Zetlin & De Chiara Partners Speaking at the New York State MWBE Forum

Zetlin & De Chiara is pleased to announce that Partners James Terry and Lina Telese will speak at the New York State MWBE Forum to be held at the Empire State Convention Center in Albany on October 3.

This third annual forum is the largest statewide business event for minority- and women-owned businesses designed to provide government contracting and networking opportunities. The goal of the forum is to make the process of doing business with the state easier and to provide firms with a one-stop event on contract opportunities.

The MWBE Forum brings together MWBE firms, prime contractors, elected officials and members of the Governor’s cabinet. In 2012, it attracted over 1,700 attendees and showcased $1 billion in state contracting opportunities.

James Terry will serve as moderator for the panel titled “What Do Prime Design Firms Really Want from Their Design Subconsultants?” and Lina Telese will participate on a panel titled “Is This The Right Project For Your Company, And Can You Win It Alone?” where she will address teaming agreements.

For more information about the forum, go to www.nysmwbeforum.org 

James Terry, a Partner with Zetlin & De Chiara LLP, has over 30 years of construction and surety law experience. He focuses his practice on litigation, contract preparation/negotiation and general counseling. Jim handles cases involving construction contract and tort issues through dispute resolution by mediation, arbitration or litigation. He has extensive experience resolving disputes concerning bid protests, change orders, additional services, liquidated damages, delays, cumulative impact claims, lost productivity, acceleration and inefficiency claims on a variety of national and international projects - infrastructure, hotel, condo, mixed-use, gaming, education, and financial projects, among others. Prior to joining the firm, Jim served as Vice President/General Counsel of F.J. Sciame Construction Company, Inc.

Lina Telese, a Partner with Zetlin & De Chiara LLP, is an experienced attorney with a targeted focus on construction contract drafting and negotiations for sophisticated building projects as well as corporate matters. She has extensive experience with transactional issues related to a variety of national and international projects, including infrastructure, hotel, residential, mixed-use, gaming, healthcare, education and financial projects. Lina negotiates and settles cases involving professional licensing issues, contracts and dispute resolution through mediation and arbitration. She frequently appears before state and federal courts with regard to construction and professional liability claims. Lina represents all construction parties, including owners and developers, design professionals, contractors and consultants in all aspects of the construction process, including commercial litigation and insurance related matters. Lina is the President of the Association of Real Estate Women (AREW), which is a CREW Chapter in New York.