WASHINGTON D.C. — October 7, 2019 — Cozen O’Connor today announced attorneys Christopher M. Sweeney and Alexandra E. Busch have joined its Washington D.C. Construction Law practice, bringing to four the number of lawyers who have joined the fast-growing practice in just the past two weeks. With substantial industry experience and contacts throughout the mid-Atlantic region, Sweeney and Busch further enhance Cozen O’Connor’s ability to tap Washington D.C.’s lucrative commercial and multifamily construction market, which is second only to New York City in terms of overall spending.
Sweeney and Busch come to the firm from Peckar and Abramson P.C., rejoining construction industry stalwarts Stephen M. Seeger and Jesse S. Keene, who moved from that firm to Cozen O’Connor two weeks ago. Both will reside in the firm’s Washington D.C. office, with Sweeney joining Cozen O’Connor as a member and Busch as an associate.
“I’m pleased to welcome two more impressive additions to our firm and the Construction Law Group,” says Michael J. Heller, Cozen O’Connor’s executive chairman and chief executive officer. “Christopher began his career as a design/build construction engineer, so he brings to our clients valuable hands-on industry experience and insight. Alexandra’s background includes successful first- and second-chair experience representing key industry players — building owners, general contractors, and subcontractors — in a range of construction disputes.”
“Christopher and Alexandra further deepen our Construction Law bench, both in the Washington D.C. metro area and the surrounding region,” adds Bruce Ficken, chair of Cozen O’Connor’s Construction Law Group. “Like other attorneys in our group, they can analyze the substance of construction-related legal claims and help our clients respond quickly and decisively. Each will play a unique role in helping us grow our construction practice and I’m very much looking forward to working with them.”
After earning a B.S. in civil engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (and prior to joining the legal profession), Sweeney worked as a design-build engineer and project manager for a structural steel and concrete subcontractor in the Washington D.C. metro region. Leveraging that experience, Sweeney works closely with his clients to mitigate and avoid potential risks at all stages of a construction project. He has managed claims involving breach of contract, design and latent defect issues, differing site conditions and delay claims, payment and performance bond disputes, mechanic’s liens, and claims for equitable adjustment. Sweeney has been identified by Super Lawyers as a “Rising Star” for the past two years.
Sweeney represents clients in litigation and alternative dispute resolution proceedings related to projects ranging from home renovation and repair to the design and construction of multibillion-dollar structures and facilities. His clients include a major pipe fabrication company; an EPC contractor responsible for the design, procurement, and construction of multiple nuclear power plants in the United States and abroad; owners and EPC contractors in the design, procurement, and construction of LNG combined-cycle power plants; geotechnical engineering and construction companies; and subcontractors involved in the construction of multi-family residential buildings, hospitals, data centers, transit facilities, and museums.
Sweeney earned his J.D. at the University of Maryland School of Law and his B.S. in civil engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
As one of Washington D.C.’s up-and-coming construction industry attorneys, Busch counsels and represents key industry players on a range of projects, including power plants, commercial buildings, and luxury multifamily properties. Busch manages disputes from inception through final resolution in litigation and alternative dispute resolution proceedings. She brings to the firm second chair experience in trials and first chair experience in arbitration and mediation.
Busch contributes articles to the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), the United States’ leading association for the construction industry; as well as the American Bar Association.
Busch earned her J.D. at George Mason University School of Law and her B.S. in communication studies at James Madison University.
About Cozen O’Connor’s Construction Law Group
With more than 40 attorneys practicing in 10 offices throughout the United States, Cozen O’Connor’s Construction Group has the depth and geographical reach to handle its clients’ most complex problems in the United States and abroad. The Construction Group includes attorneys ranked nationally by leading peer-reviewed publications, including Chambers USA, U.S. News/Best Lawyers, and The Legal 500.
When construction matters intersect with other disciplines, the Construction Group draws on the resources of a full-service, international law firm. The firm’s construction clients benefit from experienced and integrated corporate, environmental, labor and white-collar practices, among others. In addition, the firm’s nationally recognized insurance team regularly advises construction industry leaders on alternative insurance coverage programs, liability and risk review, coverage issues, and claims
About Cozen O’Connor
Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has more than 825 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle market companies, Cozen O’Connor services its clients’ needs through 32 offices across two continents.
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