VERTEX is proud to sponsor and participate in the 2025 Fidelity & Surety Law Midwinter Conference, hosted by the American Bar Association’s Fidelity and Surety Law Committee (FSLC), taking place from January 15–17, 2025, at the Austin Marriott Downtown in Austin, Texas. This highly anticipated event brings together professionals from across the fidelity, surety, and construction law industries for three days of expert panels, networking, and educational opportunities.
VERTEX’s team will play a prominent role in the conference, with several of our experts contributing their insights and expertise across key programs:
Thursday, January 16, 2025
- Bill McConnell, PE, JD, MSCE, MBA, Chairman of the Board
Bill will speak during the Construction Program panel “Election 2024 and the Next Four Years of Federal Contracting” from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. This discussion will explore how the upcoming presidential administration and congressional leadership may shape federal contracting policies, including impacts on taxes, tariffs, labor, and regulatory issues essential to the construction industry. - Jonathan Hahn, Senior Director, Claims, Disputes & Forensics
Jonathan will participate in the Construction Program panel “Takeover vs. Tender in Federal Contracting” from 1:30 PM to 2:15 PM. This session will examine surety completion options, including negotiated settlements, government cost reimbursements, and strategies to determine the most effective path forward.
Friday, January 17, 2025
- Janet Doherty, PE, Director, Claims, Disputes & Forensics and Andrew Brouwer, PMP, CDT, EIT, Managing Consultant in Claims, Disputes & Forensics
Janet and Andrew will join the Surety Program panel “State of the Construction & Surety Industry” from 8:30 AM to 9:20 AM. This session will analyze the latest economic trends, contractor defaults, and construction cost escalations, with a focus on their implications for surety claims management. - Mark Degenaars, LEED GA, Chief Operating Officer
Mark will present during the Surety Program panel “Saddling Up Early: The High-Stakes Rodeo of Pre-Claim Surety Intervention” from 9:20 AM to 10:15 AM. His session will explore strategies and best practices for pre-claim interventions, helping attendees manage risks effectively before claims escalate. - Frank Benway, Managing Director, Claims, Disputes & Forensics
Frank will contribute to the Surety Program panel “Austin, We Have a Problem: Selecting a Performance Option and Issues with Re-Letting, Qualifying Bidders, and Takeovers”. Scheduled from 1:40 PM to 2:10 PM, this session will focus on innovative performance solutions and strategies for managing defaults effectively.
VERTEX is committed to advancing industry knowledge and fostering collaboration, and we invite attendees to connect with our team during the conference. Whether you join us at one of our panels or meet with us during networking events, our experts are eager to discuss the latest trends and challenges in fidelity, surety, and construction law.
At VERTEX, we are dedicated to bettering outcomes for our clients, colleagues, and communities. Through our combination of forensics, construction project advisory, compliance, and regulatory consulting solutions, we deliver just, safe, sustainable, and community-enhancing results. These efforts contribute to positive impacts on society while supporting our clients in achieving their goals.
We look forward to connecting with you in Austin!
To learn more about VERTEX’s Surety Claims Consulting services or to speak with an Expert, call 888.298.5162 or submit an inquiry.
About the Conference
The 2025 Fidelity & Surety Law Midwinter Conference is a cornerstone event for professionals in the fidelity, surety, and construction law sectors. The conference offers three focused tracks designed to address key challenges and opportunities in the industry. The Construction Program will explore federal contracting strategies, regulatory compliance, and risk management, providing actionable insights into navigating the complexities of government contracts. The Surety Program delves into advanced performance bond strategies, tackling topics like pre-claim intervention, financing, and innovative solutions for managing contractor defaults. The Fidelity Program takes a unique approach with interactive mock jury sessions, offering valuable perspectives on how jurors perceive fidelity claims and evidence, helping attendees refine their trial strategies and risk assessments.
VERTEX is proud to support this important event, reinforcing its commitment to industry leadership and collaboration. For more information about the Fidelity & Surety Law Midwinter Conference, please visit Agenda – 2025 Fidelity and Surety Law Midwinter Conference.
