Salley, Hite, Mercer & Resor, LLC

365 Canal Street, One Canal Place Suite 1701
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

Phone: (504) 566-8800
Fax: (504) 566-8828

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AIA Component Sponsorships
AIA Continuing Education (“CE”) Services Provider

Practicing A/E Law Since
2,004

Caseload Dedicated to A/E Construction Law
15%

Caseload Dedicated to E/O Defense Work
15%

Personnel
Number of attorneys on staff: 20
Number of attorneys dedicated to A/E Work: 3

Michael Rutledge is a partner at SHM&R and his primary area of practice is professional liability for architects and engineers. He regularly litigates claims ranging from small residential matters to complex commercial and public works projects. Michael also routinely assists designers in the negotiations of professional services agreements and advises clients on potential claims with the goal of avoiding litigation.

Firm Information

SHM&R is a defense firm founded with the goal of providing outstanding legal services in focused fields of practice at competitive rates. The firm has extensive experience defending architects in all stages of professional liability claims and construction matters throughout Louisiana state and federal courts, before administrative panels, and in alternative dispute resolution. Our attorneys also routinely assist clients in developing and negotiating construction contracts. SHM&R has a proven track record defending architects as demonstrated by its inclusion as litigation counsel on the panels of numerous insurers in connection with policies issued to design professionals. Our attorneys achieve consistent success in defending architects both at the pre-claim level, with the goal of claim avoidance where appropriate, as well as through trial and appeal. Cognizant of litigation risks and costs, our attorneys develop defense strategies to reduce client risk and expedite resolution — ultimately resolving the majority of cases prior to trial by fully investigating avenues for early disposition, such as by strategic motions, effective use of experts or alternative dispute resolution.