Lecturer Bios
Michael F. McKenna, Esq.
Mr. McKenna graduated with an Engineering Degree from Manhattan College. After working as a Design Engineer and a Project Manager for a large construction company, he has spent the last 40 plus years as a construction lawyer with a national and international practice. He has done several hundred Mediations, Trial (jury and non-jury) and Arbitrations.
He has taught about 200 seminars and webinars on the topic of construction law, and has been a Guest Lecturer at many colleges and law schools, including at Harvard Law School. He has been recognized with many awards and is one of the few construction lawyers that is a Member of The Moles, the preeminent heavy construction organization in the United States.
Timothy R. Ryan, Esq.
Tim counsels general contractors, subcontractors, construction managers and design professionals on a wide range of construction matters, with a focus on resolving disputes related to public infrastructure projects and transportation work. He represents clients in complex litigation in New Jersey and New York’s state and federal courts and regularly advises on contract performance, project delays, design and engineering issues, and payment disputes.
Tim’s practice includes both prosecuting and defending claims involving breach of contract, defective work and project scope changes. He is skilled at navigating claims on public contracts, including those involving state agencies, and frequently advises clients on regulatory compliance and risk mitigation strategies. Through his advocacy in high-stakes matters, Tim has helped shape the legal landscape affecting New Jersey’s construction industry. Known for his steady approach and attention to detail, he helps clients evaluate their position early in a dispute and develop a litigation or negotiation strategy aligned with their business goals.
Promoted to partner in 2024, Tim has become a go-to resource for construction clients seeking practical, solutions-oriented counsel. He also mentors younger attorneys through the firm’s summer associate program and remains actively involved in the broader construction community through his participation in key industry organizations.
Before joining Cohen Seglias, Tim was an associate at a prominent national firm where he defended design professionals in professional liability claims. He also completed a fellowship with the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General – Financial Crimes Unit, where he investigated and prosecuted white collar crimes.
