Engineer; Arbitrator, Mediator

Senior Contract Manager, Vineyard Offshore LLC 2021 - Present; VP & Corp Risk Manager, Barr & Barr, Inc., 2007 – 2021; Owner and Principal, Slowinski Engineering, 1995 – Present; LTJG, United States Naval Reserve, 1987 – 1995; VP, Ackerman Construction Consultants Inc., 1989 – 1995; Field Engineer, Turner Construction Co., 1988 – 1989.

Over 35 years’ experience in the offshore wind, construction, legal and surety industries in both professional and non-professional positions. Professional experience has focused on investigating, preparing, defending and resolving complex construction disputes and surety claims. Extensive experience investigating and completing distressed and delayed construction projects, investigating and correcting design and construction defects, and investigating and resolving construction related accident claims. Provided expert testimony and litigation support for matters in federal and state courts and in arbitration. Thoroughly familiar with all phases of the construction process from pre-construction through construction and occupancy and the technical, legal and practical issues that cause construction disputes and delays. Projects have been primarily domestic and located along the eastern seaboard from Maine to Florida; currently working with international contractors on the first commercial scale offshore wind farm in the United States. Experienced with federal, state and local public projects and private projects with project values up to and in excess of $3 Billion. Types of construction and trades are as follows: bridges, dams, demolition, dredging, HAZMAT abatement, hospital/medical, hotels, ice rinks, industrial, marine, military facilities, office buildings (hi-rise and low-rise), parking structures, power plants, pre-engineered metal buildings, renovations (including historic and ADA), residential, roads, schools (primary, secondary and higher-ed), shopping centers, site work, ski area, tunnels, underground utilities, water/wastewater plants, blasting, concrete, curtain walls, doors, drywall, electrical, flooring, indoor air quality, masonry, mechanical, millwork, painting, plumbing, roofing, surveying, telecommunications and windows.

Resolved 200+ construction disputes during the last 15+ years. Disputes have involved public (federal, state and local) and private projects with project values up to $85 million. Projects have been located throughout New England and the middle Atlantic states. Disputes have involved up to seven parties and have had up to $3 million dollars in dispute.

Representative construction disputes and issues include the following: acceleration, bond claims, changed/unforeseen conditions, consequential damages, construction defects, delays, design defects, extra work, improper maintenance/operation, inefficiencies, insurance coverage and payment disputes. Disputes have been among owners, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, designers sureties, inspection/code officials, funding agencies and insurance companies. Disputes have been on the following types of projects and/or trades: bridges, dams, demolition, dredging, HAZMAT abatement, hospital/medical, hotels, ice rinks, industrial, marine, military facilities, office buildings (hi-rise and low-rise), parking structures, power plants, pre-engineered metal buildings, renovations (including historic and ADA), residential, roads, schools (primary, secondary and higher ed), shopping centers, site work, ski area, tunnels, underground utilities, water/wastewater plants, blasting, concrete, curtain walls, doors, drywall, electrical, flooring, indoor air quality, masonry, mechanical, millwork, painting, plumbing, roofing, surveying, telecommunications and windows.

A mediator must be an objective and good listener, a quick study, a problem solver and an effective communicator. Instead of passing judgment, a mediator should help each party understand the positions of the other parties and the critical issues that divide the parties. A mediator should facilitate settlement discussions that focus on these critical issues and involve all participants - not just party advocates. A mediator must be prepared to and when necessary challenge positions held by the parties, encourage the parties to consider creative solutions that are only available until the parties submit their dispute to a third party decision maker and propose solutions that may not have been considered by the parties.

Western New England College School of Law (JD-1992); Worcester Polytechnic Institute (BS, Civil Engineering with high distinction, Tau Beta Pi, Chi Epsilon -1987).

Admitted to the Bar: District of Columbia (1994), Georgia (1992). Professional Engineer, Florida (1993). OSHA 30 Hour Certificate (2008).

Admitted to the Bar: Georgia (1992); Washington, DC (1994).

$350 Per Hour

English

United States of America

Colrain, MA