Antonino Leone’s practice includes construction litigation, contract drafting and negotiation. Tony regularly represents and counsels construction industry clients in all aspects of construction ranging from contract drafting and negotiation to contract close out and claims resolution. He also regularly represents and counsels clients in diverse business and commercial matters including corporate formation and financing, contract drafting and negotiation, and employment issues. Prior to becoming an attorney, Tony worked as a licensed professional structural engineer.
How did you get involved in or what led you to this area of law?
Construction is in my genetic makeup. I’m a descendant of multiple generations of stone masons from Italy, including my father. He motivated me to become an engineer, which is where I started my career in the construction industry. As an engineer, I was responsible for the design and analysis of structural systems and components, and the preparation of contract plans and specifications. It wasn’t long before I discovered that I enjoyed resolving complex contract issues more than crunching numbers, which is what led me to a career in law. I still maintain my engineering license and keep up with current trends in engineering and construction practices. This has been a valuable resource in my law practice.
What is your favorite part about your work/practice area?
I most enjoy helping our clients achieve their goals. An important part in helping clients is listening and understanding their goals. Given my background and experience, I can speak the language of construction, which is an important component in appreciating the client’s needs. Understanding the client allows me to focus on what the client truly wants and to achieve their goals.
What are the prominent trends in your industry right now?
Risk allocation down the construction chain has been and continues to be the trend in our industry. Many states including the State of Connecticut are shifting away from the General Contractor procurement method, which provides for the contractor to self-perform work, to construction manager and design build procurement methods which provide for the work to be performed by subcontractors. The result has been to shift construction risks away from the states onto the contractors. This is particularly troubling in Connecticut, which is somewhat unique in that it does not allow contractors to pass along claims made by their subcontractors and suppliers to the state. By shifting away from the general contractor procurement, the state further shields itself from potential liability. This has resulted in contractors allocating that risk down the chain to subcontractors and suppliers. It is important for clients who perform public construction projects to understand these risks.
How do you spend your time outside of the firm? How does it make you a better attorney?
I spend as much time as I can with my family. By nature, litigation is adversarial. I believe it’s important to balance that adversarial aspect of my life by spending as much time as possible with those I love the most. I bring this balance to my practice, which allows me to appreciate and understand that despite the adversarial nature of litigation, there are times when the client is best served by resolving disputes amicably by reaching a middle ground.
One thing your colleagues or clients might not know about you?
English is not my first language. I was born in Italy and moved to the US when I was four years old. My parents spoke Italian during my childhood, and learned English primarily through me and my siblings. Now that I have a family of my own, my children are learning Italian from my parents.
Favorite podcast/show/book?
“Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand. I occasionally reread various passages for inspiration. It reminds me of what we as humans are capable of achieving.
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