Message from the Chair: Kelsey Funes (Volume V)

It is hard to believe that we have another year almost done! The close of 2024 is bittersweet for me since it means I am nearing the end of my term as chair of this great division. I am proud of what we have accomplished this year as a division and excited about what we are planning for the year ahead. Gathering some inspiration from the lists that will certainly flood our inboxes and social media feeds soon, I thought it would be appropriate to do a Year in Review (D1 Edition). Here is a summary of some of the highlights from this last year in D1:

1. Practicum Series on Discovery – We kicked off our three-part
series on Discovery in Construction cases at the Fall Meeting in Pittsburgh. I have been so excited about being able to do this program because, as construction lawyers, discovery is our bread and butter. So, this topic really deserves some focused study and training. The first session focused on document discovery and gave participants a great opportunity to learn about how to manage documents (which typically includes voluminous electronic material) in a construction case. Part Two will be on January 15, 2025 in Tampa, FL and focus on fact discovery (including fact depositions) and our final session will be a study of expert discovery in Austin, TX on April 23, 2025. Be sure to register for both of our remaining sessions and pass along the invitation to others who can benefit from these top-notch programs.

The First Installment of D1's 3-Part Practicum on Discovery

2. New “Tuesdays With . . .” Series in the Dispute Resolver Blog – D1’s Dispute Resolver Blog is a jewel in the D1 crown. While it was hard to imagine how it could get better, it did this year. 2024 saw the introduction of a new series in the blog called, “Tuesdays With,” which focuses not on what we can teach each other in our construction practices, but what we can teach each other about life. The first installment was written by Lisa Colon who wrote about her recent heart transplant. Wow. I cannot thank Lisa enough for sharing her story and look forward to other Forum friends who have important life lessons and experiences to share.

3. Get to Know D1 Calls – This year we started a new program with our Get to Know D1 calls. These calls create an opportunity for folks who are new to the Forum or new to D1 to have a discussion with me and a small group of other similarly situated colleagues about how the Forum and D1 are set up, the activities and opportunities for involvement, and creates a forum to ask questions that might not be possible during our busy monthly business meetings. If you think you would benefit from that information, please keep an eye out for the next call.

4. Toolbox Talks Continue to Grow – Our Toolbox Talk series really picked up steam in 2024 including nine talks on varied topics relevant to construction litigation, arbitration and mediation. This year, we kicked off the Toolbox Talk Committee which has recently doubled in size. I am excited about the continued growth of this program and the opportunity it offers for more members to share their knowledge and get involved.

5. Unique Social Events – Last, but certainly not least, we had some really great social events in 2024. The Craps Lesson and Cocktail Party at the mid-winter meeting in Las Vegas was extremely popular and so much fun. Finally, the tent at the French Quarter Fest during the Annual Meeting in New Orleans was an awesome and unique way for us to enjoy our host city.

As we close the book on 2024, I can’t wait for the great programs being planned for 2025. I wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday and all the best in 2025. Hope to see you in Tampa!

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Kelsey Kornick Funes is a partner in the Baton Rouge office of Phelps Dunbar. She represents owners, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and design professionals in state and federal courts in Louisiana, as well as mediation and arbitration across the Gulf Coast region. She can be reached at kelsey.funes@phelps.com.