Sedgwick announced that Barbara Werther joined the firm as a partner in its Washington, D.C. office. Werther has more than 35 years of experience in construction and government contracts law and represents clients in both the public and private sectors. She will head the government contracts and construction group’s practice in the Washington, D.C. office.
Prior to Sedgwick, Werther served as a Principal at Ober Kaler and previously at Howrey LLP. Among her more notable accomplishments, Werther led a trial in which she obtained the largest jury verdict ever awarded in a commercial case in Jackson County, Miss. She also tried the first and only case in a Washington, D.C. federal court in which the court overturned a Navy contracting officer’s non-responsibility determination and directed an award to the contractor.
In her current practice, Werther routinely serves as lead counsel in a variety of construction-related litigation, arbitrations and mediations on behalf of clients, prosecutes claims against the government and represents government contractors in False Claims Act, or “whistleblower,” cases. Werther is also experienced in handling performance and payment bond disputes for sureties and contractors. Outside of the courtroom, she is a key advisor to developer clients as she drafts and negotiates contracts.
Barbara’s depth of knowledge and experience in handling government contract matters will be a great asset to our firm and client teams,” said Sedgwick Chair Michael Healy. “She is an exceptional attorney who will add strength to our practice and will no doubt provide valuable insight to our clients.”
In addition to her work on behalf of clients, Werther is regularly sought out as a speaker and presenter on trade specific topics such as contract terms, Daubert motions, trying construction cases to juries, and terminations for default. In 2006, Werther hosted the first Women In Construction Conference in Washington, D.C., by women for women in all aspects of the construction industry. Today, in its 10th year, the conference boasts 250 attendees, with an all-day event featuring five panels, a keynote speaker and a speakers/sponsors dinner the night before the conference.
Werther’s exceptional work and thought leadership in the industry has led to numerous industry accolades including recognition as one of the nation’s leading construction and government contract attorneys. She has been ranked as top tier by Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, Super Lawyers, The International Who’s Who of Construction Lawyers and Washington D.C.’s Best Lawyers, among others. She was also recently featured by Law360 in its highly regarded, annual “Female Powerbroker” section. She became a Fellow of the American College of Construction Lawyers in 2014. Werther is on the ABA Construction Forum’s Division 13, Government Construction Contracts, Steering Committee, and will be co-hosting the ABA Construction Forum Fall Meeting in Montreal in October 2016.
Werther is also exceptionally active in the philanthropic community as a board member for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Washington, D.C., and serves as a member of the Trustees’ Council of Penn Women and a member of the University of Pennsylvania Lacrosse Board. Among her athletic accomplishments, Werther and her horse, Stafford Place (a/k/a Stanley) won the American Eventing Championships at the Training level in 2012. She also competes in triathlons and the Seagull Century (a 100-mile bike ride) to benefit the Leukemia Society. She is on the steering committee for the American Heart Association’s 32nd Annual Greater Washington Region (GWR) Golf Tournament to be held in 2016.
Werther earned her J.D. from George Washington University School of Law and her bachelor’s degree from University of Pennsylvania, where she graduated magna cum laude.
Source: www.sedgwicklaw.com
