For more than 13 years, Kaysie has provided legal representation for a diverse range of clients involved in construction and government contract disputes in both federal and state courts in California. This includes handling cases related to industrial and commercial projects, as well as large-scale infrastructure projects such as highways, bridges, pipelines, mass transit systems, military facilities, hospitals, public schools, airport taxi-ways, multi-family housing developments, hotels, restaurants, municipal pumping stations, and solar power generation facilities.
Her extensive experience encompasses both prosecuting and defending disputes involving scope of work, additional time and payment claims, mechanic’s liens, bid protests, differing site conditions, and delays. In addition to her courtroom work, Kaysie is well-versed in various alternative dispute resolution methods, including arbitration and mediation.
Kaysie embarked on her legal career as a litigator specializing in construction and surety law at Watt, Tieder, Hoffar & Fitzgerald L.L.P. in 2010. In 2016, she transitioned to focusing exclusively on construction litigation at Rogers Nemeth Germain PC. During her legal career, Kaysie also gained invaluable experience working as Assistant General Counsel at Shimmick Construction, where she managed Shimmick’s ongoing litigation, reviewed and negotiated project contracts, and served on the company’s response team navigating the Covid-19 pandemic.
Recognized for her exceptional legal skills, Kaysie has been nominated and acknowledged as a Southern California Rising Star in Construction Litigation by Super Lawyers® from 2016 to the present. She is also a distinguished Fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America and an esteemed member of both the Trial Law Institute and Diversity Law Institute.
Entering law school, I thought I wanted to be an entertainment lawyer. It took one entertainment law event and a summer dabbling in some entertainment litigation to realize that I did not enjoy that type of work or working with the typical entertainment clientele. I then pivoted to construction law.
Construction law intrigued me because it often concerns something tangible, something that you can see and visit. As a construction lawyer, I am a part of bringing something “physically real” to life. Driving down the street, I can point out bridges, roads, or buildings that I played a part in constructing or that I was involved in litigating or resolving a dispute concerning. Even though I am not the one that is physically building the projects, there is an indescribable feeling of ownership in at least a part of the end-product that is really special.
One of the best things about practicing in this field, however, is the people. This industry has some of the most down to earth and real people that make my job even more meaningful and enjoyable. They are common sensical and no nonsense. They need real-world answers and timely guidance for their real-world problems. The best and most fulfilling part of my job is working with them.
I recommend that women entering this area of law be brave, tough, and confident. Trust yourself but ask tons of questions. Learn on the go and dive into the weeds on all of the projects you are working on. Visit the project sites. Meet the people involved face-to-face. Meet and learn from your experts. Do whatever you can to be the most knowledgeable one in the room about every aspect of your case and the projects you are working on. You will undoubtedly be underestimated in this field from time to time, but if you use it to your advantage, it is almost always a blessing, not a curse.
I was born and raised in Southern California. I have lived as far south as San Diego (UCSD) and as far north as Calabasas (law school).
Growing up, I was a competitive dancer and gymnast. Although I stopped competing in gymnastics in high school, my competitive dance career continued through college where I was a member of a team that obtained numerous national titles in Orlando, Florida and appeared on ESPN.
Between 2018 and 2022, at the urging of a former teammate, I agreed to coach the Junior Varsity Dance Team at Rosary Academy in Fullerton, California, while continuing my regular full-time employment as a construction litigator. Although it was not easy with my schedule, coaching those girls during that period was such a gift, despite all the struggles that many of those classes went through associated with the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns. Being a mentor to them has been one of my most favorite roles yet.
Free time? Ha! As mom to a 12-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter, I currently spend all “free time” as my kids’ personal chauffeur and assistant, sitting at my son’s baseball and football practice/games or my daughter’s dance classes, rehearsals and competitions. I would not trade a second of it for the world, but it is definitely not easy.
When our (very hectic) family’s schedule allows for it, I enjoy boating on Lake Havasu, Lake Mead (when the water is high enough to launch), and Bass Lake. I love camping in the desert, traveling and exploring new places, snowboarding, and (most recently) weightlifting.
BBG Construction Law
Beltzer Bangert and Gunnell LLP
Main: (720) 576-7225
