CLE ACCREDITATION
USLAW NETWORK will be offering CLE credit for attorneys. All states are currently pending. We have partnered with CEU Institute as our CLE provider to manage all credits: www.ceuinstitute.net. Should you have questions, please contact accreditation@ceuinstitute.net.
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2026
DAY ONE – INSIGHTS WITH S-E-A, Ltd.
USLAW NETWORK’s Official Technical Forensic Engineering and Legal Visualization Services Partner
Taming the Reptile: Protecting Construction Companies from Fear-Based Litigation Tactics
The “Reptile Theory” is a plaintiff’s litigation strategy that taps into the jury’s primal survival instincts by framing a defendant’s actions not just as a mistake, but as a dangerous threat to the entire community’s safety, thereby justifying a large damages award to punish the defendant. This session will explore the new and rapidly increasing use of the Reptile Theory in construction cases. In addition to exploring crucial legal concepts and strategies regarding the Reptile Theory, representatives from USLAW’s corporate partner, SEA, Ltd., will co-lead this session to offer their unique forensic engineering perspectives for effectively refuting the Reptile Theory in construction cases.
Stopping the Steel: How Forensic Engineering and Imaging Sciences Can Counter Challenging Claims and Strategies in Litigation
Industry awareness surrounding construction project fraud claims and recent RICO developments in combatting it has gained national awareness in the past year with prominent news outlets now covering it in depth. This is a widespread problem in the construction industry and significantly drives up the cost of projects and insurance. Using a show-and-tell format, the conversation about fraudulent claims and emotion-based litigation strategies will continue with real life examples of how math, science, and technology can be used to reveal the facts, visualize the problems, and communicate critical messages in a compelling format for issue analysis, mediation and trial.
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2026
Caught in a Vice: Navigating the Tripartite Relationship in Construction Defect Litigation
When an insured, insurer, and defense counsel share the same stage, the script can get complicated. In this interactive discussion, we will unpack the delicate balance of duties and loyalties within the tripartite relationship in construction claims. Together, we’ll explore who really controls the defense, how coverage disputes and conflicts of interest arise, and the ethical tightrope stakeholders must walk. Bring your experiences and questions as we share practical strategies to minimize risk, preserve privilege, and foster collaboration in this unique three-way dynamic.
Clause Combat: Killer Contract Clauses in Modern Construction Agreements
The battle over risk starts long before the first shovel hits the dirt. In today’s high-pressure environment of tight budgets and aggressive schedules, contract language can make or break a project. This session invites participants to dissect the “killer clauses” every construction lawyer and industry stakeholder up-and-down the contractual chain needs to know and manage: indemnity, risk transfer, payment terms, cyber security, even provisions addressing AI-driven project delivery. Join the conversation and exchange insights on drafting, negotiating, and enforcing agreements protecting your interests when the stakes are highest.
In the Trenches: Litigation Trends in 2026 and Beyond
Construction litigation is a moving target, and in this era of nuclear verdicts, the fallout can be explosive. Plaintiffs are testing new damage theories, third-party funding is reshaping defect claims, and courts are setting precedents that could redefine risk. This collaborative discussion brings you up-to-speed on the latest litigation trends impacting owners, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers and explores what these trends mean for risk management and litigation strategy going forward. Share what you’re seeing in your jurisdiction and hear perspectives from USLAW litigators on what’s next and how to prepare.
Mega Moves: Mastering the Complexities of Billion-Dollar Builds
When the budget crosses the half-billion mark, every decision carries outsized consequences. In this interactive discussion we will explore the unique challenges of mega-projects, from selecting the right delivery method to balancing risk through the contracting process. We will also tackle thorny issues like managing termination risks, designing appropriate insurance programs, and effectively leveraging prime contractor-subcontractor relationships. Join the conversation to share strategies for keeping stakeholders aligned and projects on track when the job is too big to fail.