The Top Lawyers list is based on peer surveys and recognizes leading attorneys in Florida across Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties. 

Adams & Reese has 14 attorneys selected among Tampa Magazine's 2026 Top Lawyers. The Top Lawyers list is based on peer surveys and recognizes leading attorneys in Florida across Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties. Adams & Reese attorneys were honored in several practice areas, including construction, commercial litigation, corporate transactions, financial services, labor and employment and real estate law.

Adams & Reese Tampa Magazine's 2026 Top Lawyers honorees include:

• Richard Asfar: Appellate Practice
• Benjamin Bard: Employee Benefits (ERISA), Labor Law (Management)
• Virgil "Tray" Batcher: Litigation Construction
• Benjamin Briggs: Employment Law (Management)
• Trent Cotney: Arbitration, Construction Law
• Jacqueline Feliciano: Business Organizations Law (LLCs & Partnerships), Corporate Law
• Tiffany Love: Community Association Law
• Andrew McBride: Litigation Real Estate, Real Estate Law
• Donald A. Mihokovich: Ethics & Professional Law
• Brian Oblow: Mediation
• Eric Partlow: Commercial Litigation & Transactions (UCC Law)
• Chantal Pillay: Banking Finance Law, Litigation Banking & Finance
• Kyle Rea: Administrative & Regulatory Law
• Louis Ursini III: Banking Finance Law, Family Law (Mediation)

To view the complete list of Tampa Magazine's Top Lawyers, visit their website.

Outdoor Influencers celebrate their inaugural year of giving back to the outdoor industry. 

The Coffee Shops™, the award-winning websites where the industries meet for technology, information and everyday business, announces the 2026 Influencers for OutdoorCoffeeShop™.    

Each month, Influencers respond to a topic that is relevant and timely such as business growth, sustainability and eco-friendly solutions, design inspiration and more. OCS features Influencer responses through interviews, videos and articles. These Influencers represent every corner of the outdoor living industries, including contractors, associations, distributors, manufacturers and service providers. Their contributions are showcased in dedicated sections on the website and shared on social media. 

“Our mission with OutdoorCoffeeShop is to amplify the voices of professionals shaping the outdoor living industry,” said The Coffee Shops’ President and CEO Heidi J. Ellsworth. “From landscaping to hardscapes, pools, spas and decking, these Influencers are on the frontlines, bringing insights that will strengthen businesses and elevate professionalism across the industry.” 

We are proud to announce the following 2026 OutdoorCoffeeShop Influencers: 

• Rachel Mohorn – Heritage 
• Brittainy Klein – Heritage  
• John Kenney – Cotney Consulting Group 
• Trent Cotney – Adams & Reese 
• Rob Murray – IM (Intrigue Media) Landscape Growth 
• Cindy Code – Project Evergreen 
• Kristin Case – Hi-Peak Staffing Solutions 
• Garrett Harris – Sherwin-Williams 
• Julissa Chavez – SRS Building Products/Heritage 
• Amanda Gay – Brava/Aspire 
• Taylor Dahlquist – Elevated Outdoors 

Find more information on the 2025 OCS Influencers.

About OutdoorCoffeeShop 

OutdoorCoffeeShop™ (OCS) is a community and resource hub for professionals in the outdoor space to share ideas, tell stories, research, find learning opportunities and offer help. OCS is the one of many websites under the umbrella of The Coffee Shops (thecoffeeshops.online), which went online in 2002.  OCS is the latest online community for contractors specializing in hardscape, pool and water features, decking and flooring, landscaping and outdoor living. Like the other Coffee Shops, OCS delivers award-winning content, education and information with a focus on outdoor living that will build professionalism and networking opportunities. We are the place where the industry meets!  For more information, visit www.outdoorcoffeeshop.com. 

About The Coffee Shops 

Award-winning websites and online communities make up The Coffee Shops. Starting with RoofersCoffeeShop, which launched in 2002, the growth of the sites has been explosive for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and their customers. Currently featuring four Coffee Shops, RoofersCoffeeShop, MetalCoffeeShop®, CoatingsCoffeeShop®, OutdoorCoffeeShop™ and their sister site AskARoofer™, all the sites are committed to advocating for the construction trades by supplying consistent information, education and communication avenues for all contractors, while promoting positive growth, education and success of construction industries overall. The Coffee Shops also feature strong microsites with RoofersCoffeeShop.ca, RoofersCoffeeShop.uk and En Español. Visitors to the site continue to find excellent opportunities for sharing information while participating in important ongoing conversations concerning new technologies, safety and overall construction information and education. The Coffee Shops are “Where the Industries Meet!” For more information, visit www.thecoffeeshops.online. 

By Emma Peterson. 

With over 150 education sessions, it’s time to start planning! 

World of Concrete (WOC) is the place to be if you are looking to level up your knowledge about the masonry and cement industries. Whether you need business advice or specific technical training, you won’t want to miss a moment of the in-depth WOC education program. Here are some of the top sessions and educational events that we are looking forward to! 

Featured education sessions 

I-9 compliance and ICE audits: What employers need to know 

Taught by the incredible Trent Cotney of Adams and Reese, this seminar will cover the legal knowledge and tools needed to protect your business and ensure compliance with federal immigration laws. It will be hosted on Monday, January 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.  

Robotic and other high tolerance floors: Specifying, testing and achieving acceptable tolerances 

Looking to gain a better understanding of various high tolerance floor specifications and how to meet them? This session on Tuesday, January 20 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. taught by Jerry Holland (Structural Services Inc.) and Justin Jefferis (Structural Services Incorporated) is a must-attend. 

Manufactured stone veneer: Efficient modified mortar installations and eliminating costly mistakes 

This session, hosted on Tuesday, January 20 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., will take attendees through “assessing substrates, modified mortar options and selection and outlining the crucial steps for mixing modified mortars.” It is taught by Westlake Royal Stone Solutions’ Jeff Tew.  

Tours, luncheons and breakfasts 

Hoover Dam and Bypass Bridge tour 

Led by Rick Yelton, WOC’s editor and chair of the ACI 120-History committee, this incredible tour will take you around two of the world’s most famous concrete structures – Hoover Dam and the Mike O’Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. Attendees will not only get to see these structures up close, but they will also get Rick’s behind-the-scenes knowledge about how they have impacted the concrete industry. There will be two tours, one on Sunday, January 18 and the other on Friday, January 23.  

Breakfast with the experts 

Hosted by Master Builders Solutions, this is your opportunity to get breakfast and pick the minds of some of the industry’s experts. With start times all three days at either 6:45 a.m. or 8:15 a.m., this is your opportunity to get your questions answered. Questions should be directed to seminars@worldofconcrete.com. 

Concrete polishing luncheon 

Presented by the Concrete Polishing Council (CPC), this interactive luncheon creates a space for you to learn directly from polishing contractors about how they have used their CPC membership to grow their businesses. The luncheon will be hosted from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20. Direct questions to seminars@WorldofConcrete.com or to Rick Yelton at 630-605-7203. 

Economic forecast breakfast with Ed Sullivan and Pierre Villere 

If there’s any takeaway from the economics of the last year, it’s that anything and everything can change. This breakfast (hosted on Wednesday, January 21 from 7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m.) is your opportunity to hear from distinguished economists Ed Sullivan and Pierre Villere about critical market projections and emerging trends to watch. 

Quality in concrete slabs luncheon 

Hosted by World of Concrete and American Society of Concrete Contractors, this luncheon gives you the opportunity to hear from a distinguished panel of concrete contractors and industry experts about their experiences producing durable concrete slabs in today’s environment. It will be hosted on January 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

3D construction printing luncheon 

And last but not least, World of Concrete will be hosting a final luncheon on Thursday, January 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This one will feature expert discussions of 3D construction printing in both residential and commercial marketplaces. Specific questions can be sent to seminars@WorldofConcrete.com or to Rick Yelton at 630-605-7203. 

Interactive workshops 

Monday, January 19 

• 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Train-the-trainer: Fall protection end user 
• 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Estimating and risk management 
• 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Train-the-trainer: Overhead crane 

Tuesday, January 20  

• 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Train-the-trainer: Construction forklift 
• 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Growing from laborer to leader 
• 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Train-the-trainer: Mobile elevated working platforms 
• 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Maximum productivity: Time management, time budgeting and organizational strategies 

Wednesday, January 21 

• 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. –  From jobsite to bottom line: Using financials to improve profitability 
• 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Train-the-trainer: Rigging and signaling 
• 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Women at work: Tools, allies and strategies for career growth in construction 

Thursday, January 22 

• 7:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Engineering: Designing for constructability 
• 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Engineering focused full-day package 
• 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Engineering: Bridging the gap between the general contractor and the engineer 

Spanish and bilingual sessions 

Monday, January 19 

• 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – PTI Spanish language level 1 unbonded pt installation certification 

Tuesday, January 20  

• 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – PTI Spanish language level 1 unbonded pt installation certification 
• 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. – AI test drive: An interactive education session and reception 

Wednesday, January 21 

• 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. – Mejora tu liderazgo, haz tu empresa más competitiva y aumenta tu rentabilidad 
• 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. – ACI concrete flatwork associate, finisher and advanced finisher review seminar 
• 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. – From pilot to productivity: How leaders operationalize new tech 
• 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Fundamental principles of high-quality concrete 

Thursday, January 22 

• 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. – Sealers & Surface Protection to Ensure Proper Selection 
• 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. – ACI Concrete Flatwork Finisher Written Examination 

Conclusion 

Overall, whatever sessions you attend or speakers you listen to, you are bound to walk away from the 2026 World of Concrete show with a better understanding of the masonry and cement industry and plenty of new ideas to kick off your year with. You can check out the entire education program schedule online. Also, if you’re at the show, make sure to stop by The Coffee Shops booth in South Hall lobby during a break between sessions and say hi! 

And for those of you who haven’t already gotten tickets to WOC, The Coffee Shops is giving away three education super passes for the show! The giveaway is open until December 20, 2025, so make sure to enter for a chance to win! 

By Emma Peterson. 

What contractors need to know about 2025’s policy shifts, labor crackdowns and cost increases. 

As we come to the end of 2025, it is hard to believe how much has happened over the course of one year. From rising prices due to tariffs to drastic immigration policy changes, uncertainty has been the name of the game. To look back at the year and unpack a few highlight moments, Heidi J. Ellsworth hosted Trent Cotney of Adams and Reese for a Contractor Outlook™ episode all about navigating tariffs and labor in an uncertain market.  

Trade policy tariffs 

If you’ve been following the news at all, it’s likely you’ve seen a lot of back and forth about what items are tariffed and by how much. The one consistent we’ve seen has been a steep tariff on steel and steel-related accessories. Though other products used across the industry might not have been so directly impacted, everyone is feeling the strain. Trent explained, “We don't know the full extent of the impact of some of these tariffs as they take a while to trickle down through the economy, and they are constantly changing. So that level of uncertainty has created some issues not dissimilar to what we saw during COVID-19.”  

Labor and immigration 

As we all know, there has been a distinct uptick in immigration enforcement. Most obviously, we have seen a rise in United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity around the country. But in addition to that, the current administration has changed some immigration policies to make it harder to bring new labor into the market. Trent explained, “As an industry, we're fairly reliant on foreign labor, both as W-2 and as subcrews with 1099s. And the current administration, which has zero tolerance policies that relates to immigration, just increased H1Bs by $100,000, making it very difficult for the industry to get legal workers here to help fill our jobs.”  

The result? A shrinking labor pool in an industry that was already struggling to find labor. Trent shared his thoughts on this, explaining, "At the end of the day, a shrinking labor pool is going to raise the cost of labor. Both in vertical and horizontal construction.” 

What contractors can do 

In the face of this level of uncertainty, Trent’s advice is twofold: Prepare what you can and focus on your operations. Some proactive steps that Trent recommends include adjusting your contracts to account for possible tariff changes. He explained, “Regardless of whether you're doing residential, commercial or industrial, you want a price acceleration provision in your contract...In some recent contracts I'm working on, we had to create and draft a very specific price acceleration provision that dealt specifically with tariffs and how to track the increased cost based on U.S. website data and other things like that.” 

In terms of immigration, you should make sure all your workers’ documents are organized and up to date (if you want to learn more about preparing for immigration enforcement, check out this article). Beyond these suggestions, Trent’s main recommendation was to stay focused on your business. He shared, “Your focus should be on the basics of running your business, of really trying to make it successful. Obviously, to a certain extent, it's important to understand what's going on in the news, right? But if you get too caught up in it, you’ll feel like the sky is falling. For me, I tend to put my head down and until something pops me in the head and says, ‘hey, I got an issue here,’ then it's just business as usual.” 

Listen to the episode or Watch the recording for more legal insights from Trent.

By Emma Peterson. 

Common challenges for outdoor professionals and how to overcome them. 

In a recent episode of From the Ground Up™, Karol Weyman sat down with Trent Cotney, partner and construction law leader of Adams and Reese. Trent has over 30 years of legal experience in the field of law and a wealth of knowledge when it comes to construction. In this episode, Trent shares his expertise and insights for handling the three most common legal challenges he sees outdoor professionals struggle with and how to overcome them. 

The challenges 

The first legal challenge that Trent brought up was “scope creep” and deliverable definition. He explained, “What I mean by that is where a professional has a scope that doesn't clearly identify the rights of way. It doesn't talk about trim cycles or the specific species of vegetation that might be needed, clearance distances, all those types of things.” This often results in what Trent calls “change order battles” where clients keep asking for more from the contractor at the same price point. 

Another big challenge he sees is regulatory navigation. Trent shared, “Oftentimes you've got local, state and federal environmental laws that deal with everything from nesting rights of certain animals to waterways and herbicide rules. In a similar vein, access, permitting and quality standards can be hard to navigate.” And last but not least, he sees responsibility for damages come up a lot. He shared, “Things like who's responsible for progress planning or overspray.” 

The solution 

So, how can you overcome these challenges? Communication and clear contracts. Trent elaborated, “Make sure you’ve thought about the milestones of a project and what might happen in the field that changes the progress towards those milestones. In other words, make sure that you have measurable specifications and a clear change order pathway. Because as we know in any project, you're going to have a change or an extra. I can't think of many that haven't had one. So, making sure that's streamlined and easy to understand is key.”  

Additionally, you must be proactive. Trent explained, “The majority of problems that I see on these types of projects result from not responding quickly enough. There's this tendency to handle everything with oral communications and customer service, which you should, but you must balance that with legal support. So, if it's good for you, put it in writing. If it's bad for you, pick up the phone. And if you respond aggressively, you're going to at least mitigate your problems...An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” 

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording with Trent to get more legal insights into things like OSHA and W-2s. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Check out our shortlist of popular articles from October. 

Every month at The Coffee Shops™ is a busy one, but October took it to a new level! Not only did our incredible crew publish hundreds of articles across our existing sites (RoofersCoffeeShop, MetalCoffeeShop, CoatingsCoffeeShop and AskARoofer), we also celebrated the launch of a new Coffee Shop – OutdoorCoffeeShop.com! 

As explained in a Coffee Shops press release, OutdoorCoffeeShop (OCS) is a site focused on creating a space for contractors and outdoor professionals to meet. In the traditional Coffee Shop model, OCS will build professionalism and networking opportunities for the industry along with one-of-a-kind educational, informational and community experiences. As Heidi J. Ellsworth, president of The Coffee Shops, put it, “For over twenty years The Coffee Shops have built trusted online communities for contractors. With the launch of OutdoorCoffeeShop.com, we are bringing that same model of connection and resources to the outdoor living construction industry.”  

In addition to this announcement, our top 10 monthly article list featured a variety of articles. We saw an emphasis on safety with an article from Dani Sheehan all about safe load distribution making the list alongside an article from our friends at Cotney Consulting Group about driving safety tips for roofing professionals. 

This month also saw an uptick in interest in sustainability, with two environmentally focused articles from Emma Peterson making the list. One concentrated on the power of biosolar roofs (roofs that use solar panels in conjunction with biophilic design) while the other covered a conversation with Alan Scott of Intertek about the overlap between resilient design and sustainable construction.  

Explore the official October 2025 top 10 article list!  

10 – Safety first, every time by Dani Sheehan 

9 – TopShield® underlayment keeps you covered and protected for the long run by Emma Peterson 

8 – Smart hiring for sales success by Cotney Consulting Group 

7 – Staying safe before you arrive on site by Cotney Consulting Group 

6 – The Coffee Shops™ Announce OutdoorCoffeeShop™ 

5 – Estimating isn't just math — It's risk management for roofers by Cotney Consulting Group 

4 – The road to IRE 2026 by Emma Peterson 

3 – Biosolar roofing in action by Emma Peterson 

2 – Construction attorney and industry veteran Zack Rippeon joins Adams & Reese 

1 – The intersection of resilience and sustainability by Emma Peterson

By Emma Peterson. 

The best way to stay compliant and protect your people during immigration policy changes is to prepare thoroughly. 

If you’ve tuned in to the news recently, you’ve probably heard a lot of chatter about changing immigration policies. There’s a lot of information out there, and it can be hard to navigate. Luckily, in a new episode of Contractor Outlook, Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Trent Cotney to discuss what business owners can do to protect both their people and their business. 

If you haven’t already heard of him, Trent is a partner and the construction team leader at Adams and Reese law firm. He is licensed in 8 different states and acts as legal counsel for leading industry organizations, such as the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). In his own words, Trent does “everything from litigation and disputes to contract drafting and regulation and advocacy and everything in between.” 

When it comes to the topic of immigration, Trent’s main recommendation is to thoroughly prepare. He explained, “There's been targeted action in certain locations around the states. We recently spoke down in South Florida, and they're expecting a sweep there pretty soon...And this is not isolated to contractors. We had a recent construction manufacturer that was raided and lost 33 employees... The thing I always tell people is that preparation is key.” 

One of the best ways to prepare for immigration raids is by creating a standard operating procedure (SOP) for when/if officers come to your jobsite or office. Trent elaborated on what an SOP does, sharing, “An SOP is a framework that you figure out ahead of time so that you're not responding based on anxiety or fear when they show up.” As part of creating your immigration SOP, you should do an audit for key paperwork, like I-9s and any onboarding documents that would be of interest to immigration officers. You should also train your team in what to say to officers. Trent explained, “You need to continue to train on and reiterate to your team not to interfere, but to assert their rights...For example, you have the right to counsel, and you should absolutely assert that if ICE shows up.” 

Another big thing is making sure that your people are as protected as possible. As a business owner, you should make sure there are plenty of resources available to your workers. Trent gave some examples, sharing, “I encourage employers to offer resources. It could be employee rights cards in English and Spanish, or it can be a list of employee attorneys that handle immigration issues.” The one thing that you should never do is single out any particular employee. Trent elaborated, “You don't want to do is single out an employee. That can lead to a discrimination claim, or worse, it is a crime if you knowingly employ someone that is illegal, right? So, if you are hand-picking certain individuals, that can act as evidence that you knowingly employed someone that is illegal.” 

In addition to making sure resources are available at your jobsites and offices, it can be crucial to update your general signage as different warrants allow immigration officers to enter different spaces. There are two main types of warrants they might have – judicial and administrative. The key differences to understand between the two is that a judicial warrant gives access to private property, while the administrative is limited to public spaces.  

So, as a contractor, you want to make the difference between public areas and private property in your offices and jobsites very clear. Trent explained, “Use signage like restricted access, private property, whatever it might be. That could potentially help you, and it could potentially help your employees if ICE shows up. Again, never interfere, never tell your workers to run, don't do anything like that, but by making those private spaces clear, you can object and have a witness respectfully say, ‘I've looked at your warrant. This is not signed by a judge. You don't have the ability to access this space. I'm objecting.’” While this might not feel like a strong action at the moment, it can be a key part of the court and legal system down the road.  

At the end of the day, protecting your business and your employees through immigration raids and policy changes is about staying calm and prepared. Trent put it simply, “The key in a crisis situation is to be purposeful...When you respond based on fear, you do stupid things. By having an SOP and resources already sorted, you get a script to follow that takes away that fear and anxiety... As hard as it is, you must put the business hat on first, then you worry about everything else.” 

Listen to the entire conversation or Watch the recording to hear more of Trent’s legal insights! 

By Mary Kate Fernandez, Adams and Reese. 

Learn how to avoid I-9 issues as your business navigates mergers and acquisitions. 

In today’s industry, we are seeing a rise in the frequency of mergers, acquisitions, asset sales, private equity transactions and more! This all makes for an exciting, fast-paced market where paperwork might accidentally slip through the cracks. Here at Adams and Reese we know that keeping track of all the details and paperwork, such as I-9 forms, is key to avoiding issues such as civil penalties, government inquiries and workforce disruptions. In this article, we share insights into how businesses acquiring U.S. operations or workforce segments can make sure they are compliant with I-9 forms.  

I-9 compliance, mandated by the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA), refers to the process employers must follow to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for work in the United States. Immigration-related risks tied to employment eligibility records are real and can derail your post-closing success. Here is an I-9 compliance checklist for businesses to follow when engaged in merger and acquisition deals. 

Strategic I-9 due diligence: What to review pre-closing 

1 - I-9 inventory and accuracy 

• Are Form I-9s on file for every employee hired since November 7, 1986?  
• Are all forms completed correctly and using the current version?  
• Has the seller conducted any internal audits or self-remediation? 

2 - Government inquiries or enforcement history 

• Has the seller received SSA No-Match letters or notices from ICE, DHS, DOJ or DOL?  
• Are there any pending investigations or prior settlements relating to immigration compliance? 

3 - Status of foreign national employees 

• Does the target employ workers on temporary visas (e.g., H-2B, H-1B, L-1, TN)?  
• Have the required reverifications been completed and documented (via Supplement B)?  
• Are public access files for H-1B, E-3 or H-1B1 employees complete and up to date? 

4 - E-Verify participation 

• Is the company enrolled in E-Verify?  
• Is participation required under state law or government contracts?  
• Has the seller consistently used E-Verify across worksites? 

5 - Subcontractor and joint employment risk 

• Does the seller use staffing agencies or subcontractors for any portion of its workforce?  
• Are there protocols for verifying compliance downstream? 

6 - Strategize onboarding 

• Will the seller’s workforce be treated as continuous employees?  
• Or should employees be treated as new hires with new I-9s completed? 

7 - Contractual protections: Recommendations for deal teams  

• Incorporate representations and warranties confirming I-9 and immigration compliance.  
• Use a schedule of exceptions to disclose known deficiencies.  
• Negotiate indemnities tied to I-9 audit outcomes.  
• Consider post-closing certification requirements for workforce integration. 

8 - Documentation request list: Key materials to collect 

• Collect current employee roster with visa status, worksite, and status expiration dates.  
• Collect all I-9 Forms and retention logs.  
• Obtain copies of visa petitions, I-94s, USCIS/DOL correspondence and SSA mismatch letters, if any.  
• Obtain public access files for each H-1B/E-3 employee.  
• Provide written policies regarding onboarding, reverification and recordkeeping. 

9 - Post-closing items for buyers 

• Perform an internal audit of inherited I-9s.  
• Prioritize technical remediation where employee cooperation is still possible.  
• Retain all original forms and document changes made post-closing.  
• Centralize and align I-9 and E-Verify policies across legacy and acquired entities. 

Conclusion 

Ultimately, the excitement of a merger and acquisition deal should be matched with the diligence of I-9 compliance. As this checklist demonstrates, neglecting the meticulous review and management of employment eligibility records can turn a promising acquisition into a costly liability. 

I-9 errors can reflect systemic recordkeeping failures that can jeopardize closing timelines or expose buyers to future fines or workforce interruption. Early identification and structured remediation are critical – both to protect the acquiring entity and to meet regulator expectations. 

By prioritizing early identification and structured remediation of potential I-9 errors – from pre-closing due diligence to post-closing integration – buyers can effectively protect their investment, avoid significant fines, and ensure a seamless workforce transition.  

Proactive I-9 compliance isn't just about avoiding penalties; it's about safeguarding the future success and stability of your newly integrated enterprise. 

For more information on I-9 compliance, and what every employer should know across any industry, read our previous alert.

Original article and photo source: Adams and Reese

By Emma Peterson. 

Law and Mortar is the perfect podcast for contractors who want to learn more about operating their businesses. 

With over 100 episodes already out, Law and Mortar is the go-to podcast for information about the legal, business and safety side of the roofing industry. In the show, industry experts and leaders Trent Cotney and John Kenney dive into a variety of timely topics for contractors today.  

Trent is a partner at the Adams & Reese law firm with a specialization in roofing litigation and arbitration. He is also a member of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) as well as ten other local roofing associations across the United States. Further, he donates his time to a variety of roofing organizations (such as WCRCA and NWIR), he is a Governor-level contributor to the FRSA Educational & Research Foundation endowment program. At the end of the day, if you are looking for insights on the legal and political side of the industry, Trent is an invaluable resource. 

As for John, he has over 45 years of experience in the construction industry. He has worked as everything from roofing apprentice to estimator to VP, making him an incredible resource to learn from. Today, he is the CEO of Cotney Consulting Group; holds a Florida Roofing Contractors License and Certified Professional Roofing Contractor status; and works with industry organizations like RT3 and NWIR. John’s insights also extend beyond the United States as he works on the international level with the Canadian Roofing Contractors National Technical Committees, the Institute of Roofing in Great Britain and the International Federation for the Roofing Trade in Europe. 

The Law and Mortar podcast is your opportunity to learn from these incredible experts about what’s happening in roofing today. Recently, John and Trent have had candid discussions about immigration in construction, analyzed the impact of AI on the operations side of the industry and discussed how bills in Congress are affecting job sites. Overall, these 20-minute episodes are a great way to stay up to date on what’s happening in the industry.  

Tune in to this month’s episode of Law and Mortar.