2026 Construction Law Seminar

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In an industry defined by constant change, understanding the legal landscape is critical to staying ahead. At Taft’s annual half-day construction seminar, our attorneys will unpack the legal outlook for 2026, offering practical guidance on the issues that matter most.

This year’s program will cover a wide range of timely topics, including a Colorado legislative update, the legal implications of emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing, and key developments in OSHA regulations and employment law. We’ll also explore best practices in contracting, trends in litigation and claims, strategies for maximizing insurance recovery, and much more. Whether you’re navigating compliance, managing risk, or planning for growth, this seminar will equip you with the insights you need to stay competitive and prepared.

Agenda

Mechanic’s Liens – How to Not Blow Your Mechanic’s Lien Rights

Speaker: Blair Carter

Learn about important issues to preserve and protect mechanic lien rights.

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Hot Topics in Insurance

Speaker: Will Reed

This presentation will cover legal developments and coverage developments for construction-specific insurance.

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Managing Risks in Modular Construction Contracts

Speaker: Hilary Morgan

This presentation will examine considerations and traps for the unwary in modular construction contracts as well as an overview of the new 2025 AIA Volumetric Modular Contract Templates.

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Contested Subcontract Terms

Speaker: Eric Kjellander

This presentation will review some common subcontract terms including incorporation, contingent payment clauses (pay-if-paid or pay-when-paid), no damages for delay, and force majeure – focusing on what the clauses look like and what they mean.

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OSHA Update

Speaker: Pat Miller

This presentation will present a briefing on recent updates in both Occupational Safety and Health Administration and employment law, including the current state of OSHA enforcement efforts, rulemaking priorities, and responses at the state level to safety and health deregulation, as well as other federal and state law updates affecting Colorado wage and hour compliance, non-competes, and paid leave.

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Employment Law Update

Speaker: Annie Sturges

This presentation will present on federal and state law updates affecting Colorado wage and hour compliance, non-competes, and paid leave.

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You Made it, Now Protect it: Building an Intellectual Property Portfolio

Speakers: Aaron Bradford/Michael Kosma

Construction and design teams regularly create valuable IP, such as innovations in building methods and materials, proprietary estimating and bid tools, drawings, models, and the strong brands behind them. Learn how to identify and claim the building blocks of an intellectual property portfolio, from patents and trademarks to copyrights and trade secrets.  Presenters will discuss IP strategies that help build value for your company, protect your market position, and keep you out of court and on the job.

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Traps and Tricks for a Company Deposition

Speaker: Harshy Badhesha

This presentation examines common traps and strategic tricks used in company depositions in construction litigation, and how to anticipate, avoid, and neutralize them. Attendees will gain practical guidance on preparing corporate witnesses, managing questioning tactics, and protecting the record during high-stakes depositions.

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Legislative Updates

Speaker: Terrance Carroll

This presentation will review the legislative climate and provide updates on legislative changes affecting the construction industry, with a focus on Colorado state legislation.

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Case Law Updates

Speaker: Tamir Goldstein

This presentation will review important case law updates from the past year affecting the construction industry.

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AI/Quantum Computing

Speaker: Jackie Benson

This presentation will provide a brief summary of the impact of AI and quantum technologies on the construction industry and legal considerations that should be on your radar.

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Squishy Contracts: When the Written Words May Not Hold Up

Speaker: Christian Hendrickson

While negotiated, descriptive, and fully agreed upon and signed change orders are nice, we all know they don’t always happen.  This presentation will discuss scenarios and legal principles surrounding informal contract changes, and arguments, defenses, and considerations surrounding the enforcement and amendment of written contracts when things don’t go as planned on a project.

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Updates on Intersections Between Real Estate and Construction

Speaker: Cyndi Stovall

This presentation will discuss challenges and changes to Building Performance Colorado (Regulation 28) and Energize Denver.  It will also cover the surge in recordings of fraudulent deeds and deeds of trust, efforts to address same and resulting externalities.

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The SBA 8(a) Program Under Siege

Speaker: Ryan Klein

This presentation will first outline what is the 8(a) Program and what has been the benefits for small and large businesses. We will explore the current difficulties facing the 8(a) Program and what the future may hold.

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The Pros and Cons of Early Repairs in Construction Defect Litigation

Speaker: Alli Takacs

This presentation will explore the benefits and disadvantages of both repair-first and litigation-first tactics in construction defect cases from the perspective of the construction professional.

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Speakers

Harshy Badhesha Attorney	Jackie Benson Partner	Aaron Bradford Partner	Terrance Carroll Of Counsel
Blair Carter Attorney	Tamir Goldstein Partner	Christian Hendrickson Partner	Eric Kjellander Partner
Ryan Klein Partner	Michael Kosma Partner	Pat Miller Partner	Hilary Morgan Partner
Will Reed Partner	Cyndi Stovall Partner	Annie Sturges Attorney	Alli Takacs Attorney