JERICHO, N.Y. — J.S. Held, a global consulting firm, acquired Benchmark Consulting Services LLC. Benchmark provides expertise on construction matters throughout the Western U.S. The firm is recognized as a trusted partner in areas of contract surety, construction defect litigation, construction monitoring and disbursement control, construction claims, and construction litigation support.

Founded in 2000, Benchmark has assisted numerous sureties throughout the United States in analyzing risk and limiting exposure. The team has a unique combination of construction industry expertise and legal experience that includes pre-bonding contractor analysis, early exposure analysis, post-default investigations, payment bond claim review, risk management/project support, litigation support, and mediation.

“With the addition of Benchmark’s experts and expertise, we have strengthened our ability to assist clients in minimizing financial risk on construction projects, especially for those on the West Coast,” said John Lovett, executive vice president - Surety Practice for J.S. Held. “This partnership supplements our world-class team of engineers, architects, delay and disruption analysts, contract administrators, estimators, and construction professionals who support sureties and their counsel.”

With a presence in California, Nevada, and Arizona, Benchmark will join the J.S. Held team of more than 800 consultants around the globe and strengthen the firm’s ability to provide local resources throughout the U.S. Existing Benchmark clients will now have access to J.S. Held’s suite of specialized services, including forensic accounting; construction estimating; project and program management; construction scheduling and planning; forensic architecture and engineering; and environmental, health, and safety services.

“For more than 19 years, our firm has supported clients’ on construction-related claims and disputes,” said Mike Tomeo, partner at Benchmark Consulting Services. “By joining J.S. Held, we are gaining additional resources and expertise that will bring substantial benefit to our clients.”  

For more information, visit www.jsheld.com.