West Mermis PLLC was honored to participate in the 38th Annual Texas Construction Law Conference, held last week in San Antonio. Widely recognized as one of the most important annual gatherings for construction law attorneys in Texas, the conference brings together leading lawyers, judges, and industry professionals to discuss emerging trends, landmark cases, and best practices impacting the construction industry.
For our team, the conference represents an opportunity not only to learn and exchange ideas, but also to reaffirm our commitment to excellence in Houston construction litigation and construction law across Texas.
As part of the conference, West Mermis was proud to host its annual Toasts & Smokes event. Over the years, this tradition has become one of the most anticipated elements of our firm’s conference experience. It provides a relaxed setting for attorneys, clients, and industry leaders to gather after a full day of programming and engage in meaningful conversations outside the formal agenda.
The value of events like these cannot be overstated. In an industry built on collaboration, trust, and problem-solving, taking time to connect on a personal level strengthens the professional ties that allow complex projects and disputes to be navigated successfully. We are grateful to everyone who joined us this year and look forward to continuing this tradition in the years ahead.
One of the most impactful sessions at this year’s conference was the panel discussion titled “The Future is Now: The Rise of AI in Construction and Construction Law.” West Mermis partner Joshua Mermis joined fellow panelists Jeff Brannen and The Honorable Jason K. Pulliam to discuss how artificial intelligence is shaping both the construction industry and the legal frameworks surrounding it.
The panelists examined how AI is transforming:
Project Management and Efficiency – By automating repetitive tasks such as contract review, data analysis, and project scheduling, AI is creating opportunities for greater accuracy and efficiency in project delivery.
Litigation Strategy – AI-assisted research and document review can streamline discovery, making construction litigation in Texas more efficient while still requiring careful oversight by attorneys.
Legal and Ethical Considerations – As with any emerging technology, AI introduces questions of accountability, transparency, and compliance. Courts, attorneys, and clients will need to adapt to new standards as AI use becomes more widespread.
This discussion underscored a key takeaway: AI is no longer a future concept—it is already here, and it is actively shaping the way construction projects are managed and how disputes are resolved. For construction law attorneys in Houston and across Texas, staying ahead of these developments is essential to providing clients with effective, forward-looking counsel.
The Texas Construction Law Conference is more than just a gathering of legal professionals—it is a platform for shaping the future of the industry. Each year, the conference facilitates dialogue on the most pressing issues in construction, from regulatory changes to emerging technologies, and provides continuing legal education to ensure attorneys remain well-equipped to serve their clients.
For West Mermis, participation in the conference reflects our firm’s commitment to:
Thought Leadership – Contributing to discussions on cutting-edge topics such as AI in construction law.
Collaboration – Strengthening relationships with judges, attorneys, and industry professionals who share our focus on advancing the practice of construction law in Texas.
Client Service – Bringing back new insights that allow us to deliver innovative strategies and practical solutions to the complex challenges our clients face.
We extend our gratitude to the conference organizers, fellow participants, and everyone who joined us at Toasts & Smokes. The 38th Annual Texas Construction Law Conference reinforced the importance of adaptability, innovation, and collaboration in a rapidly evolving industry.
At West Mermis, we remain dedicated to staying at the forefront of trends shaping construction litigation in Houston and throughout Texas. Whether through active participation in conferences, thought leadership on emerging issues, or steadfast advocacy for our clients, we are committed to delivering excellence in every aspect of our work.
We look forward to building on the insights gained this year and to continuing our role as trusted advisors in all matters of construction law in Texas.
