Richard Kalson

Member

With 25 years of experience in construction law, Richard is highly sought after by contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and project owners in litigation and business consultation matters on all phases of the construction process on projects throughout the United States.

From vital infrastructure like bridges and airports to complex undertakings such as petrochemical plants and medical centers, Richard has successfully handled disputes involving highways, schools, retail complexes, warehouses, commercial buildings, hotels, residential developments, ice skating rinks, prisons, government buildings, and beyond.

Richard is also a frequent speaker and author on construction law topics such as construction contracts, construction safety, risk management and mitigation, recent developments in construction law, issues surrounding employment and subcontracting, and more.

Before joining Cozen O'Connor, Richard was a partner in the construction and infrastructure groups of an Am Law 200 business law firm. Before that, he was partner and head of the Construction and Land Use practice group of a regional law firm headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA. Richard earned his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School and his B.A., with honors, from the University of Wisconsin.

News

Best Lawyers Honors More Than 200 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys in its Best Lawyers in America 2025 Edition

August 15, 2024

Best Lawyers selected 242 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 24 of the firm’s U.S. offices for inclusion in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America.

Cozen O’Connor Picks Litigator Richard D. Kalson to Grow its Construction Law Practice in New York City

January 02, 2024

Kalson — whose background includes counseling and representing many of the country’s leading contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and project owners — joins the firm as a member.

Cozen O'Connor Builds Construction Group With NY Partner

January 02, 2024

Richard Kalson was featured in a Law360 article that discusses his move to Cozen O’Connor.

Practice Areas

Education

  • University of Minnesota Law School, J.D., 1993
  • University of Wisconsin, B.A., with honors, 1990

Awards & Honors

Association of Drilled Shaft Contractors President's Award Winner, 2016 and 2020

Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, 2019

Best Lawyers in America, Commercial Litigation; Construction Law; and Litigation - Construction, 2022-2025

  • New York
  • Pennsylvania

The Foundation and Marine Contractors Association of New England

Association of Drilled Shaft Contractors, Board Member

Association of Drilled Shaft Contractors, Governance Committee Chair

Pile Driving Contractors Association, Contracts and Risk Committee Chair

Deep Foundations Institute, Risk Committee Vice-Chair

Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium Board of Trustees, Former Chair

University of Wisconsin Department of History, Board of Visitors Chair

Temple Sinai Board of Trustees, Former President

University of Minnesota Law School Graduate to Alumni Partnership Program