Design professionals begin each engagement by seeking to understand their client’s goals. So does Dalene.

Based on her years of experience with claims in the construction industry, Dalene recognizes that each of her clients have different motivations. Some are looking for vindication through victory at trial, while others are looking for resolution through a negotiated settlement as quickly as possible. Once she understands the client’s goals, Dalene works diligently to develop and implement a strategy tailored to meeting her client’s objectives.

While many lawyers are intimidated by the volume of documents generated on a construction project, Dalene is not. Dalene understands the different types of documents created by owners, contractors, and design professionals on a complicated construction project, and how to use those documents effectively at deposition and trial to accomplish her client’s goals. Dalene recognizes that her experience in the industry provides her an advantage when diving into the details of a new case.

Dalene began her legal career involved in the representation of contractors and came to understand how contractors of various sizes in the DC metropolitan area approach issues on a construction project. Having “come to the light,” Dalene is able to leverage her knowledge of the contractor’s mentality when advising her design professional clients involved in disputes involving claims asserted by a contractor. It should come as no surprise that many clients feel a sense of comfort after talking through a challenging situation with Dalene.

Having earned the respect of both her clients and her peers, Dalene has been recognized as a SuperLawyers™ “Rising Star” in D.C. every year since 2019.


EDUCATION

University Of Baltimore School of Law, J.D.
University of Baltimore, M.A. (Legal and Ethical Studies)
Boston University, B.S.

MEMBERSHIPS & PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

American Bar Association Forum on the Construction Industry
American Bar Association Litigation Section
DRI (Defense Research Institute) - Member of Construction Law, Design Professional, and Small Law Firm Network Committees
Maryland State Bar Association, Construction and Litigation Sections
Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys - Member of the Corporate & Commercial Litigation and Professional Liability Committees
Women’s Bar Association of Maryland
Women's Bar Association of the District of Columbia - Member of Litigation Committee