Metals, plastics, composites, and other engineering materials shape the modern-day world in which we live. From the steel used to build awe-inspiring skyscrapers and concrete supporting major infrastructure works, down to the elements that enable consumer electronics and nanotechnologies, we rely on materials in all ways big and small. While these materials shape the world around us, in some instances, performance is not always as expected. Secretariat’s engineers and scientists are experts at understanding how and why these devices, components, and structures fail or do not perform.
Our recognized industry experts conduct a diverse range of engineering investigations and engagements, including failure analysis, product design and development, regulatory inquiries, construction defects, construction quality assessments, and dispute resolution. Often these investigations involve determining why a material failed, analyzing how an incident occurred, and identifying root causes such as human error, design or manufacturing defects, inadequate material specifications, or issues with process implementation. Further, our experts are regularly engaged to analyze whether large industrial systems under construction or recently constructed are meeting the technical requirements of the contract, codes, standards, or regulations for the locale.
Our specialists bring extensive expertise across all industries, including automotive, consumer electronics, consumer products, construction, oil & gas, power generation, chemical processing, medical devices, intellectual property and utilities.
While our engineering and scientific experts are distinguished for conducting exceptionally technical analyses, we also integrate accounting and valuation expertise to analyze the financial ramifications of the resultant damages. This unique combination of disparate skills on both the engineering and financial aspects of litigation allows Secretariat to provide a unique value proposition with an integrated team and approach not found at other professional services firms.
Rely on our expert analysis to understand the complete landscape of the challenge at hand. Our diverse teams specialize in thorough investigations and leverage advanced modeling and testing methods to answer the questions behind why and how materials, components, and systems fail.
We help clients navigate challenging disputes with unbiased, science-backed insights and analysis. We deliver candid, evidence-based assessments to ensure facts are clear and complex technical information is presented in terms judges, arbitrators, juries, and other stakeholders trust and understand. Our experts are well-equipped to conduct an initial field-based approach to understanding the failure all the way through to expert testimony by maintaining our independent, evidence-based approach.
Quantifying and substantiating the financial impact of a disaster demands a unique blend of forensic, scientific, and financial expertise. Our experienced economic damages professionals integrate accounting and valuation experience with extensive industry knowledge to accurately and confidently assess losses. With a proven track record across hundreds of assignments spanning various industries and jurisdictions, our experts are frequently called upon to deliver authoritative expert reports and provide testimony in arbitrations, mediations, and litigation.
Large-scale construction and commercial projects often face delays and disruptions caused by various factors, such as stakeholder disagreements or issues with the quality and reliability of construction materials. Each delay can significantly escalate costs and spark disputes. Identifying the root causes requires a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics involved. Our team of engineers, project managers, architects, scheduling experts, and accountants leverage decades of collective experience to thoroughly analyze the sources of construction delays. We have provided expert services for delay and disruption claims across diverse sectors, including building, industrial, infrastructure, oil and gas, and power and utility projects globally.
Secretariat Experts Contribute to “2024 Annual Review of Antitrust Law Developments”
Secretariat team members Stuart Gurrea, Jéssica Dutra, Wei Tan, Pablo Varas, and Noah Case have contributed to “Chapter I — Restraints of Trade” in the recently published “2024 Annual Review of Antitrust Law Developments” from the ABA Antitrust Law Section. Michael Koenig contributed to “Chapter VIII — Civil Government Enforcement”.
Norman Harrison Named as 2025 Top Consultant by Consulting Magazine
Secretariat is proud to celebrate Norman Harrison’s recognition as a 2025 Top Consultant for Excellence in Regulation and Compliance by Consulting Magazine. This prestigious honor highlights his exceptional contributions to the consulting profession, particularly in helping clients navigate complex regulatory landscapes and ensuing investigations and disputes, as well as resolve compliance issues in highly regulated industries.
Paris Arbitration Week 2025 Recap
Secretariat was a proud supporting partner of Paris Arbitration Week (PAW) 2025. The event, which took place from April 7 to 11, brought together more than 10,000 arbitration practitioners from 135 countries. We were thrilled to participate in dynamic discussions, host insightful panels, and share our passion and expertise with the international arbitration community.