December 9, 2024
Neil Gaudion provided an expert report and testimony on behalf of Five Star Resort Owner, LLC, in construction dispute litigation surrounding a $2 billion Ritz-Carlton Hotel development. The jury awarded $2 million, plus interest, an amount determined from Mr. Gaudion’s testimony.
In 2021, Scottsdale-based Five Star Resort Owner LLC (“Five Star”) selected PWI Construction Inc. (“PWI”), a Las Vegas-based general contractor, to lead the construction of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Villas, a luxurious project in Paradise Valley with an estimated value of $2 billion. However, in August and September 2021, PWI terminated its contracts with Five Star and filed $7 million in liens, alleging missed payments, lost profits, and other damages. Five Star subsequently filed suit for breach of contract against PWI.
Neil Gaudion, Managing Director at Secretariat, was retained by Stein Ray LLP on behalf of Five Star to provide expert analysis and testimony regarding construction damages. He quantified Five Star’s additional costs incurred due to PWI, reviewed PWI’s unpaid invoices and supporting records, then opined on the amounts owed to PWI.
Mr. Gaudion provided testimony and was cross-examined in a two-week jury trial in Phoenix, Arizona in October 2024. The jury agreed with Mr. Gaudion’s testimony, awarding Five Star the full amount Neil Gaudion calculated—$2 million, plus interest—and rejecting the vast majority of PWI’s counterclaims.
Secretariat Secures No. 1 Spot on Lexology Index’s Arbitration 2025 Report
We are proud to announce that Secretariat has earned the position of No. 1, top-ranked Consulting Expert Firm in the Lexology Index Arbitration 2025 report. The report features firms and experts who have distinguished themselves as industry leaders based on their independence, sharp testifying skills, clear communications, and meticulous analytical insights.
Eric Poer, CPA, a globally recognized securities, accounting, valuation, and regulatory enforcement expert, was retained by Orrick, Herrington, and Sutcliffe LLP to provide expert and summary witness testimony in defense of Apple Inc., CEO Timothy Cook, and CFO Luca Maestri in a high-stakes securities class action dispute.
Dr. Stuart Gurrea provided trial testimony that contributed to the United States Naval Academy’s victory in Baltimore Federal District Court upholding the Academy’s consideration of race and ethnicity in its admissions process.