Heather M. Hawkins

Heather is a construction lawyer and serves as chair of Taft’s Construction Industry Group. In her dispute resolution, trial, and arbitration practice, she represents owners, developers, contractors, specialty subcontractors, and designers. Her experience representing all sides of the construction industry allows her to see disputes from every angle and advise clients on the right approach for their position. Heather takes time to learn each client’s business and objectives, developing tailored strategies that achieve the best results.

Heather helps clients resolve complex construction and business disputes with cost-effective, winning strategies at every phase of a project—from risk management and claims prevention before issues arise, through mediation and arbitration to resolve matters efficiently, to trial when necessary. As a former Division I college athlete, Heather is a focused, competitive, and creative advocate for clients. She has numerous first-chair victories in multi-million dollar jury trials, bench trials, and arbitrations. Heather has led numerous litigation portfolios in federal and state courts across the country.

Heather’s practice extends beyond the courtroom. She counsels clients on risk management and claims prevention to help spot and address risks before they become disputes. She works with a network of industry experts to take a comprehensive approach to claim prevention and resolution, and when a claim arises, a tailored approach to each dispute. Heather also presents seminars and trainings on construction law best practices, helping clients stay ahead of potential issues before, during, and after projects.

As reflected in Chambers USA, where she is ranked, construction industry professionals and in-house attorneys find that Heather is “incredibly organized, forward thinking, practical,” and “meticulous,” and that her “deep understanding of complex construction and contract matters allows her to render timely, solid legal counsel.” Heather has been honored since 2016 by Best Lawyers in America®, and recognized in Ohio Super Lawyers for Construction Litigation since 2011. Heather is also honored by Leading Lawyers for Construction Law.

• Obtained multiple jury verdicts in federal courts, including Central District of California and District of Colorado, for an international construction company in defense of multi-million dollar breach of contract, warranty and professional negligence lawsuits.
• Obtained jury verdict in Indiana for an engineering company in lawsuit by owner and developer of condominiums and alleging millions of dollars of damages for breach of contract and professional negligence for the company’s design and construction of retaining walls.
• Obtained jury verdict in Ohio for a construction project owner in defense of delay and loss of productivity claims.
• Obtained jury verdict in Ohio in favor of internet domain and service provider in lawsuit filed by a consumer involving conversion and fraud claims.
• Obtained a decision after a three-week arbitration in Washington, D.C. of a shareholder dispute in favor of a construction products supplier and manufacturer.
• Successfully defeated appeal of jury verdict in favor of geotechnical engineering firm.
• Obtained dismissals and summary judgment and negotiated favorable settlements for developers, construction managers, general contractors, subcontractors and engineering firms in construction delay, loss of productivity, and contract litigation and arbitrations.

Other Representative Matters:

• Representation of international clinical research organization in litigation involving clinical trials and contracts.
• Representation of public companies in securities and shareholder litigation.
• Representation of private and public companies in Contract, Lease, and other business disputes.
• Representation of commercial property managers and owners and commercial tenants in landlord/tenant disputes.

• “Courts or Conference Rooms: Pick Your Battlefield!” Construction and Real Estate Seminar, April 2026
• “Legal Project Management: Providing Value for In-House Law Departments,” June 2016
• “Recent Construction Defect Case Law Updates,” National Business Institute, December 2015
• “Using Experts to Your Advantage in Construction Defect Cases,” National Business Institute, December 2015
• “Drone On, But Consider the Risks”, Construction Landmines: How to Tread Lightly in Today’s Technology Age, May 2019