San Antonio Construction News • JUN 2022
Page 5
Women in Construction? That’s every week at Cokinos | Young
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s an active member of the construction industry, not only does Cokinos | Young annually celebrate the contributions of women during Women in Construction Week – it has literally embraced women in construction at every level of the firm in record numbers. As the largest, longest standing full-service Texas construction law firm, the firm’s commitment to advancing women is evident – three female equity partners (authors herein), 6 total female partners, and 16 female associates, 13 specializing in construction, and its diverse workplace comprises more than gender. But leading construction law firms in diversity isn’t the firm’s only mission, these lawyers regularly give back to the industry through trade association leadership and education: Each has worked with and in the industry to shape, counsel, and navigate the evolving industry of construction and has some thoughts to share: Stephanie Cook is the AGC Austin Diversity and Inclusion Chair and working with TEXO to implement a diversity and inclusion program. She is on the AGC-TBB Legal Affairs Committee as one of the first females. “The construction industry and law have long been male dominated, but I don’t have to stop being a lady or wearing my pearls, to be successful in this industry. In fact, research shows increased profits when diverse people are at the table and making decisions—and I like to be at those tables—for my firm and for my clients. The last two years were remote “tables,” Zoom/Teams, late-night calls and I was there to guide, counsel, and lead difficult decisions, including keeping Texas construction workers on the job sites. I have testified in the Texas
And, you bet I am! I am excited to serve on local and national programs to further diversify the industry.”
L-R: Stephanie Cook, Stephanie O’Rourke, and Shelly Masters
House and Senate for contractor cure rights, and now I am building the tables to lead the conversations on diversity and its narrative—in and outside my office walls and I’m just getting started. But the greatest reward is that the construction industry has become a meritocracy—regardless of race, religion, gender, or education. I’m excited to be part of the next future leaders in our firm and in the industry. I’m privileged to work with smart, professional, and passionate clients and colleagues that are [quite literally] building a better Texas for my family and yours for generations to come.” Shelly Masters is a past Chair (1 of only 5 women in this role in almost 50 years) and active Board Member of the ABC Central Texas Chapter, ABC LOGIC (Women’s Leadership), Chapter Attorney for the CTSA and Vice Chair of the national FDCC Construction Law Section and
Diversity Committee. “I remember hearing years ago that Austin was going to double in size. I knew with growth meant construction. Even though less than 10% of the national construction industry was made of women at the time, I jumped all in on my construction practice. I loved the challenge then and I love being a construction lawyer now. When times are challenging, we fiercely protect our clients’ interests in and out of court. When times are good, we help our clients proactively manage risk through contracts. I take on clients’ unsolvable problems so they can focus on what they do best – build things! That leaves me to do what I do best –litigate and resolve disputes! To the person who once asked me if I was “tough enough” to be a construction lawyer, women absolutely have the specialized skill and experience to handle any “tough” issue in their chosen field in the construction industry.
Stephanie O’ Rourke is Board Certified in Construction Law, Chair of the Texas Bar Construction Law Section, Chair of the Construction Law Foundation, recipient of the Outstanding Lawyer by the San Antonio Business Journal , Litigator of the Year 2020 by American Institute of Trial Lawyers, Ranked by Chambers USA, Executive Board of Directors of ABC South Texas Chapter, Nominating Committee for the State Bar of Texas, Board of Directors for CFMA, AGC Consulting Contractors Council of America Educational Committee for AGC, and active leader in the ABC/AGC San Antonio Chapters. “I was introduced into the construction field in 1988 and have devoted my career to the representation of contractors in every aspect of construction law from the negotiation of contracts to the resolution of claims. I was fortunate to have female mentors who are leaders in the construction industry and have shown me that women have a voice, are accepted in this industry, and can make a difference. I look forward to continuing my involvement in this industry and making a difference for my clients and the industry.” Cokinos | Young has been representing the construction industry for over 32 years. Shelly Masters and Stephanie Cook are Principals in the Austin office. They can be reached at the following addresses: Shelly Masters: smasters@cokinoslaw.com (512) 615-1139 and Stephanie Cook: scook@cokinoslaw.com (512) 476-1198. Stephanie O’Rourke is a Principal in the San Antonio office and can be reached at sorourke@cokinoslaw.com and (210) 293-8714. -cmw