Jim’s 40-year career as a constructor has spanned a broad range of sectors including heavy civil/marine, commercial, industrial, and residential projects.
James R. Omundson, PE
Construction Expert
Journeyman-level skills in carpentry, structural concrete--and cleanup!
Degreed Civil Engineer (Structural Emphasis), Oregon State, 1981
Registered Professional Engineer (California) 1985 to present
7 years Heavy Civil/Marine construction at Morrison-Knudsen Co., then a force in the world market
20 years Owner/operator of General Contracting firm, performing Commercial, Industrial, Civil, and Residential projects, often design/build
13 years Consulting in Construction Disputes and Project Management, including 2013 to present. Principal overseeing Construction Claims at PBI, 2014-2016; independent consultancy as Construction Expert, thereafter
A full CV will be provided upon request.
Ask Jim:
What’s to love about construction disputes work?
Learning the nuances of a client’s business and understanding the dispute at hand
Finding valuable facts in document review and discussion with key personnel
In preparing reports and claims, giving great care to the words as well as the numbers. Meeting the challenge to express complex matters in a clear, reasoned, interesting way that’s readily understandable to the audience
Hitting the “send” button when a strong report is completed
Applying seasoned negotiating skills to achieve best results; starting with the upper hand due to sound basis and excellent preparation
Practicing peacemaking aspects, from time to time; defusing the other side’s resistance with a calm, reasoned approach
Maintaining credibility and good rapport--as well as a very high success rate--with leading mediators and arbitrators
Encouraging and standing alongside clients as they maneuver through the demanding disputes resolution processes for the first time
Explaining the steps ahead
Strategizing with the client and legal team on most effective ways to make the case; if settlement fails, the intensity, long days, and myriad details of arbitration or trial
Providing calm, confident, credible, and persuasive expert testimony
Under cross-examination, answering a tricky question shrewdly…so it’s a net gain for the cause
Watching unjust assertions against my clients go down in flames
When working with new clients, surprising them with my level of effort, assistance, and attention to detail. Exceeding their expectations for an expert
Celebrating good results with clients!
Golf tournaments
Heritage Feature
Jim's granddad John Omundson, here hat in hand, was a fine shipwright at Astoria Marine Construction Company. In World War II, the yard's 400-person crew was tasked with turning out one 137-ft wooden minesweeper per month; John was responsible for all aspects of hull construction.