Copyright International Business Times
Kearney & O'Banion marks 45 years of expertise in construction and litigation with father-son leadership. The story of Kearney & O'Banion has now become affiliated with Kearney and Son Inc., which handles the litigation part of the business. "I started out restoring 19th-century homes while putting myself through art school," says Kevin Kearney, father, founder, and owner of the California-based construction and litigation consultancy. "I have always seen craftsmanship as both an art and a science." Three decades later, that same philosophy continues to define the company's work. What began as a small construction business in the 1980s eventually evolved into a trusted name in construction defect litigation and expert witness consulting. "I was asked to estimate the cost to reconstruct a building after an earthquake," Kearney says. "That project went to trial, we won, and it changed the course of my career." Since then, Kearney has applied his hands-on construction experience to the complexities of legal disputes, guiding clients through investigations, depositions, mediations, and trials. The firm, based in Petaluma, California, now focuses primarily on plaintiff work, about 70% of its caseload, with the remaining 30% dedicated to defense work. According to Kearney, in 2009, when many firms were struggling to stay afloat during the global financial crisis, his consulting work surged. "It grew overnight," he says. "We didn't change the services we offer, but the need for our trusted expertise simply tripled." That expertise is now carried forward by his son, Connor Kearney, who joined the company in 2021 and has helped the firm expand significantly. Connor's background in mechanical engineering and his years spent conducting building envelope investigations have benefited the company's sales and expertise. "Connor has increased our sales and strengthened our investigative capabilities," says Kearney. "People respond to the fact that we are a father-and-son team. It gives clients confidence that there's both experience and innovation at the table." Connor's role extends beyond management; he writes the detailed testing protocols that guide the firm's investigations. These protocols outline how experts assess construction defects in complex properties, ensuring accuracy and transparency. "Each investigation requires precision," says Connor. "Every test we conduct must be documented and verifiable so both sides can trust the results." According to Kearney, that standard has earned the firm recognition across California, where strict building codes demand a high level of expertise. He notes that the state's strict requirements have shaped the firm's investigative rigor. "If you are good in California, you are probably great anywhere else," he says. The company's investigations often involve uncovering causes of water intrusion or structural issues and code compliance in high-value properties. The team identifies the problems, finds repair solutions, and determines repair costs, a process Kearney describes as "from cradle to court." As the firm celebrates its 45-year milestone, it is also looking ahead. Kearney and Connor plan to expand their portfolio by partnering with larger national firms and taking on more complex, high-value cases. "We have built a strong foundation, and now we are ready to take on bigger challenges," says Connor. Beyond technical expertise, the company's success lies in its credibility. "No one wants an expert who doesn't believe in what they are saying," Kearney explains. "When I testify, I simplify complex problems so that anyone in the room can understand them. If you are confident and truthful, people can see that." Kearney & O'Banion/Kearney and Son Inc. also supports clients with construction services ranging from pre-construction planning to full project management. Their team coordinates materials, labor, and timelines with local contractors to ensure smooth builds and facility improvements. "Quality and accountability are non-negotiable for us," says Kearney. "We make sure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and to the client's expectations." Reflecting on four decades of business, Kearney attributes their longevity to curiosity and trust. "It started with a love of building," he says. "Now it's about building understanding, helping people see what went wrong and how to fix it. That's the art form that never gets old."
