8:30 – 9:00 am 

Registration & Continental Breakfast  

9:00 – 9:10 am 

Welcome Remarks  

Extended by Codi Cox, Esq., Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP, and Susie McNulty, Esq., CBA-CLE 

9:10 – 10:00 am  

Mechanic’s Lien Basics and Practice Pointers 

This session offers a practical overview of Colorado mechanic’s lien laws, designed for attorneys who advise clients in construction, real estate, or related transactional and litigation matters.  Presenters will break down the essential components of lien rights, disburser’s notices, and provide actionable drafting tips to help legal professionals navigate this complex area with confidence. 

Presented by Jean Arnold, Esq., Arnold & Arnold, LLP, and Serena Gudino, Esq., Arnold & Arnold, LLP 

10:00 – 10:15 am 

Morning Break  

10:15 – 11:05 am  

Preparing and Defending Witnesses in Depositions  

This session will provide practical guidance on preparing witnesses for depositions and defending them effectively during the process.  Designed for litigators and legal professionals involved in pretrial discovery, the presentation will cover strategies for minimizing risk, enhancing credibility, and navigating challenging deposition scenarios. 

Presented by Rachel Burkhart, Esq., Dorsey & Whitney LLP, and M. Kate Strauss, Esq., Galvanize Law Group 

11:05 – 11:55 am 

Navigating Delay Claims in Construction Law  

This session will provide a comprehensive overview of delay claims in construction law, focusing on entitlement, damages, and emerging trends.  Designed for legal professionals working in construction, contract, or litigation practice areas, the presentation will equip attendees with practical insights and legal strategies for handling delay-related disputes. 

Presented by Laurie Choi, Esq., Snell & Wilmer, L.L.P., and Diane Utz, Esq., Utz Construction Law, LLC 

11:55 am – 1:00 pm 

Lunch (on your own) 

1:00 – 1:50 pm  

Essential Contract Provisions Everyone Should Know 

This session will explore foundational contract provisions that every legal professional should understand, with a focus on construction contracts and clauses that have gained prominence in recent years.  Whether you are a transactional attorney, in-house counsel, or litigator, this presentation will provide practical insights into drafting and interpreting key contractual language. 

Presented by Codi Cox, Esq., Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP, Abby Dvorkin, Esq., Snell & Wilmer, L.L.P., and Djenita Svinjar, Esq., Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP 

1:50 – 2:40 pm  

Bridging the Gap: Owner-GC Contract Dynamics from Both Sides of the Table 

This session explores the often complex and nuanced relationship between project owners and general contractors, focusing on how contract terms can either drive conflict or foster collaboration.  Attendees will gain insight into the differing priorities of each party, learn how to structure contracts to align interests, and develop negotiation strategies that promote successful project outcomes. 

Presented by Roni Vogt, Esq., Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP, and Brooke Yates, Esq., Reed Smith LLP 

2:40 – 2:55 pm  

Afternoon Break  

2:55 – 3:45 pm  

Weather Delay Claims and Contracts 

This session will provide a focused look at weather-related delay claims in construction projects and the contractual provisions that govern them.  Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how weather impacts project timelines, how to structure contracts to address these risks, and what an ideal contract looks like in practice.  The session is designed for attorneys working in construction, real estate, or transactional law. 

Presented by Lisa Hill, PSP, Delta Consulting Group, and Alena Kohli, PSP, Delta Consulting Group 

3:45 – 4:35 pm  

Women in Construction Law Panel 

Join us for a dynamic and insightful panel discussion featuring accomplished women in construction law.  This session will explore the unique challenges, opportunities, and experiences of women practicing in this specialized field.  Panelists will share personal stories, professional strategies, and perspectives on how the industry is evolving and how legal professionals can support greater inclusion and leadership. 

Panelists:  

Laura DePetro, Esq., Woods Aitken LLP 

Mary Sue Greenleaf, Esq., Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP   

Chloe Mickel, Esq., Yondr Group 

Sally Piskun, Esq., Berg Hill Greenleaf Ruscitti, LLP 

Moderated by Maria Conversa, Esq., Snell & Wilmer, L.L.P. 

4:35 pm  

Adjourn