Brian H. Simmons

Brian H. Simmons concentrates his practice in many types of complex commercial litigation matters with a particular emphasis on disputes related to construction and breaches of contract, as well as the exploration, development and production of Marcellus Shale natural gas reserves throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Brian is co-chair of the Construction Litigation practice group.

More recently, he has devoted a substantial amount of time to defending a number of retail store, bank, restaurant and university clients against class action lawsuits alleging violations of the federal Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act, as well as the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Brian also routinely represents and advises private entities and governmental agencies in matters involving large to mid-sized construction projects and public procurement issues. The following are some of the examples of Brian’s experience in these areas:

• Represented the August Wilson Center for African American Culture in the construction of its new facility in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District.
• Represented the Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County in construction disputes related to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, the Consol Energy Center and Pittsburgh’s North Shore Parking Garage.
• Represented the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, local municipalities and private entities in public bidding disputes.
• Represented numerous general contractors and subcontractors in construction disputes, including disputes involving delay damages and lost productivity claims.

In addition to his litigation activities, Brian proudly serves as outside general counsel to the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL). Since approximately 2005, he has also provided pro bono representation for underprivileged clients through the McKees Rocks Legal Clinic. His pro bono representations include cases involving bankruptcy, divorce, Social Security benefits, child custody and landlord/tenant disputes.

While in law school, Brian was research assistant to Dean Nicholas P. Cafardi and Associate Dean John T. Rago. He served as a law clerk to the Honorable John F. Bell and to the Honorable Thomas J. Terputac, both senior judges on the Washington County Court of Common Pleas, Pennsylvania, from 1997-1998.