PHONE: (202) 530-8100
FAX: (202) 530-0402

Head of department/lead counsel for A/E Law: Terrence M. McShane, President
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Personnel

Number of attorneys on staff: 8
Number of attorneys dedicated to A/E Work: 8

McShane, P.C. has been representing over 800 design professionals since 1991. The firm’s founder and President, Terrence M. McShane, concentrates his practice in commercial litigation involving construction, employment, insurance, real estate and contract matters. His litigation practice is focused upon the representation of architecture and engineering firms, many of which are in the ENR top 100. In addition, Terry provides general business advice to design firms in the areas of corporate, risk management, human resources and transactional matters, including commercial leases and owner/contractor and subcontractor agreements. Prior to establishing his own firm, Terry was a Partner with Carr, Goodson, Lee & Warner. His legal career began as an Assistant District Attorney to Robert Morgenthau in New York County (Manhattan), New York.

For over 20 years, Terry has presented webinars and seminars to thousands of architects and engineers for continuing education credits. He has appeared in association with professional organizations, including the American Institute of Architects, the American Council of Engineering Companies, the District of Columbia Bar Association, and others in speaking to architects, engineers and lawyers on various legal topics and risk management issues. At the National AIA convention, Terry presented a seminar entitled “Monumental D.C. Architecture: Unique Design Challenges and Unique Legal Risks; and, annually, he has presented, “Mastering the Rules of Evidence,” as part of the District of Columbia Bar Association Continuing Education Series.

Terry is admitted to the District of Columbia, Maryland and New York bars. His federal court admissions include the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Court of Federal Claims, U.S. Court of Appeals (2^nd and 4^th Circuits) and U.S. District Court (District of Columbia, Maryland and New York). He has received an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell which is the highest rating given to attorneys for legal ability and ethical standards.

Terry received his Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University School of Law and Bachelor of Science Business Administration degree from Georgetown University.

Terry is a Viet Nam era veteran of the U.S. Navy UDT/SEAL Teams.

Firm Information

The firm is comprised of attorneys from diverse backgrounds and are experienced in the special issues present in handling professional liability claims and business issues for design professionals.  Claims we have handled have involved a wide array of issues in construction, including failure to meet standard of care, water infiltration, structural collapse, delay, disruption and acceleration claims, to name a few. Our attorneys write legal columns for the local AIA chapters, provide presentations at Design DC, and annual Case Review seminars. Our lawyers are experienced in going to trial, yet we maintain openness to reasonable settlement of claims when in our clients’ best interests. Contracts, ownership transition, and employment matters are part of each attorney’s case load as claims experience informs our judgment on what clauses and strategies in business provides the most help to clients. We understand construction and the business of design.

McShane, P.C. represents firms in every discipline and market. Our services run the gamut of legal issues typically faced by design firms from incorporation to licensure to internal transition plans. We have represented both internal buyers and selling founders and are experienced in brokering business transition whether in formation or dissolution. Design build, teaming, joint ventures, designer/executive architect and prime/consulting engineer agreements are a staple for our review and negotiation. Arbitration, mediation and litigation of malpractice claims is the foundation of our practice. We have tried claims in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia, as well as other jurisdictions, and our lengthy experience, depth of attorneys focused solely on design firms and knowledge of the tri-state market is unmatched by any other law firm. We believe we can help you whatever your issue.

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