(DALLAS) Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C. (Munsch Hardt) is pleased to announce Bob Hancock and Adam Richie have been selected as co-chairs for the Firm’s Construction practice, effective immediately. Hancock will spearhead the controversy side of the practice, while Richie will simultaneously lead the transactional side of the practice. Together, they will find ways to grow the team in both size and profitability. Tom Barber, the former practice chair, will remain active at the Firm, continuing to work with his existing clients and with Hancock and Richie as they take on this increase in responsibility.

“Since Tom joined Munsch Hardt and took over the reins of the Firm’s Construction practice, we have seen substantial growth in the group’s numbers, depth, experience, diversity and presence in the construction arena. In my opinion, this group has been, and continues to be, incredibly successful,” said Phil Appenzeller, CEO of Munsch Hardt. “I am confident that Adam and Bob, whom Tom recruited to the Firm several years ago, will continue to build upon Tom’s tradition of excellence.”

With more than 200 years of combined experience in construction law, Munsch Hardt’s Construction practice empowers public and private owners, developers, lenders, design professionals, general contractors, subcontractors and suppliers to complete many of the most significant construction projects throughout the country. The practice is also annually recognized for its dedication to its clients and the projects on which it works. Recent awards and distinctions include Chambers USA-Texas, U.S. News – Best Lawyers^® “Best Law Firms”, published by Woodward/White, Inc., as well as numerous recognitions at the individual attorney level.

“It is with great personal pride, excitement and thanks that we announce Bob and Adam will be succeeding me as Co-Chairs of the Construction practice,” said Barber. “It is time for the next generation of Firm leaders to continue in our mission, and I am confident they will find ways to further cement Munsch Hardt’s commitment to providing “top-tier” and full-service representation for clients in the global construction arena.”

Hancock, who joined Munsch Hardt in 2017 after serving as a Director of the Construction and Surety section of a Houston-based mid-size law firm, represents clients, including owners, general contractors, subcontractors, sureties and suppliers, in commercial litigation, construction contract negotiations, defect lawsuits and insurance coverage matters. In addition to his solid legal career, Hancock also brings several years of construction management experience in commercial, heavy highway and industrial process construction for some of the industry’s largest players.

“As a practice, we aim to take a proactive, holistic approach to our clients’ needs,” stated Hancock. “Our goal is to partner with clients early and often. There is a lot of potential liability associated with the construction industry, and by working with clients at the onset of a project, we are able to help them control the situation and minimize risks from every angle. At the end of the day, we strive to turn potential dispute issues into non-issues.”

Richie, who joined the Firm in 2016, focuses his practice on construction transactions and insurance matters. When advising clients throughout the phases of development, he routinely drafts and negotiates complex design, construction and development contracts for commercial, industrial and infrastructure projects, with a focus on evaluating insurance coverage issues. In addition, Richie leverages his background as a mechanical engineer in the construction industry to provide comprehensive understanding of the entire transaction process.

“It is no secret the construction industry is experiencing unprecedented market conditions – shortage of materials, shortage of labor, escalating prices, increasing delays, tightening insurance coverage, and much more,” stated Richie. “This disruption is reshaping the industry before our eyes, forcing all players to collaborate, compromise and get creative on how they approach new projects and rethink existing agreements. Our goal is to make sure our clients are in the best position to continue business as usual while preparing for the new normal in construction. It is a challenge, but it is a challenge we enjoying working on with our clients.”