Patrick A. Costello

Patrick leads the firm’s Wilmington, DE office. With more than two decades of litigation experience, he handles a wide range of construction and complex commercial and business litigation matters, as well as contract formation. Patrick is also a trained and certified mediator and commercial arbitrator, helping to resolve or decide commercial disputes, particularly those related to construction.

In addition to being a seasoned litigator with trial experience, Patrick seeks claim solutions through settlement negotiations and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) whenever possible to achieve the best results for his clients. He represents clients in courts in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, and has assisted on cases in other jurisdictions.

Patrick’s matters have included breaches of contract, construction defect claims, mechanics’ liens, payment disputes, unjust enrichment claims, professional liability of architects and engineers, warranty claims, bid protests, violations of consumer protection laws, delay claims, insurance coverage disputes, and other complex commercial claims. His experience in business litigation also includes shareholder, corporate and limited liability company (LLC) disputes, commercial leases, and employment litigation.

He also advises clients on preparing contracts, purchase order terms, modifying American Institute of Architects (AIA) forms, releases, and settlement agreements. He also provides advice on developing claim-handling strategies during projects. Patrick has represented contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, construction managers, sureties, as well as public and private owners, including public school districts, charter schools, scientific research institutions, and large universities. His clients in construction and business litigation matters have ranged widely from large companies and condominium associations to individuals and small “mom and pop shops.”

Before joining Horn Williamson, LLC, Patrick practiced for over five years at a high-level litigation boutique firm, where he practiced construction and business litigation and served as a mediator and arbitrator. He also practiced for almost thirteen years at a boutique construction law firm. Patrick previously spent several years practicing corporate and commercial litigation at a large law firm, where he represented clients in all Delaware courts, as well as in various state and federal courts in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

After earning his juris doctorate, Patrick worked as a judicial law clerk in the Court of Common Pleas of Pike County (PA) and in the Delaware Superior Court for (now retired from the bench) Judge Jan R. Jurden.

Outside of Work

Patrick has resided in the Philadelphia suburbs of northern Delaware for decades, and he grew up in Northeast Pennsylvania (“NEPA”) where he still visits family and friends. Patrick enjoys hiking, playing sports and watching nature or science documentaries with his wife and son (his science background includes working as a teaching assistant in Chemistry and in Physics while at Bucknell University). He and his family are also diehard supporters of Philadelphia’s professional sports teams, and they attend games in person when possible. He plays a little guitar and enjoys live music of various genres. Patrick is also a history and Civil War buff, and he enjoys reading about and visiting the sites of major battles from the American Civil War and the American Revolution.

Presentations

November 2018 – Panel speaker for a webinar presentation to the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) on the comparison of litigation, arbitration and mediation