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Adams and Reese is pleased to announce that Ryan W. Owen — partner in charge of the Sarasota office — is newly board-certified in Construction Law by The Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education. Board certification recognizes attorneys’ special knowledge, skills, and proficiency in the law and professionalism and ethics in practice. According to The Florida Bar, only 7 percent of eligible Florida Bar members have earned board certification in one or more of the bar’s 27 specialty areas, and only 416 attorneys are Board Certified in Construction Law.

“I am proud to have achieved this milestone in my career and to have my knowledge representing construction industry clients validated not only by a difficult exam but also through peer review,” said Owen. “Having the ‘B.C.S.’ designation in Construction Law will benefit my clients since attorneys and judges will know that I am considered an expert in the field. This additional credibility will allow me to work more effectively to resolve disputes and issues to my clients’ maximum advantage.”

Board-certified construction lawyers must have a minimum of five years of practice, have substantial involvement in the specialty of construction law, pass a written examination specific to construction law, undergo a peer review assessment of their competence and character, as well as satisfy continuing legal education requirements.

Owen regularly advises and advocates for specialty and general contractors, owners, and materials suppliers within the construction arena. Leveraging his keen understanding of the construction industry, Owen is skilled at helping clients transfer risk to insurers and other contractors/suppliers. Additionally, he frequently represents contractors who have not received payment for their services and handles defect litigation and related surety and insurance matters.

Owen counsels clients in general commercial and real estate litigation outside of the construction field with a strong focus on complex collections. This area was tested on the Board Certification exam for Construction Law. 

Owen is a graduate of Leadership Sarasota, a Chamber of Commerce program completed by many of the city’s top business leaders. He ranks among the Florida Super Lawyers Rising Stars in General Litigation, Business Litigation, and Construction Litigation.