About Division 1

Division 1 ("D1") of the ABA's Forum on Construction Law is focused on "Litigation and Dispute Resolution." Our primary mission is to enhance the advocacy skills of construction lawyers and develop innovative ADR strategies and procedures.

We are proud to have some of the best construction litigators, arbitrators, and mediators within our ranks. And, as one of the most active divisions within the Forum, below are just some of the many things D1 does to contribute to the fabric of the construction law community:

  • D1 issues posts substantive articles every Tuesday on its weekly blog, The Dispute Resolver, which has become a go-to source for thought leadership in the construction law community.
  • D1 convenes Steering Committee Calls by Zoom on the second Thursday of each month at 3:00pm ET to discuss future programming and events. These meetings are open to anyone who wishes to know more about what is going on in the Forum or the Division. You can join by clicking the link below at the appropriate day/time and entering the Meeting ID when prompted:

Meeting ID: 832 8245 6686

  • D1 hosts bi-monthly Toolbox Talks focused on substantive issues likely to be of interest to the construction law litigator. These presentations are less formal than a CLE programming, meant to foster discussion on best practices. And, because they are limited to 30 minutes in length, they require a less of a time commitment both to plan and attend.
  • D1 plans and conducts the Practicum, a 3-hour interactive session held the day before the first plenary session at most of the annual meetings. Specifically geared towards the construction law advocate, the Practicum has focused on topics as wide-ranging as jury selection, effective cross-examination techniques, how to use themes and storytelling in litigation, and how to successfully navigate bid protests. 
  • D1 maintains a directory of its members who serve the construction industry as arbitrators, mediators, project neutrals, dispute review board members, and in other neutral capacities. If you are a member of D1 and a re interested in being added to D1's Neutral Directory please email Marissa Downs.

If you are a litigator, arbitrator, mediator, or advocate, D1 is a great place for you to continue your networking and career development within the ABA Forum on Construction Law.

We are always seeking volunteers to help with the foregoing activities so if anything seems of interest to you, let us know by reaching out to the current D1 Chair: Kelsey Funes.