Laurann Asklof practices in the area of Construction Law and Litigation. She has extensive experience in handling complex construction litigation on behalf of owners, contractors and subcontractors. Drawing on her approximate 30 years of experience, Laurann provides sophisticated advice, delivered in a practical, business-oriented manner to construction clients throughout the life of a project, including project delivery methods; bidding/ procurement; drafting and negotiations of contracts and dispute resolution. Laurann works closely with the firm’s school law attorneys in providing thoughtful guidance on the bidding process, contracts and dispute resolution. She also litigates municipal tax appeals on behalf of property owners and municipalities.
Since, 2003 Laurann has been the principal litigator for the University of Connecticut's UCONN 2000, 21st Century Construction Infrastructure Program and the University of Connecticut’s Next Generation Construction Program. In that capacity, Laurann counsels the University on bidding/procurement practices, dispute avoidance before and during the construction project and, when disputes are unavoidable, represents the University in the mediation, arbitration and litigation of bidding and construction disputes.
Laurann thoughtfully delegates her time to give back to the legal community by presenting at various seminars at which she discusses a number of construction topics, including in the areas where construction and environmental issues intersect. Laurann has a passion for sharing her knowledge and experience with those in and outside her industry to facilitate professional growth.
Laurann believes in developing a strong relationship with her clients and gaining a deep understanding of their business while offering a cost-effective resolution to their legal needs. She tirelessly works to deliver effective and efficient results for them in all areas of practice.
- University of Connecticut School of Law: Adjunct Professor (1998-1999)
- University of Connecticut, Senior Engineering Seminar: Guest Speaker (2010-2012)
- American Bar Association: Construction Law Section
- Connecticut Bar Association: Construction Law Section, Executive Committee; Treasurer
- Professional Women in Construction: President; past Vice President; past Chair, Mentor Committee; and past Member, Board of Directors, Mentoring Honoree
- CCSU Construction Management Program, Industry Advisory Board Member
- Appointed by the Governor of Connecticut to serve on the Architectural Licensing Board
- Fred D. Wish School Volunteer Tutor Program
- Trinity Episcopal Church of Collinsville: past Vestry member (2010-2013); past Christian education teacher (1997-2012)
- Greater Hartford Legal Aid: represent tenants in summary process matters
- Center for Children’s Advocacy: provide pro bono services
- Developed the PWC Mentor Program: connecting students studying in the construction fields with mentors within the construction industry
Successful Outcome in $45 Million Wrongful Termination Claim
Following four years of extensive discovery, preliminary hearings and 33 days of arbitration hearings on liability alone, defeated in its entirety a $45 million wrongful termination claim of the general contractor against the owner of a research/teaching facility and recovered for the owner on its counterclaim.
Defense of Allegations of Mold Exposure Due to Defective Construction
Successfully defeated plaintiffs’ attempt to gain class certification for students in relation to personal injury claims asserted as a result of allegations of mold exposure due to defective construction.