People
Laurann Asklof

Laurann Asklof

Partner

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 lawyers 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.

Credentials

Education

Albany Law School, J.D., 1985
Georgetown University, B.A., 1982

Bar Admissions

Connecticut
New York

Court Admissions

U.S. District Court, Eastern District of NY
U.S. District Court, Southern District of NY

Distinctions

Teaching Positions

University of Connecticut School of Law: Adjunct Professor (1998-1999)
University of Connecticut, Senior Engineering Seminar: Guest Speaker (2010-2012)

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association: Construction Law Section
Connecticut Bar Association: Construction Law Section, Executive Committee; Treasurer
Professional Women in Construction: Vice President (2021-22); past 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

Community Involvement

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

Experience

General

Recovery in Multi-Party Design Matter

Laurann successfully settled a design dispute on behalf of the Town of Glastonbury with regard to its waterfront project, which consisted, amongst other amenities, a boathouse. Shortly after substantial completion, evidence of vertical and horizontal movement of the riverbank slope surrounding the boathouse was observed, indicating that the riverbank slope was experiencing a global stability failure, and was sliding toward the Connecticut River. Despite the failure of mediation, Laurann diligently pursued recovery from the design professionals on behalf of the Town and ensured the contracts for the remedial work properly allocated responsibilities between the various stakeholders and the projects.