Posts By: Gregory Cokinos

Cokinos | Young Further Expands Commercial Real Estate Practice 

Posted by & filed under News.

Cokinos | Young is pleased to announce that the Singleton Cooksey team will be joining our Houston office on August 1, 2022. Taylor V. Cooksey will lead the firm’s commercial real estate practice. Singleton Cooksey’s attorneys bring nearly 120 years of collective experience, specializing in commercial real estate, telecommunications, business transactions, and mergers and acquisitions. 

“We are thrilled to welcome such a talented group of attorneys and staff,” said Gregory Cokinos, Founder and CEO of Cokinos | Young. “I have known Taylor Cooksey since I began practicing law in the go-go real estate days of the ‘80s. Taylor and his team bring top-tier experience and quality and will further elevate our already burgeoning commercial real estate practice.” 

“Combining our real estate expertise with Cokinos’s nationally-ranked construction disputes practice and growing real estate practice was an easy decision,” said Taylor Cooksey. “Cokinos will give us additional structure and support, a national platform and larger team of excellent lawyers, access to new and exciting technology and innovation that will provide even more value to our clients, and a culture of excellence that our clients expect.” 

About Cokinos | Young

Cokinos | Young has led Texas construction and real estate law for over three decades. And today, our 100+ dedicated professionals operate coast to coast and proudly handle all aspects of construction law for owner/developers, project managers, general contractors, design professionals, subcontractors, sureties, and lenders. We provide both dispute resolution and transactional services to clients through all phases of commercial, industrial, pipeline, offshore, civil, and residential construction. Our reputation was built on relentless commitment to client service and the industries we serve, and that remains our primary driver. Dedicated. Resilient. Expertise. That’s Cokinos | Young. Learn more at cokinoslaw.com.

Taylor Cooksey
Taylor V. Cooksey
David Brooks Cokinos | Young
David A. Brooks
Randall L. Brim Cokinos | Young
Randall L. Brim
Serena A. KramerCokinos | Young
Serena A. Kramer

Reintroducing The Cokinos | Young Insurance Coverage/Risk Management Group

Posted by & filed under Insurance/Risk Management, News.

Although the level of service and depth of knowledge remains the same, there have been some changes in the Cokinos | Young insurance coverage/risk management practice group. Bucking the industry trend to rebrand as “insurance recovery,” the practice group at Cokinos retains the “insurance coverage/risk management” moniker to reflect the full scope of its services. We have always pursued insurance coverage for the losses of our clients. But we continue to offer the same depth of knowledge of insurance coverage law, litigation, and risk management advice and counseling that has characterized this group for over twenty years.

Pat Wielinski founded the insurance coverage/risk management group at Cokinos in 2000 and brings over forty years of experience to the group today. He remains active in the practice and along the way, Pat has been highly ranked in Best Lawyers and Chambers for his insurance expertise. Though Pat’s influence has been, and remains, the cornerstone of the group’s success and growth, this is far more than Pat’s legacy practice. It is a vibrant and cutting-edge team effort, and Pat fully expects to continue to contribute his leadership.

Travis Brown, our other principal and leader of the group, joined Cokinos after cutting his teeth and rising to the partner rank in the coverage section of one of the leading insurer-side coverage firms in Dallas. The team relies on that unique experience, particularly as to litigation strategy. Since joining Cokinos, Travis has become the spokesperson for the team, as a frequent writer and speaker. He is often asked to “switch hats” and write and present on insurance coverage issues to construction organizations, or on construction-specific coverage issues to insurance groups.

Amy Rauch has been with the group for seven years and is the go-to person to analyze and apply the complex insurance coverage issues encountered by Cokinos clients. She has a reputation for her relentless pursuit of difficult claims.

Sam Crecelius combines several years of prior experience as a claims adjuster at a national insurance company and nearly five years of practice in insurance coverage and construction law. He provides a unique perspective from that background.  

Renee Mango, who very recently received her law license, has already demonstrated her abilities in insurance coverage through her research, drafting, and support.

The team is based in the growing DFW office of Cokinos and has the support and participation of its resident commercial/construction litigators. A total team effort provides a high level of litigation skill in pleading, discovery, motion practice, trial and appeal of insurance coverage disputes. The group also draws from the expertise of the entire firm, particularly as to additional complex litigation assistance.

Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions, and of course your insurance claims and disputes.

About Cokinos | Young

Cokinos | Young has led Texas construction and real estate law for over three decades. And today, our 100+ dedicated professionals operate coast to coast and proudly handle all aspects of construction law for owner/developers, project managers, general contractors, design professionals, subcontractors, sureties, and lenders. We provide both dispute resolution and transactional services to clients through all phases of commercial, industrial, pipeline, offshore, civil, and residential construction. Our reputation was built on relentless commitment to client service and the industries we serve, and that remains our primary driver. Dedicated. Resilient. Expertise. That’s Cokinos | Young. Learn more at cokinoslaw.com.

Pat Wielinski
Travis Brown
Amy Rauch
Sam Crecelius
Renee Mango

The OSHA Incident Investigation Best Practices: Before, During, and After an OSHA Investigation

Posted by & filed under Articles.

Safety affects the bottom line of a company’s operations. On average, employers will spend $120,00 on each workplace injury. A company must create a response plan before an emergency and train personnel on OSHA Incident Investigations. OSHA must be contacted within 8 hours of a fatality or 24 hours of work-related in-patient hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye. Below is a quick summary of how to prepare for an OSHA incident investigation.

(1) Before on OSHA Incident Investigation

Before a workplace accident occurs, it is essential to have an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) in place. The ERP should be developed for your specific workplace environment and hazards. Communicate with your public emergency services beforehand, so they know your facility and its hazards.  Create a contact list for emergencies and appoint an individual who has the authority to make quick decisions on behalf of the company. Consider how your company would respond to media and press coverage in the event of an accident.

Remove all non-essential workers from the area and secure an area around any continuing danger or hazard to workers in the event of an accident. Call your attorney and critical corporate personnel to the scene to assist with the investigation and OSHA visit. Once the area is secure, conduct an accident investigation before the site conditions change, witnesses leave, and equipment is moved.

Planning before an OSHA inspection is a must. Ensure safety managers and supervisors know their roles and responsibilities during an OSHA inspection.

(2) During an OSHA Incident Investigation

Once an OSHA Investigator arrives, take them to a designated room or private place to talk during the Open Conference. Inform the OSHA Investigator that you will be taking detailed notes of everything discussed and that you would prefer them to advise the company of all suspected violations and the standard involved. Cooperate professionally with the Investigator.

Do not provide the OSHA Investigator with internal or subcontractor incident reports. Only prove the company’s safety programs. Other records can be sent to OSHA after your attorney and management approve.

During the walk-around inspection, have a company representative accompany the OSHA Investigator at all times. An OSHA investigator is not limited to the site of the injury when investigating an accident and may identify numerous citable conditions unrelated to the accident. If possible, take the Investigator directly to the location of the accident and return to the designated room after. Document everything discussed, seen, and noted by the OSHA Investigator.

During OSHA interviews, always tell the truth and ensure you understand the question. OSHA has the right to interview employees privately, but not a member of the management.

(3) After an OSHA Incident Investigation

The deadline to issue citations is six months after the inspection. Employers only have 15 working days to contest, attend an Informal conference, or pay the fine. Provide all citations issued immediately to your attorney to help prepare responses.

About Cokinos | Young

Cokinos | Young has led Texas construction and real estate law for over three decades. And today, our 100+ dedicated professionals operate coast to coast and proudly handle all aspects of construction law for owner/developers, project managers, general contractors, design professionals, subcontractors, sureties, and lenders. We provide both dispute resolution and transactional services to clients through all phases of commercial, industrial, pipeline, offshore, civil, and residential construction. Our reputation was built on relentless commitment to client service and the industries we serve, and that remains our primary driver. Dedicated. Resilient. Expertise. That’s Cokinos | Young. Learn more at cokinoslaw.com.

commercial litigation, commercial real estate attorney
Stephanie H. Cook
Rebeka F. Breque

Ten Years of the Texas Anti-Indemnity Act By Travis Brown

Posted by & filed under Articles, Insurance/Risk Management.

Travis Brown, Principal in our Dallas/Fort Worth Office, presented “Ten Years of the Texas Anti-Indemnity Act: Where are we and where are we going?” to the Construction Law Section CLE on June 8, 2022. The presentation reviewed the current status and recent Texas developments in regards to indemnity clauses. Click the presentation below for access.

Travis M. Brown
817-635-3619
tbrown@cokinoslaw.com

Cokinos | Young Stays On Top With Chambers USA 2022 Rankings

Posted by & filed under News.

Cokinos | Young has once again been ranked among the leading law firms in Chambers USA 2022 Guide. The firm was added into an additional category as a top law firm and two additional attorneys have been recognized by Chambers for 2022. The trusted, independent legal industry referral guide has ranked the following attorneys:

Gregory M. Cokinos has also been ranked as a Star individual. The “Star” ranking is given to lawyers with exceptional recommendations in their field.

Cokinos | Young as a firm is ranked a top law firm in the following categories:

  • Construction (Texas)
  • Insurance (Texas)
  • Litigation: Appellate (Texas)

Chambers USA ranks the top attorneys and law firms across the United States. Rankings for individual attorneys in their practice area(s) are based on an evaluation of their legal knowledge and experience, ability, effectiveness, and client service. A law firm ranking relates to a department of the firm and the qualities of the ranked attorneys within that department. Factors and considerations are judged by interviews with those active in the market – mainly clients and other attorneys with whom they work – and by assessing the size, complexity, and significance of recent matters handled. You can learn more about Chambers USA here.

Texas Bar Foundation Elects Three Cokinos | Young Attorneys to Fellowship

Posted by & filed under News.

Cokinos | Young is pleased to congratulate Peter Wells IV, Stephanie Cook, and Lauren Aldredge on their election as fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation.

Fellows of the Foundation are selected for their outstanding professional achievements and their demonstrated commitment to the improvement of the justice system throughout the state of Texas. Selection as a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation is restricted to members of the State Bar of Texas. Each year one-third of one percent of Texas attorneys are invited to become Fellows. Election is a mark of distinction and recognition of Peter and Stephanie’s contributions to the legal profession.

The Texas Bar Foundation is the largest charitably funded bar foundation in the country. Founded in 1965 by lawyers determined to assist the public and improve the profession oflaw, the Texas Bar Foundation has maintained its mission of using the financial contributions of its membership to build a strongjustice system for all Texans. To date, the Texas Bar Foundation has distributed more than $23 million throughout Texas to assist nonprofit organizations with a wide range of justice-related programs and services. For more information, contact the Texas Bar Foundation at www.txbf.org.

Stephanie H. Cook
Peter Wells IV
Lauren S. Aldredge

Parker Fauntleroy and Marshall Holmes Secure Jury Trial Victory

Posted by & filed under News.

Parker Fauntleroy and Marshall Holmes recently conducted a five day jury trial in Waller County, Texas wherein they defended a Mississippi based construction company.  Plaintiff, represented by a formidable and aggressive Houston personal injury firm, alleged their client suffered severe injuries as a result of a motor vehicle accident, including undergoing neck fusion surgery and knee surgery with a planned future back surgery.  Plaintiff demanded that the jury return a 2.4 million dollar verdict.  After closing arguments, the jury returned a defense verdict and awarded no damages. Congratulations on a great win to a deserving client!

J. Parker Fauntleroy
T. Marshall Holmes

Twelve Super Lawyers® Recognized at Cokinos | Young; Gregory Cokinos Named On The Top 100 Texas & Houston Super Lawyers List

Posted by & filed under News.

We are excited to announce that twelve Cokinos | Young attorneys are recognized as 2021 Super Lawyers® and Gregory Cokinos being named on the Top 100 Super Lawyers® list for both Texas and Houston. This distinction is held by less than five percent of Texas lawyers and selections are made on a state-by-state basis.  Independent research consisting of an evaluation of 12 varying indicators of professional achievement combined with peer nominations and evaluations are employed to determine this accolade.

The full list of Super Lawyers will be published in:
– Texas Super Lawyers Magazine, in October 2021
– Texas Monthly, in October 2021
– Gregory Cokinos will be featured in The Top 100 Texas and Top 100 Houston lists

Our Super Lawyers include:

Gregory M. Cokinos
Marc A. Young
Patrick J. Wielinski
Stephanie L. O’Rourke
Craig E. Power
John L. Grayson
John C. Warren
Roger D. Townsend
Russell W. Smith
James B. Ewbank
Dana Livingston
Gabriel S. Head

Cokinos | Young Continues to Grow New Jersey Practice with New Hire, Robbie MacPherson

Posted by & filed under News.

It is with great pleasure we welcome Robbie MacPherson, serving the New Jersey and New York construction markets. Robbie is an excellent addition to our growing New Jersey team, bringing outstanding credentials counseling clients in construction matters. 

Robbie’s MacPherson has been practicing construction law exclusively since 1981 and is a Fellow of the American College of Construction Lawyers and former Chair of the American Bar Association’s Forum on Construction Law. Robbie acts as construction contract and disputes counsel for contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and owners involved in building and heavy civil construction for public and private work. In addition to his practice counseling clients in construction matters, Robbie regularly serves as an arbitrator and mediator of construction disputes. He is a pro bono mediator for the Southern District of New York and the Supreme Court of New York, New York County and was a pro bono mediator for the Tinton Falls NJ Municipal Court.

Robbie MacPherson is a key name in the New Jersey and New York construction communities and is widely respected. He is an important strategic hire with focus and robust experience in construction matters. His practice is firmly aligned with our strong industry focus and represents our continued growth and ability to serve our clients more effectively from coast to coast.

Robert J. MacPherson

Gregory Cokinos & Robert Naudin Featured in Texas Lawyer Article

Posted by & filed under News.

Gregory M. Cokinos and Robert J. Naudin Jr., both Principals in the Houston office, were featured in Texas Lawyer’s article, “When Considering Litigation: Prudence is, at times, the Better Part of Valor,” published on August 23, 2021. Gregory and Robert are featured as Energy Transfer’s litigation team in the article that focuses on the case U.S. Pipeline, Inc. v. Rover Pipeline, LLC in which Cokinos | Young successfully defended Energy Transfer against contractor’s $100+ Million claim. This was a hard fought case with tireless support from Roger Townsend, Russell Smith, Christopher Wan, and Alfredo Montelongo.  A remarkable win and team effort for a deserving client

You can read the full article by clicking here.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. By using our site, you provide your consent.

Read More