CLSA Webinar Series is proud to present “Defeating Reptilian Tactics in Construction Litigation” by CLSA Fellow William S. Thomas of Gausnell, O’Keefe & Thomas, LLC, on February 16, 2022, from 1:00-2:30pm EST. This webinar is complimentary, however registration is required.
Plaintiff’s Bar “Reptilian Tactics” have become the norm in all varieties of litigation. In order to defeat it, you must have a deep understanding of its “scientific basis,” theory and tactical approach. This webinar is aimed at exposing attendees to the strategy in the construction context, and briefly explain the theory and current trends. The tactic’s application to construction litigation will be explored and how plaintiff’s counsel are leveraging it against the unwary. We will cover defense strategies during discovery and depositions, and early identification of whether the tactic is or will be used. Most critical are practical “how to” suggestions for preparing witnesses for these tactics in depositions, as that is where your case is made or made impossibly worse. Finally, we will address defense strategies during pretrial and trial, including suggestions for motions in limine, objections and arguments to limit the reptile tactic’s effectiveness at trial.
Presented by:
William S. Thomas
Gausnell, O’Keefe & Thomas, LLC
William S. Thomas is a co-founder and member of Gausnell, O’Keefe & Thomas, LLC, in St. Louis, Missouri where he focuses his practice on handling matters involving the construction process, from up-front contract reviews, commercial litigation, professional liability defense and trial work. He has represented owners, contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers, land surveyors and landscape architects in all phases of construction claims. He also handles product liability claims, other general commercial disputes and general liability claims. He is licensed to practice law in Missouri and Illinois, the Federal Court of Claims, and several Federal Courts. He is a past president of the Lawyers Association of St. Louis, the local trial bar. Recently, he was appointed to the American Arbitration Association’s panel of neutrals as an arbitrator. Bill is involved in many professional organizations, including the International Association of Defense Counsel, where he serves on the Construction Law Committee as its publications vice chair, and the Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers, the Defense Research Institute and its Construction Law Committee, Product Liability Committee, and Building Products - Substantive Litigation Group, and Professional Liability Committee, where he served on the Steering Committee, and Design Professional Subcommittee. Bill is an associate member of the ASCE, AIA, and the St. Louis Engineer’s Club. He is a Fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America. He is recognized by U.S. News - Best Lawyers as a Best Lawyer in Construction Law, and was honored as Lawyer of the Year in Construction- Litigation for 2022. He is a frequent lecturer and author on a number of issues, from product liability to construction.