P. Thomas Gard
Spartan Litigation Experts
We make complex construction issues plain and simple for juries and the court.
About Me
P. Thomas Gard
Located in Northern Virginia, we have access nationwide through Dulles International Airport. We don’t charge fees while traveling unless working. I have provided construction services to homeowners on their residences to renovation of the Cannon Federal Office Building on Capitol Hill ($504 Million dollars). While in the Corps of Engineers, I was an Area Engineer at home and abroad building entire bases in Korea and The Sultanate of Oman. At the Cannon Federal Office Building, in the 21st century, I negotiated the design contract from over $60 million to $47 million without a loss of a major design feature. As a key member of renovation contract, I was a lead negotiator of the construction contract of over $500 million.
Why Us?
I have been an adjunct professor for George Washington University teaching graduate level courses in project and program management, as well as government contracts. At one point, I had seventeen classes in my repertoire. At that time, I was a Project Managment Professional for The Project Management Institute. As such, I had in-depth knowledge of the FAR, procurement manuals for the Corps of Engineers, the Department of Transportation and several other agencies. For one client, he was thrilled with my performance and gave me a $10,000 bonus. While not common, I indicative of how I can convince juries and obtain the verdict desired by my client. The primary issue about my practice in the wide breadth of experience and knowledge that allows me to operate like a multi-engineer-attorney firm with the flexibility of a solo practitioner .
Process For Our Services
When I have enough data to determine how many hours may be needed for my services I will offer the client an estimate of fees. Upon signing a retainer letter, I review and research all of the case history, photographs, and litigation documents to gain a thorough understanding of the matter and the personalities involved. A site visit is normally in order at this point to take illustrative photos and question on site personal. Once the site visit in concluded, I draft a preliminary expert witness report and have a detailed discussion with counsel to determine strategy, additional research that may be necessary, and organize exhibits for the deposition. Next, I review my deposition with counsel to determine if more research is needed. The final expert report is prepared. If not, I wait for a week before trial, and refresh my memory on the details of my expected testimony. At one to two days, before trial I meet with counsel and prepare for testimony. Then, the trial follows.
How is Business Conducted?
I conduct business thoroughly and rapidly. I begin with a client intake interview at no cost to the client. Upon being retained, I look at opposing counsel and the experts to see who I am facing. Next, I seek a data transmittal of the complaint, answer, interrogatories, contract(s), depositions, and pertinent correspondence with which I do a deep dive into the case. I identify missing documents and request these of the client. I then gather texts, relevant legal documents, and additional reports government resources. This is the point at which a site visit with photos is in order. Then, I draft a preliminary report for the client to peruse and give direction to me. Depositions follow. Litigation follows. If I have not met the client attorney yet, I will normally meet a day before depositions and litigation to develop rapport and come up to the latest developments in the case.