#United States #Atlanta #Zack Rippeon #Adams & Reese #Construction Law

Zack Rippeon Joins Adams & Reese

In a significant move for the Atlanta legal landscape, construction attorney Zack Rippeon has recently joined Adams & Reese as a Partner within their Atlanta office. With nearly three decades of combined experience in the legal realm and as a construction industry professional, Rippeon brings a wealth of knowledge that stands to benefit both clients and the firm alike.

Before his transition to Adams & Reese, Rippeon was a Partner at Smith Currie Oles, having developed his career through a 12-year tenure there, following his time at Burr Forman. His background isn’t confined to the courtroom; prior to his legal journey, he served as a project manager and engineer for various construction firms, overseeing significant projects throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions of the United States. This unique perspective positions him as an ideal asset in addressing the complex legal needs of the construction industry.

Chris Derden, the leader of Adams & Reese Construction Practice Group, remarked, "While many attorneys in the construction industry have a solid legal understanding, Zack embodies the perfect combination of hands-on experience and legal expertise. His arrival is timely, especially with the surge in construction and infrastructure upgrades across several industries in Atlanta."

This sentiment underscores the growing demand for adept legal guidance in construction, especially when various factors like delays, contract disputes, and compliance issues come into play. Adams & Reese's construction team, now expanded by Rippeon, is recognized nationally and boasts a Chambers-ranked status with nearly 100 attorneys licensed in over 35 states. This growth not only strengthens the firm’s capabilities but also solidifies its position among the Top 20 construction law firms, as listed by the renowned trade publication, Construction Executive.

Rippeon expressed enthusiasm about his new role, noting that the expansive footprint of Adams & Reese in burgeoning construction markets aligns perfectly with his client base, which frequently engages in significant business dealings across the Southeast. “Moving to Adams & Reese allows me to broaden and deepen the representation that my clients require. I look forward to contributing to the esteemed reputation our construction practice holds nationally,”** he stated.

His credentials are impressive; since 2022, Rippeon has been recognized by his peers as one of The Best Lawyers in America® in both Construction Law and Litigation. His experience extends beyond litigation. He acts as an advisor and counselor to various stakeholders in the construction and real estate sectors, representing owners, contractors, and subcontractors in an array of disputes such as breach of contract, structural failures, as well as payment issues. His role often includes managing contracts, change orders, and compliance counseling, making him a versatile figure in the field.

Rippeon is also committed to the continuous improvement of the construction industry. His participation in numerous industry organizations, including the Associated General Contractors of America and the ACE Mentor Program, reflects his dedication. Over the years, he has authored numerous published articles and delivered presentations on critical topics such as best practices in construction and strategies to mitigate professional liability claims.

Educated at Georgia State University where he earned his J.D. in 2008 and holding a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Virginia (1999), Rippeon’s academic background complements his extensive practical experience, making him a formidable presence in the legal domain.

Adams & Reese, founded in 1951, is highly regarded as one of the nation’s largest law firms, consistently listed among the AmLaw 200, NLJ 500, and Law360 Top 400. The firm prides itself on its extensive attorney network—more than 325 across 10 states and Washington, D.C.—and maintains a strong commitment to serving its clients across a variety of sectors, making the addition of Rippeon a strategic and beneficial development for both the firm and its clientele.

In summary, the addition of Zack Rippeon to Adams & Reese signals a milestone in the firm’s commitment to excellence in construction law, poised to meet the increasing demands of a dynamic industry in Atlanta and beyond.