Farella Braun + Martel Recruits Jeffrey A. Sykes As Partner In Its Construction Practice
Established Bay Area litigator brings 25 years of experience to Farella's nationally known Construction Group
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (January 8, 2003): Farella Braun + Martel LLP announced today that Jeffrey A. Sykes, one of the Bay Area's most respected construction litigators, has joined the firm as a partner in its Construction Group.
Sykes was previously a principal with Oakland-based Wulfsberg Reese & Sykes (now Wulfsberg Reese Colvig & Firstman Professional Corporation).
"As the firm continues its strategy of seeking seasoned attorneys whose experience fits our clients' needs and whose expertise serves our targeted expansion, we will continue to seek attorneys such as Jeff who will help us further deepen and expand our services," said Mark Petersen, vice chair. "He is the perfect complement to our practice and client base. We are delighted that Jeff has agreed to join the firm's existing group of nationally known construction litigators."
Among Farella's construction litigators are Deborah Ballati, currently Chair of the American Bar Association's Forum on the Construction Industry. Ballati, along with Alan Harris, are Fellows in the American College of Construction Lawyers, an organization that has admitted less than ten California attorneys. Harris is also a Professor of Construction Law at the University of California's Boalt Hall School of Law. Other attorneys in the Construction Group include Charles Sink, Rick Van Duzer, Mark Petersen and Adam Dawson.
Sykes has successfully represented clients in a wide variety of construction matters including terminations for convenience and for default, design errors and omissions, deficient construction work, differing site conditions, delay, disruption, acceleration, cumulative impact and cardinal change. Other matters have included bid protests, payment disputes, warranty rights, liens and stop notices, claims against sureties and insurance carriers and the prosecution of claims under both the California and Federal Civil False Claims Act.
Sykes' clients have been drawn nationally from a variety of industries and encompass the same range of clients represented by Farella Braun + Martel. These include public and private owners, design professionals, construction managers, lenders, developers and contractors in a wide variety of major public works and private projects. Projects include power plants, hospitals, waste water treatment facilities, university housing, airports, sports complexes, manufacturing facilities, retail and commercial developments, public administration and special purpose buildings. Among the firm's clients in its construction practice are Catellus Development Corporation, the City and County of San Francisco, Obayashi Corporation, the Port of Oakland, the Regents of the University of California, Six Continents/Holiday Inn, Sony Corporation of America, Visa U.S.A. and Wilson/Equity Office, LLC.
"Jeff's experience complements and enhances the depth of our resources," said Adam Dawson, chair of the firm's Construction Group. "He will play a significant role in the continued expansion of the group and allow us to add to the breadth of our services to clients in the areas of contract negotiation, dispute resolution and complex construction trial practice."
Prior to joining Farella, Sykes took a personal sabbatical before deciding to join Farella Braun + Martel.
"After 21 years with one firm, it was time to take a step back, take a break and consider my future," said Sykes. "After several months of reflection, a call from Farella evolved into the perfect next step. I have always respected Farella and am pleased to be a part of its future. At the same time, the departure from my former firm was amicable and I anticipate continuing my relationships with my former partners and friends."
Sykes has lectured extensively throughout the United States for the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as within California for the County Counsels' Association, Public Works Section, the Construction Litigation Superconference and a variety of privately sponsored seminars. He has also provided in-house claims and project management training for public and private clients.
Sykes received a B.A. degree (summa cum laude) from Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, in 1974 and his J.D. degree (cum laude) in 1977 from the Ohio State University College of Law, Columbus, Ohio.
Since its founding in 1962, Farella Braun + Martel has achieved a national distinction for its complex commercial litigation practice, the acumen of its business practice, its high profile cases, and its prestigious client base. With over 120 attorneys, Farella Braun + Martel serves a diverse group of clients from multinational corporations to emerging businesses including VISA U.S.A., Verizon Wireless Services, Dolby Laboratories Inc., General Electric Company, Genentech, McDonald's Corporation, The Robert Mondavi Corporation, McKesson Corporation, The University of California, Silicon Valley Bank and Dainippon Screen Manufacturing Company Limited.
Farella Braun + Martel also maintains an office in the Napa Valley, focused on the wine industry and related businesses. In addition to employment and labor law, the firm's practice areas include complex commercial litigation, intellectual property litigation, insurance coverage, construction litigation, environmental counseling and litigation, white collar crime, real estate, land use, corporate and securities, tax, family wealth and business planning and the wine and agribusiness industries.
Contact:
Phyllis Gillis
415.954.4917
