Thompson Hine LLP, a national law firm known for innovation, is pleased to announce that Mike Viayra has joined its Construction practice group as a partner in its Los Angeles office.
Viayra brings almost 30 years of engineering and legal experience to assist clients with litigation and transactional matters. He represents construction and energy companies in contract and real property negotiations and disputes in California state courts, federal courts and venues (including the CBCA and ASBCA), and alternative dispute resolution forums (for example, AAA and JAMS).
“Mike is an outstanding addition to Thompson Hine, offering invaluable experience and a perfect alignment with our construction practice,” said John Conkle, Los Angeles office partner in charge. “Our clients will greatly benefit from having another seasoned construction litigator on the ground in Los Angeles. California construction operates almost as its own unique entity, and there is immense value in having someone, like Mike, deeply knowledgeable about the local laws. Mike’s unique blend of engineering expertise, military background, and in-house counsel experience at a Fortune 100 corporation equips him with a distinctive perspective to effectively address our clients’ legal needs.”
Thompson Hine is nationally recognized for its top-tier construction law practice, which offers creative solutions, tailored contracting structures, and efficient claim resolutions through mediation and collaboration. With 24 full-time attorneys handling high-profile projects across the U.S., the group advises on all phases of development and construction, from planning through project completion. To address project management needs, the firm’s wholly owned subsidiary Project Management Consultants LLC – a team of 13 design, finance, construction consulting, and management professionals – offers integrated services including owner’s representation, contract and risk management consulting, public and private financing consulting, and partnering facilitation and mediation.
Viayra expressed his excitement about joining a full-service firm with a strong reputation in the industry, emphasizing that his clients will benefit significantly from access to its other practices. “Thompson Hine is one of the very top construction practices in the country, and I know that the firm’s comprehensive range of services will enable me to provide more holistic and integrated solutions to my clients. I’m eager to leverage the firm’s resources and expertise to drive better outcomes for clients and to collaborate with my new colleagues across various disciplines.”
Thompson Hine is committed to growth in the Los Angeles market, having opened an office there last year that added experienced California litigators from Conkle, Kremer & Engel to the firm. The move expanded Thompson Hine’s geographic footprint to the West Coast and further strengthened its litigation practice by adding 25 lawyers, supporting paraprofessionals, and staff. The strategic expansion to Los Angeles underscores the firm’s commitment to providing exceptional legal services and solidifying its presence in one of the country’s most dynamic legal markets.
Viayra received his J.D. from UCLA School of Law and his B.S. from the United States Naval Academy. Before law school, he completed the U.S. Navy Nuclear Propulsion Program (Nuclear Power School and Prototype) and served in the engineering department aboard a ballistic missile submarine as part of the officer team responsible for the operation and maintenance of the nuclear reactor and all related mechanical, electrical, and chemical systems.