Attorneys

S. Elysha LukenPartner

S. ELYSHA LUKEN is a partner in the Tallahassee office of Smith, Currie & Hancock, and is a Florida Bar Board Certified Construction Lawyer. Elysha specializes in representing contractors, suppliers, owners, design professionals and sureties in public and private construction disputes, including bid protests, prosecuting and defending contractor claims, drafting and negotiating contracts, construction lien and bond claims, and contractor and professional licensing. As an expert in legal matters related to the business of construction and contracting, Elysha litigates in state and federal courts and arbitration and administrative proceedings, both at the trial level and on appeal. Elysha lectures extensively on construction issues, such as AIA contracts, claim preparation and prosecution, and legal aspects of schedule analysis. Elysha writes on construction industry topics and renewable energy projects, and has served on The Florida Bar Journal/News Editorial Board.

Elysha received her B.A. degree from the University of Florida, and her J.D. degree, magna cum laude, from Florida State University. Elysha served as Legislative Editor and Editorial Board member for the Florida State University Law Review and received several book awards. Prior to joining Smith, Currie & Hancock, Elysha worked as a Staff Attorney at the Florida Supreme Court, clerked in the Florida Senate Agriculture Committee, and interned at the Second Judicial Circuit’s Public Defender's Office and Circuit Court.

Articles & Publications

• “Dispute Review Boards: Benefit or Burden?” Common Sense Contracting, 2007.
• “Public Payment Bond Notice Requirements,” Common Sense Contracting, 2006.
• "Concerning Claim of Lien in Florida," Dixie Contractor, 2005.

• “Separation Does Not Preclude Arbitration,” Common Sense Contracting, 2002.

Representative Matters

• Garrido v. Nat'l Union Fire Ins. Co. of Pittsburgh, 891 So.2d 1091 ( Fla. 4th DCA 2004)
• AMEC Civil, LLC v. State Dept. of Transp., 878 So.2d 468 ( Fla. 1st DCA 2004)
• C Squared Const., Inc. v. Consolidated Bldg. Corp., 862 So.2d 767 ( Fla. 3d DCA 2003)
• PDM Bridge Corp. v. JC Industrial Mfg., 851 So.2d 289 ( Fla. 3d DCA 2003)
• Hess v. Hess, 758 So.2d 1203 ( Fla. 4th DCA 2000)

Classes & Seminars Taught

• What to Do When Construction Projects Go Bad in Florida, 2008.
• AIA Contracts, 2005-2008.
• Construction and Labor Law Update, 2007.
• Tricks, Traps and Ploys Used in Construction Scheduling in Florida, 2006.
• Florida Construction Law Seminar, 2002.
• Legal Research and Writing, 2002.