Scott Andresen, Bradford Andresen Norrie & Camarotto

Partner, Bradford Andresen Norrie & Camarotto 

What are the biggest challenges you currently see in construction or real estate law?

While this isn’t unique to construction and real estate, as a litigator, the biggest challenge I see is training and mentorship for the next generation of civil litigators when courtroom access is limited and working from home is prevalent. Like many professions, there is no substitute for hands-on, face-to-face experience when it comes to both training and mentorship. Unfortunately, this is much less frequent in the era of Zoom meetings and court directives that reduce the opportunities for new lawyers to stand up and make an argument in a courtroom.

Without revealing the names of a client, what is the most interesting transaction you’ve worked on lately?

My most interesting case over the past year involved a construction defect lawsuit where the work was performed during the civil unrest surrounding George Floyd’s death in May 2020. The primary issue in the case was whether those circumstances were relevant to the applicable standard of care. On the eve of trial, the court decided the civil unrest was not relevant (and therefore was inadmissible), which led to a settlement.

How do you manage work/life balance?

The best thing I did for my own work/like balance was to start BANC two years ago with three long-time, like-minded friends. We all love to practice law but place an even greater value on time with our families. While it was challenging to maintain an optimal balance when starting a new firm, that balance has been greatly improved by thoughtful growth focused on hiring talented, industrious lawyers and staff who value their own work/life balance.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

Despite my Scandinavian-sounding last name, my family heritage is mostly Irish. It’s a long story that I would happily share over a pint of Guinness. Slainte!