About Me & Contact Info

More than You Ever Wanted to Know About Me…

Melissa Dewey BrumbackHi!  My name is Melissa Dewey Brumback, and I am  a partner at Ragsdale Liggett PLLC, a law firm in Raleigh, North Carolina.   I chose the legal profession quite simply because I love to argue debate.  Seriously.   After losing one too many debates with me in my younger years, my dad told me I should become a lawyer.  Voila!  Here I am.

I believe that design professionals perform an important role in our Society, but they often get the short end of the stick when a problem arises on a project.  Owners and contractors are quick to point the finger at the architect or engineer when something–anything–goes wrong.  Don’t get me wrong– sometimes a designer does screw up, and needs to compensate for it.  However, often the architect or engineer is brought into a lawsuit simply for his/her “deep pocket”  [insert chuckle here] ability to pay.  That’s not right, and it’s not fair.  I view my job as standing up for professionals, fighting the legal battles for them, so that they can go back to doing what they do best.  Which is not, hopefully, arguing.  That’s my job.

Who do I represent?

My clients include multi-national engineering companies, regional architecture firms, state-wide design practices, and one man shops. Working together, we can keep your risks low, your costs manageable, and your focus on the design work you love—not on lawsuits and the courthouse.

Note:  I do not currently accept homeowner (residential) clients. 

Why should you contact me?

If you are a construction industry professional who needs a contract drawn up, have questions about a project that might be headed to court, or are looking for help in reducing your risk of future litigation, you’ve come to the right place.  My number one goal is to help clients avoid court. That starts with having good procedures in place, properly reviewed & negotiated contracts, and good documentation before you even begin the cocktail napkin sketch for a client.

 Want to read some of my most popular posts?

General Risk Avoidance Tips

Liability Issues

Timeliness of Claims

Want more traditional bio information?  Okay, here you go:

I am an AV-rated partner in Ragsdale Liggett’s litigation department, concentrating on complex commercial, business and construction litigation. Most of my work consists of representing architects and engineers in construction-related claims, including construction administration and management, plan defects, testing failure claims and delay claims.

I have represented design professionals in State and Federal courts as well as in binding arbitration.  My practice includes the defense of all sizes of claims, from residential homeowner cases to private commercial construction to multi-prime public construction projects.

I am admitted to practice in all State and Federal Courts in North Carolina, as well as the 4th Circuit and the United States Supreme Court.  In addition to construction cases, I also handle commercial litigation, business disputes, medical malpractice defense, product liability defense, and director & officer liability.   Finally, I head the creditor’s rights/collections practice group at Ragsdale Liggett.

Click here for my Official Firm Profile.

Contact Details:

Melissa Brumback@ Ragsdale Liggett, 2840 Plaza Place, Suite 400, Raleigh, NC 27612

Direct Dial:  919/881-2214    Email:  mbrumback (at) rl-law (dot) com    Twitter: @MelissaBrumback

 Guest Post Policy
 
To download a free white paper on the 7 Critical Mistakes that Engineers & Architects make During Project Negotiation and Execution that Sabotage their Projects & Invite Litigation, fill out the form on the right hand side of this page.

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Legal Disclaimer and Note  [I am, after all, a lawyer!]:   I welcome your feedback, thoughts, questions, and suggestions.  If you are interested in legal representation, let me know and we can discuss whether or not I will be able to help you.  I look forward to hearing from you.  Remember, however, you are not a client just because you contact me. We’ll both need  to see if I’m the right lawyer for your needs. [Plus, clients generally pay me!]