Hanson Bridgett Announces New Construction Section Leader

July 13, 2022 (San Francisco, CA) – Hanson Bridgett LLP, an AmLaw 200 law firm serving all of California and beyond, is pleased to announce Partner Michelle Akerman as the new leader of the Construction Section. Michelle will work with Howard Ashcraft to transition the role as he has led the section since 2018.

"Howard led the section for the last four years and we are grateful for his service, vision and dedication to the firm and its construction section clients,” said Managing Partner Kristina Lawson. "Michelle will be an excellent leader and will continue to grow the practice while developing innovative models and opportunities for our construction attorneys to continue to deliver top notch service and value to our clients.”

Michelle joined the firm in 2017 and was promoted to partner in 2019. She represents owners, general contractors, lenders, and subcontractors in all manner of construction-related disputes. Her experience includes contract negotiation, claim preparation and evaluation, and prosecution and defense of contractor claims from pre-litigation through trial. She represents clients before state courts, federal courts, and arbitration tribunals. Michelle's practice has particular emphasis on private commercial and mass residential construction projects. She is a top rated litigation attorney in San Francisco, and has been named a Northern California Super Lawyer from 2015 through 2019.

Michelle sits on The Bar Association of San Francisco's Justice & Diversity Center Board of Directors, the Association of General Contractors Legal Advisory Committee and is a member of Hanson Bridgett's Diversity & Inclusion Network.

About Hanson Bridgett LLP

Hanson Bridgett LLP is a full service AmLaw 200 law firm with more than 200 attorneys across California. Creating a diverse workforce by fostering an atmosphere of belonging and intentional support has been a priority at Hanson Bridgett since its founding in 1958. We are dedicated to creating an environment that provides opportunities for people with varied backgrounds, both for attorneys and administrative professionals. We are also committed to the communities where our employees live and work and consider it part of our professional obligation to serve justice by encouraging and supporting pro bono and social impact work.

For media inquiries contact:

John J. Buchanan
Chief Marketing Officer
Hanson Bridgett LLP
415-995-5031