Attorneys

Michelson, Kane, Royster & Barger P.C.

ATTORNEYS

Christopher W. Huck
Partner
Tel: 860.522.1243
Fax: 860.548.0194
E-Mail: cwhuck@mkrb.com

Chris practices in the area of Construction & Surety Law, representing contractors, municipalities, private owners, surety companies, and suppliers. His work involves contract drafting, claim analysis, and litigation. Chris has successfully tried, arbitrated, and mediated numerous cases. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Bates College in 1990 and his Juris Doctor from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1994. Following law school, he served as a Law Clerk to the Honorable Thomas P. Smith, United States Magistrate Judge for the United States District Court, District of Connecticut. After two years at a mid-sized law firm, Chris joined Michelson, Kane, Royster & Barger in 1997, and he became a partner/shareholder in 2001.

Chris has written and lectured on construction law for various educational and professional associations. He is admitted to practice before the state and federal courts of Connecticut and Massachusetts, and he is a member of the Connecticut, Hartford County, and Massachusetts Bar Associations. Chris is currently included on both the Connecticut and New England Super Lawyers® lists in the area of Construction & Surety Law.

He also serves as an arbitrator and mediator. Chris is a member of the Panel of Arbitrators for the American Arbitration Association, the Panel of Neutrals for the American Dispute Resolution Center, and the Roster of Neutrals for Litigation Alternatives, Inc.

Outside of the office, Chris is an avid golfer, and he has served as an Officer and Director of Shuttle Meadow Country Club. Chris and his wife live in West Hartford.

Representative Cases:

Represented a national electrical contractor in federal court with a claim against a general contractor in excess of $5 million in connection with a new power plant project. The issues involved variations in estimated quantities, project delays, disruptions and labor inefficiencies. Successfully negotiated a multi-million dollar settlement for the client prior to trial.

Represented a general contractor in federal court with a claim against a municipal owner for approximately $1.5 million. In addition to pursuing the owner for additional work claims stemming from changed conditions, the representation also involved defending a termination of the contract and a performance bond claim by the owner, as well as numerous claims by subcontractors. After litigation in various forums, successfully negotiated settlements with the owner, surety, and the subcontractors.

Represented a masonry contractor in federal court with a claim against a general contractor and private school owner for approximately $2 million. The issues involved design deficiencies and design changes. Successfully negotiated a settlement with the general contractor and owner, which included an agreement to jointly pursue claims against the project architect in the aggregate amount of $30 million.

Represented a municipality in an arbitration proceeding in connection with a claim against an architect and mechanical engineer for approximately $1.1 million arising out of insufficiently designed mechanical and electrical systems for a new school. Successfully negotiated a favorable settlement for the client on the eve of the first arbitration hearing.

Represented a general contractor in state court with a claim against a concrete supplier for approximately $250,000 arising from concrete that failed to meet compressive strength. The issues involved expert analysis of the concrete, as well as delays and additional costs that flowed from the concrete problem. Successfully negotiated a favorable settlement in mediation.

Defended a site contractor in state court, and asserted affirmative claims against a subcontractor, in connection with two projects where the subcontractor failed to properly complete its work. Obtained a judgment in favor of client in the amount of $100,000.

Defended a large, worldwide material supplier in state court in connection with a claim brought by the public owner against numerous parties. The issues involved the defective construction and inspection of a roadway, and the claim was for tens of millions of dollars. Successfully negotiated a zero dollar settlement for the client.

Represented an electrical contractor in state court in connection with a claim against a municipality arising from a school construction project. The issues involved additional work, differing site conditions, and project delays. Successfully negotiated a settlement in the amount of $370,000.

Represented a steel subcontractor in federal court in connection with a claim against a general contractor arising from a mixed use private development. The issues involved additional work, design deficiencies, a contractor controlled insurance program, and project delays. Obtained a favorable settlement midway through trial.