Sheppard Mullin Brings On New York Construction Litigation Team

NEW YORK CITY- Law firm Sheppard Mullin, Richter & Hampton has hired partner Ira Schulman and associates Emily Anderson and Michelle Cuozzo from Pepper Hamilton to join the firm’s business trial practice group in New York, where they will focus on construction litigation.

“Ira and his team have a well-known construction litigation practice which will supplement our already strong litigation capabilities in New York and augment our construction practice nationally,” said Jon Newby, vice chairman of Sheppard Mullin, in a prepared statement. “In addition, there are some terrific synergies between his practice and our growing East Coast real estate practice. We’re thrilled to welcome Ira, Emily and Michelle to the firm.”

Robert Friedman, leader of the firm’s business trial practice group, added, “This group of litigators has an outstanding reputation and track record, securing numerous favorable outcomes in complex construction disputes.  Their skillset and experience, particularly in the New York market, will be invaluable to our clients on the East Coast and firm-wide.”

Schulman brings to Sheppard Mullin more than 40 years of experience in all aspects of construction law with a particular emphasis on dispute resolution and contract negotiation.  He has tried numerous construction disputes in jury and bench trials in state and federal courts and before arbitration panels on behalf of owners – both public and private – contractors, subcontractors, sureties and school districts.  Schulman also has participated in many mediations and has successfully represented clients with construction contract award issues before various city agencies. Additionally, Schulman regularly drafts construction contracts and agreements for owners and contractors.  He frequently is appointed as an arbitrator by the Construction Industry Division of the American Arbitration Association, of which he is a member.

Schulman is recognized by Chambers USA among the top 10 construction lawyers in New York City.  Schulman received his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and his B.A.from Lehigh University.

Anderson has litigated a wide range of construction and real estate cases in the state and federal trial and appellate courts of New York. She has been involved in numerous matters relating to mechanic’s liens, prevailing wages, construction defects, delay damage claims and breach of contract issues.  She previously interned with Justice Saliann Scarpulla of the New York State Supreme Court of New York County and the Legal Department of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. Anderson received her J.D. from Brooklyn Law School, her M.U.P. from Hunter College and her B.A. from the University of Illinois.

Cuozzo has experience handling a variety of construction litigation matters. Cuozzo received her J.D. from UCLA School of Law and her B.A. from Hunter College.