Christopher J. Weiss is a partner with Holland & Knight. He is the co-practice group leader of the Florida Construction Industry Practice Group.
A recognized authority in construction matters, Mr. Weiss has represented clients in construction defect, architectural and engineering claims since 1977. He has conducted major litigation in many state and federal courts, and has also participated in a variety of arbitrations.
Matters handled by Mr. Weiss include:
- Defense of claims totaling $51,000,000 on behalf of alleged design errors associated with the manufacturer of components in the construction of a desalinization plant in Florida for Tampa Bay Water
- Defense of a major architectural firm and general contractor over the design and construction of schools
- Prosecution of a contractor's claim against major architectural firm over the design of courthouses
- Drafting and negotiation of construction contract documents for, and counsel during the administration of, dispute resolution for construction of a variety of theme parks around the U.S.
- Representing private owners, contractors, architects, engineers, subcontractors, public owners in a wide variety of construction claims, particularly regarding moisture intrusion in multi-family projects
- Representing construction and design professionals in alternative dispute resolutions, including mediation, arbitration and traditional litigation
Mr. Weiss' reported decisions include:
- O'Keef Architects, Inc. v. CED 909 So. 2d 370 (Fla. 5th DCA 2005)
- CED Construction, Inc. v. Kaiser-Taulbee Assoc., Inc., 816 So.2d 813, 27 Fla.L.Weekly D1167 (Fla.App. 5 Dist., May 17, 2002)
- Charles Boyd Const., Inc. v. Vacation Beach, Inc., 959 So. 2d 1227 (Fla. 5th DCA 2007)
- Universal Engineering Sciences, Inc. v. Villas of St. Johns, LLC, Case No. 1D09-6384
- Lowe v. Winter Park Condominium L.P., 5D09-2419
- Seretta Construction, Inc. v. Williams Company of Orlando, Inc., 997 So. 2d 422 (Fla. 5th DCA 2008)
- Park Lane Venture I, LLC v. Summit Contractors, Inc., et. al., Case No. 1D08-2766
- Charles Boyd Construction, Inc. v. Vacation Beach, Inc., 959 So. 2d 1227 (Fla. 5th DCA 2007)
Mr. Weiss frequently lectures at the invitation of various professional groups sponsored by the Orange County Bar, Florida Bar Association, Practicing Law Institute, and The School of Building Construction at the University of Florida. He has authored many articles related to the construction industry.