Industry Leaders. The law firm of Ernstrom & Dreste is a construction and surety law practice. Our experience and in-depth knowledge of construction and surety law is recognized nationally and enables us to serve clients not only across the country, but also around the world. We are more than just a law firm and know what motivates our clients.  As leading legal experts in construction and surety law, we are a team of accomplished professionals who understand the nature of both industries and the forces that shape those industries.  We go the extra mile to make sure our clients are satisfied with the legal service we provide.  Our understanding of construction helps us better serve our surety clients. Our understanding of surety issues helps us better serve our construction clients.

Relationships. It's not just what we know but who we know. We have forged unique relationships with contractors, sureties, owners, and insurance and risk allocation professionals around the country. These relationships are as much a resource to our clients as is our understanding of construction and surety law. When we do not have the answer or information for a client, we probably know who in the industry does. We can bring together people with common interests and goals to build new, enriching relationships.

"Ernstrom & Dreste is a totally unique professional service firm in the construction and surety industries. They guide their clients through transactions from beginning to end to ensure that the parties' expectations and obligations are clear. But more than that, they are an invaluable resource to contractors as a result of the wealth of information they have concerning the industry as a whole. We have used them to forge new very beneficial relationships with sureties, owners and other industry resources so important for our company's continued growth and prosperity."

Paul J. Hoffman
Chairman
Hoffman Corporation
Appleton, Wisconsin

"Ernstrom & Dreste is an important advisor to our company when we have major claims or underwriting issues. They have the ability to help resolve or mitigate potential claims. In addition, they are a valued link to other members of the industry as a result of the broad relationships they have developed over the last 25 years. They understand the forces that shape the construction and surety industries. Through their expertise and relationships they play an important role in shaping the industry and assisting their clients in a very unique and effective manner."

Terry F. Lukow
Senior Vice President
Market Segment, Bond
Travelers Insurance, A member of Citigroup
Hartford, Connecticut

On the Cutting Edge. As new issues and challenges arise for the construction and surety industries, we are there ahead of the crowd. Whether the issue is contract documents or new surety and insurance products, we have been and continue to be at the forefront.

"Ernstrom & Dreste, with its sophisticated expertise on an industry relationship and a substantive level, helped us create a cutting edge 'Subcontractor Master Surety Program' to deal with subcontractor default for the $2.5 billion Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Capital Development Plan. In the process, they proved to me why they are generally regarded as the national experts in the construction and surety industries, particularly in the areas of subcontractor default insurance and surety products. Other people talk about it but E&D does it: they are truly a great 24/7/365 professional services resource for their clients."

Steve Warnick
Vice President, Risk Management
Austin Commercial
Dallas, Texas

Business Advisors. We work with our clients to better structure transactions, to draft better contract documents, and to identify the risks to be managed to avoid the conflicts that can lead to litigation. We work to guide our clients through the complex issues and risk allocation considerations presented by construction, from what project delivery system to use to what surety and insurance products to purchase. Advocates of Alternative Dispute Resolution. We are tireless advocates of alternative dispute resolution methods. We understand that our clients want to avoid claims and resolve them quickly when they do occur.

"Ernstrom & Dreste understands litigation is not the only answer. They are very knowledgeable and experienced in alternative dispute resolution techniques used in the construction industry. We have found their early involvement results in successful, cost-effective avoidance, mitigation and resolution of claims."

Thomas F. Judson
President
The Pike Company
Rochester, New York

Litigators. When alternative dispute resolution does not work, we bring a "kick down the door" philosophy to litigation. We are tough and professional. That approach coupled with our success-oriented leadership helps us get results.

Educators.We are not only lawyers but also teachers. We regularly provide instruction to our clients, industry groups and associations on a wide-range of construction and surety issues, from risk allocation and contract documents to subcontractor default insurance and surety products.

"We have used Ernstrom & Dreste to do in-house seminars for our surety department, both underwriting and claims. We choose them because of their sophisticated experience with the legal issues impacting the surety and construction industries and also because of their in-depth knowledge of the current issues and mega trends in the construction and surety industries. Their broad knowledge and experience helps us in anticipating problems and avoiding losses."

Tim Mikolajewski
Director of Surety
Safeco Insurance Companies
Redmond, Washington

"The International Risk Management Institute frequently seeks out Ernstrom & Dreste to write and speak on construction risk issues. Bill Ernstrom's demonstrated expertise and knowledge in construction has made him a popular speaker at the IRMI Construction Risk Conference."

Ann Hickman, ARM
Senior Research Analyst
International Risk Management Institute, Inc.
Dallas, Texas

Team Approach. Our clients' success is our success. We are members of our clients' team, and they are a part of ours. We have a firm-wide commitment to understanding our clients' needs and expectations, and we work every day to exceed those expectations. We are available around the clock, all year long, for immediate answers or long-term projects.

"Ernstrom & Dreste's team approach means they understand our expectations. They are always available for immediate or long-term projects. They are aggressive in their representation of our interests. They obtain great results for us, communicate well and are extremely sensitive to costs issues."

Chuck Lill
President
Frank Lill & Son
Rochester, New York

"Ernstrom & Dreste are a valuable part of our bond claim team. They meet and exceed our expectations in handling claims. We use them not only in handling and defending claims but also in mitigating and preventing losses. Their national involvement in construction and surety issues assists our team in better understanding current and future trends in our industry."

James Carpenter
Vice President-Claims
NAS Surety Group
Itasca, Illinois

Talented People. We bring our own personality and style to our work. We are not a law firm of "blue suits". We are hard working, pro-active and responsive. We also believe our work should be satisfying and enjoyable. 

"What has always impressed me are the talented people who make up Ernstrom & Dreste. The quality and depth of their involvement in the industry as well as their energy, enthusiasm, knowledge and skill level are unmatched and make them an invaluable resource to me."

Steven G. Mollenhauer, Esq.
Regional Manager
Cashin Spinelli & Ferretti, LLC
Lincolnshire, IL