects. Speakers emphasized the importance of proactive communication, pre-construction planning, and aligning project stakeholders early to avoid disputes and improve outcomes.
- Claims management is becoming increasingly complex. Discussions highlighted evolving challenges surrounding delay claims, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and the growing role of technology and documentation in dispute resolution.
- Technology and innovation are reshaping the industry. From artificial intelligence and data analytics to emerging project delivery tools, panelists examined how construction teams and counsel are adapting to rapidly changing project environments.
- Workforce development and industry sustainability remain front of mind. Sessions explored strategies for attracting and retaining talent, navigating generational shifts in the workforce, and fostering long-term resilience across the construction industry.
- Diversity, inclusion, and leadership development continue to be priorities. Conference programming and ABA leadership discussions reinforced the importance of creating pathways for broader participation and continued professional growth within the industry.
With this effort behind her, Asha will continue her involvement with the Forum, joining the Forum’s Governing Committee in September 2026 for a three-year term.
Asha Echeverria is a Shareholder and Practice Group Leader of Bernstein Shur’s Construction Group, where she focuses on construction and energy law. With a background as a licensed professional engineer and LEED Accredited Professional, she brings a unique technical perspective to her practice, advising clients on complex project development, contracting, and dispute resolution. She can be reached at [email protected].
Conor Shankman is a Shareholder in Bernstein Shur’s Construction Law practice group, where he represents owners, developers, contractors, and design professionals on contracts, risk management, claims, and litigation. He can be reached at [email protected].
The Construction Law group guides developers, contractors, and suppliers through every project phase, combining deep industry knowledge with transactional and litigation expertise across real estate, land use, labor, and municipal law.