Cotney Interviewed on How Contractors Can Mitigate the Risks of Joint Ventures

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Adams & Reese Partner and Construction Team Leader Trent Cotney was interviewed in a Construction Dive article, “How Contractors Can Mitigate the Risks of Joint Ventures.”

The “Dotted Line” series by journalist Sebastian Obando, which takes an in-depth look at the complex legal landscape of the construction industry, explores how joint ventures allow firms to combine resources, but those contracts need careful wording to avoid disputes among parties.

Cotney said many JV contracts establish internal review boards composed of company executives. “We spend a lot of time upfront ironing out command and control and reflect that in the contract,” said Cotney. “The goal is to be fast and efficient.”

Boards like these are especially important on 50/50 ventures, where deadlocks are more likely. For that reason, Cotney said these agreements must have a clear deadlock resolution provision.

At Adams & Reese, Cotney is a leading member of one of the largest construction teams in the country with more than 100 attorneys licensed to practice construction law across more than 35 states. A Partner in the Adams & Reese Tampa office, Cotney represents construction and infrastructure clients, including GCs, subcontractors, suppliers, manufacturers, architects, engineers, roofers, developers, and other professionals. Cotney is a board-certified construction lawyer licensed in eight states and Washington, DC. Cotney is an EU arbitrator for construction-related disputes. He is also experienced in construction litigation and arbitration, including OSHA defense, lien law, bond law, bid protests, and construction document review and drafting. 

Cotney 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. Cotney has published more than 1,000 articles in 100 different local, regional, and national publications.