Jesse J. Blyth

Jesse J. Blyth is a Partner in the Boston office of GRSM and is a member of the Commercial Litigation and Construction practice groups. He has extensive experience handling complex matters in all stages of litigation, including first chair counsel on jury and bench trials, depositions, written discovery, law and motion, expert retention and development, expert depositions, trial preparation, and trial practice through verdict and judgment, and has participated in numerous mediations and arbitrations.

He has served as lead litigation counsel in numerous complex multi-party lawsuits in both state and federal courts in a wide range of complex commercial and corporate actions involving claims for fraud, breach of contract, unfair business practices, professional negligence, negligent misrepresentation, and breach of fiduciary duties in disputes involving business entities and corporate officers. He has extensive experience providing strategic business representation, including risk management counseling and contract review and drafting, in matters focusing on commercial matters, construction disputes, and professional malpractice.

Jesse also represents property owners in complex premises liability claims, including actions involving alleged negligent hiring, training and supervision, and defective or hazardous conditions. He has extensive experience in the transportation industry with concentrations in trucking claims involving catastrophic injury and property damage litigation.

Jesse's practice also includes all facets of construction law arising out of public and private projects. He has extensive experience representing and advising design professionals, contractors, and subcontractors on a wide variety of construction matters, including residential, commercial, multi-prime, and significant public construction projects throughout the state. Jesse also provides loss-prevention guidance and advice to clients during a project to prevent the later filing of a construction claim.

He is particularly experienced in economically managing complex liability cases, preparing aggressive and cost effective strategies for resolution, and in selecting the proper experts to assist in preparing the defense of his professional clients in all nature of disputes. This experience extends not only to jury trials, but also to arbitrations, mediations, and all venues of alternative dispute mechanisms.

Jesse graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with a degree in Sociology, cum laude. He received his Juris Doctorate from the University of San Diego, with a focus on commercial and construction law. He is an active, practicing member in state and federal courts and in professional organizations throughout the state.

Admissions

• Massachusetts
• California
• North Carolina
• U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts
• U.S. District Court, Southern and Central Districts of California

Representative Experience

• Represents architects and engineers in response to errors and omissions claims by homeowners, general contractors, government entities, and subcontractors.
• Advises design professionals during project construction and administration phases concerning change order processing, value engineering, delay claims, pay application issues, and budget standards.
• Defends design professionals in a host of construction defect claims, including water intrusion, structural failure, soil remediation, site changes, and cost overruns.
• Counsels clients on revisions and modifications to project specifications and bid contracts.
• Drafts and reviews contracts on behalf of design professionals and contractors, including design-build contracts, professional service agreements, partnership agreements, value-engineering contracts, and development agreements.
• Initiates construction liens and engages in lien prosecution to protect the interests of design, contractor, and subcontractor clients.
• Representative projects include residential and commercial construction, multi-use facilities, condominiums, water and wastewater treatment plants, convention centers, military facilities, hotels, schools, jails, hospitals, and churches.
• Extensive experience with the rules, regulations, and statutes that control the manufacturing and distribution of products, as well as integrating those products into component systems. These cases include allegations for design and manufacturing defects in all aspects of products including machinery, sporting goods, construction materials, boats, toys, recreational equipment, foods, and beverages. Mr. Blyth has also defended his clients in toxic tort and asbestos-exposure litigation.
• Successfully represents individuals, restaurants, retailers, and corporate entities in various claims arising out of alleged physical defects or conditions of premises, including failure to warn, falling objects, third-party assaults, and failure to repair.

Education

J.D., University of San Diego School of Law, 1996

B.A., cum laude, Sociology, University of California, Santa Barbara, 1992

What do you enjoy most about your practice?

I enjoy the wonderful variety of clients and interests that I am asked to represent.  Every claim presents a unique issue to address and remedy.  No two cases are alike and every matter requires a fresh approach to properly assess liability and for the preparation of an effective proactive strategy.

What is the secret to obtaining successful trial results?

Simplifying complex theories for the jury and earning credibility with everyone in the courtroom.  It is supremely important to keep the jury engaged by presenting the facts and issues in a clear and concise manner.  Preparation will trump gamesmanship every time.

What are your favorite pastimes when you are not practicing law?

Enjoying time with family and friends; playing tennis; surfing; traveling.