Standing in the hall of fame

By Adams and Reese, LLP. 

Trent Cotney is a leader in the roofing world not only for his legal expertise, but also for his dedication to helping people. 

Trent Cotney, who is Adams and Reese Construction Team’s co-leader and partner was just honored by Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA) with an induction into their Hall of Fame. Trent, who got his B.S. and J.D. from Vanderbilt University, is a board-certified construction lawyer who focuses his practice on all construction litigation and arbitration. His nearly 25 years of work have made him an expert in things such as OSHA defense, lien law, bond law, bid protests and construction document review and drafting. He is one of the leading attorneys in his field of practice and has published more than 1,000 articles in 100 different local, regional and national publications.  

Trent’s induction to WSRCA’s Hall of Fame was announced during a special ceremony held this week at the 2024 Western Roofing Expo. “Western States really means a lot to me,” said Trent. “From the first time I started coming to these expos many years ago I’ve been welcomed. And everyone here... we fight for the industry, and that’s what is important to me.” 

In addition to his work through Adams and Reese, Trent serves as WSRCA General Counsel, and as GC for more than a dozen trade associations and organizations, including the National Roofing Contractors Association, Florida Roofing & Sheet Metal Association, National Slate Association, Roofing Technology Think Tank and several other industry associations. 

WSRCA officials said awarding Trent with the group’s highest honor for his legal and strategic support over the years was a “no-brainer.” They added that he was even more deserving for his willingness to help, regardless of circumstances and staunch commitment to protect the roofing industry wherever possible. Outgoing WSRCA President Mike Wakerling compared Trent’s attitude to that of a “mama bear” protecting its cubs with unparalleled strength. “Anyone involved with Western States can tell you how important his contributions have been to our success,” Mike said. “It’s also a rare thing in life to meet an individual that not only makes a difference on a professional level, but on a personal level too. He really cares about us.” 

At Adams and Reese, Trent is a leading member of one of the largest construction practices in the country with a roster of more than 90 attorneys serving the construction industry. Working out of the Tampa, Florida office, Trent represents construction and infrastructure clients, including GCs, subcontractors, suppliers, manufacturers, architects, engineers, roofers, developers and other professionals. He is a board-certified construction lawyer licensed in eight states and Washington, DC. Trent is also an EU arbitrator for construction-related disputes. He is experienced in construction litigation and arbitration, including OSHA defense, lien law, bond law, bid protests and construction document review and drafting. 

Trent is ranked among the top construction attorneys in Florida by Chambers USA and ranked by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers in Florida, Texas, Mid-South and Illinois. 

Original article and photo source: Adams and Reese, LLP