VIDEO: Roofers and Responding to Subpoenas

Legal Insights expert Trent Cotney, partner with Adams & Reese, offers advice on how to respond to a subpoena.

By Art Aisner, Trent Cotney, Jill Bloom, Group Publisher, Roofing Contractor

Several roofing contractors in Florida are starting off the New Year with federal court dates looming over multiple bid-rigging investigations.

Roofing Contractor presents The Best of Success Podcast Show

Anti-Trust in Roofing and Responding to Subpoenas

Whether in civil or criminal court, these are litigious times for business owners and roofing contractors have real concerns when it comes to receiving a subpoena. In this exclusive episode, Trent Cotney discusses some specific tactics when it comes to formal court appearances and requests during an ongoing investigation.

Subpoenas are official legal requests for information and documentation, and while not common, roofing contractors do receive them from time to time when dealing with both civil lawsuits and activity in criminal court.

“Where you have to take a little more precaution is when you might get a criminal subpoena,” Cotney, partner with Adams & Reese, told RC in this exclusive video. “Occasionally, you’ll see this and it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re going to be a party (in lawsuit) or you’re a target. But you may receive a criminal subpoena that will request certain documents.”

As always, if a roofing contractor receives a subpoena, the first step is to contact the appropriate legal counsel and responds, Cotney said.

“Even if you believe you don’t have an issue, the fact that you’re receiving a subpoena means you may have an issue, so you have to take very, very seriously,” Cotney said.

Watch the full conversation here.

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Art Aisner is Editor-in-Chief of Roofing Contractor and Roofing Supply Pro. He spent the bulk of his career as a multi-media journalist for newspapers and television stations before joining the RC team in 2015. He is the driving force behind the publication’s content development, editorial strategy and other initiatives that serve growing audiences in the roofing space.

Trent Cotney is a Partner with Adams & Reese and a Florida Bar Board Certified Construction Lawyer, licensed to practice in multiple states across the U.S. and in Canada. With nearly 25 years of experience, Trent has dedicated his career to serving the construction and roofing industries. He is a zealous advocate for the international commercial roofing sector and serves as general counsel for over 10 prominent trade associations and organizations, including the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), Florida Roofing & Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA), National Slate Association, Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), and Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA). Trent’s commitment to the industry extends beyond legal counsel; he is an active participant in education, advocacy, and innovation, working tirelessly to address the challenges contractors face and advance the industry as a whole. Known for his deep understanding of construction law and unwavering dedication, Trent Cotney remains a trusted advisor and leader in the roofing community.

Jill Bloom is the innovative Group Publisher of Roofing Contractor, Walls & Ceilings, Building Enclosure, Roofing Supply Pro, and the highly regarded Best of Success event. With a deep commitment to advancing the roofing, construction, and building enclosure industries, Jill oversees a robust portfolio of publications, podcasts, and events that empower professionals with knowledge, inspiration, and connections.

Her brands deliver exceptional value across multiple platforms, including:

Techos y Más, the Spanish-language newsletter of Roofing Contractor.
Safety Advisor, a newsletter focused on critical resources for jobsite safety.
Thermal Talk, a newsletter focused on insights and news for the insulation contractor.
eRock, a leading newsletter for drywall contractors.
The Enclosure Experts podcast, offering architects deep insights into building enclosure technologies.
If Walls Could Talk, a podcast dedicated to exploring trends and innovations for the wall and ceiling contractor.
The Best of Success Podcast, providing thought leadership and practical advice for roofing professionals.

Jill’s passion for professional development and fostering industry connections is exemplified by the Best of Success event, a premier gathering of contractors, suppliers, and thought leaders for unmatched education and networking.