At Adams and Reese, we take things personally. Our people are connected — to each other, to our clients, our families and our communities. We care deeply about the people around us.
As lawyers, it’s our business to know and understand our clients, their businesses, their current needs and their future plans.
As neighbors, our commitment to volunteerism has become a deep-rooted characteristic of our firm's personality.
We might not all be going back to school this fall, but we can still hit the books! One of the most challenging parts of starting a roofing project is sorting out the legal side of things. From contracts and invoices to warranties and insurance, it can be very overwhelming.
That's why lawyer and roofing law expert Trent Cotney of Adams and Reese wrote the book, Roofing Law: Contracts, designed for professionals in the field today. As Trent puts it, “This book is written for contractors, not lawyers.” With tips and insights on policies, procedures and contracts that will help contractors succeed, this book is a must-read!
Get a chance to win a free copy of Trent’s new book!
The Law & Mortar podcast covers all things legal related to the roofing and construction industries.
Check out these podcasts with Trent Cotney and John Kenney!
Each episode features a discussion on issues relevant to the construction industry.
Meet Trent CotneyAs an attorney, I make it my job to provide clients the resources they need to succeed in the construction industry. By combining legal acumen and business know-how, I’m able to offer them a proactive legal approach that aims to resolve their problems and eliminate risks.
Primary Practice:
Trent Cotney is a board-certified construction lawyer by the Florida Bar and is licensed in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and D.C. He focuses his practice on all aspects of construction litigation and arbitration, including OSHA defense, lien law, bond law, bid protests and construction document review and drafting. He routinely represents construction and infrastructure clients, including general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, manufacturers, architects, engineers, roofers, developers and others in various matters.
Trent is recognized by his peers throughout the construction industry as one of the leading attorneys in his field of practice. He has received numerous honors and distinctions because of his dedication to the legal profession and his expertise in construction and infrastructure law.
Before joining Adams and Reese, Trent founded and served as the CEO of Cotney Attorneys & Consultants, named a Top 50 Construction Law Firm by Construction Executive Magazine. With over 20 offices, Cotney Attorneys & Consultants serviced the needs of business, infrastructure and construction clients throughout the United States, Canada and internationally.
In addition to nearly 25 years of assisting his clients in their legal matters, Trent is a zealous advocate for the international commercial roofing industry. He serves as general counsel for more than 10 trade associations and organizations, including the National Roofing Contractors Association, Florida Roofing & Sheet Metal Association, National Slate Association, Roofing Technology Think Tank, Western States Roofing Contractors Association and several other industry associations.
Trent has published more than 1,000 articles in 100 different local, regional and national publications on such topics as construction mediation, arbitration, negligent design, delay damages, contract provisions and defective workmanship. He is the editor and primary author of two Amazon best-selling books, OSHA Defense for the Construction Industry and OSHA Defense: Know Your Rights. The books provide contractors, trades, design professionals, suppliers, manufacturers and others in the industry with an understanding of their rights during an OSHA inspection as well as critical defenses to use after an OSHA citation has been issued.
Trent is a frequent guest on nationally and regionally broadcast podcasts and regularly speaks at events across the globe on topics related to construction and infrastructure law.
Meet Ben BriggsI view my role as equal parts counselor and advocate. As counselor, I advise clients regarding the law and their strategic options, and as advocate, I aggressively defend or prosecute their legal positions. But in either role, my focus remains the ‘big picture’ and the client’s underlying objectives.
Primary Practice:
Benjamin S. Briggs counsels and represents clients in all aspects of labor and employment law, including matters pertaining to wage and hour, discrimination and retaliation claims, risk mitigation, human resources training and internal audits, drafting and enforcing employment contracts, restrictive covenants, separation agreements and workplace rules and policies.
Ben has received several accolades in labor and employment law, including Top Lawyers, Employment Law: Management by Tampa Magazine, and Legal Elite Up & Comer by Florida Trend. He is recognized by his peers among Florida Super Lawyers® Rising Stars.
In this From the Ground Up™ episode, Karol Weyman sits down with Trent Cotney of Adams and Reese to dive into some of the biggest issues shaping today’s contracting businesses. From navigating vegetation and plant management contracts to staying compliant with OSHA heat illness regulations, the conversation covers real challenges ...
Listen to the Podcast
The Law & Mortar podcast covers all things legal related to the roofing and construction industries.
Check out these podcasts with Trent Cotney and John Kenney! Each episode features a discussion on issues relevant to the construction industry. Listen today!
Listen to the Podcast