EUGENE (“GENE”) J. HEADY is a Partner in Smith, Currie & Hancock’s Atlanta office. Smith, Currie & Hancock is a national law firm focusing on construction law, government contracts, environmental law, and commercial litigation. Gene is also a mediator and arbitrator and is a member of the American Arbitration Association’s national Panel of Construction Arbitrators. He has over 30 years of experience as a problem solver in the construction industry. Following a successful career in the electrical construction business, Gene began practicing law in 1996. He represents and assists owners, general contractors, builders, subcontractors, suppliers, architects, engineers, designers, sureties, real estate developers, and manufacturers in avoiding and resolving disputes related to construction projects throughout the continental United States, Alaska and the Caribbean. His work involves private, local, state and federal government contracts and commercial, industrial and institutional construction projects. Gene literally grew up in the construction industry. Gene’s father was a successful NECA electrical contractor and was an early member of the Academy of Electrical Contracting. Unlike most construction attorneys, Gene has hands-on experience. Gene has worked with the tools, at the drafting table, and at the helm of a NECA member electrical contracting business. In 1981, Gene earned a B.S. degree in Engineering from the University of Hartford, majoring in Electrical Contracting (a program sponsored by NECA). Before law school, he worked in the electrical construction business as a project engineer, project manager, and business owner. Gene is a prolific writer and has published numerous works related to the construction industry and alternative dispute resolution. He is also a frequent lecturer on construction law topics.