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.
RC Legal expert Trent Cotney explains that contractors are already busy reacting to extreme weather and expecting a strong rebound from last year’s storm season.
At Roofing Day in D.C., industry leaders met lawmakers to address workforce shortages, affordability challenges and economic uncertainty shaping contractors’ outlook for the year ahead.
Legal Insights Expert Trent Cotney and Michele Meier, general manager at Clear Choice Restoration, say the proposed Dignity Act could create a structured legal pathway for undocumented workers, offering much-needed workforce stabilization for construction trades facing mounting labor shortages.
Cotney comparte medidas prácticas que los empleadores pueden tomar para ayudar a las cuadrillas a proyectar una presencia profesional en la obra, conocer sus derechos y reducir el riesgo legal sin crear nuevas responsabilidades.
El experto en Legal Insights, Trent Cotney, analiza cómo manejar la percepción de que las cuadrillas están siendo señaladas en el trabajo por acciones de control migratorio.
Jill Bloom talks with construction law expert Trent Cotney to unpack I-9 audits, ICE raids and the compliance mistakes that could cost contractors everything (and how to avoid them).
Jill Bloom talks with construction law expert Trent Cotney to unpack I-9 audits, ICE raids and the compliance mistakes that could cost contractors everything (and how to avoid them).
Unpaid invoices are rising, and “wait and see” isn’t a strategy. In this episode, Trent Cotney shares practical ways to collect faster: vet customers upfront, track AR weekly, follow a consistent contact plan, use payment options, and know when owners should step in.
The roofing industry enters 2026 in a state of guarded realism. Demand remains present, but it is no longer insulated from broader economic and political pressures
In an exciting conversation with Roofing Contractor’s Group Publisher Jill Bloom, Legal Insights Expert Trent Cotney breaks down the recent surge in I-9 audits targeting roofing contractors and shares essential guidance for reducing risk.
Legal Insights Expert Trent Cotney breaks down the recent surge in I-9 audits targeting roofing contractors and shares essential guidance for reducing risk.