Heather Beam focuses her practice in complex construction and design defect litigation in arbitrations, state court, and federal court. She has successfully represented general contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers, and surveyors in residential, commercial, and highway projects.
Heather also has experience in drafting contracts for design professionals and contractors at the beginning of projects, advising clients during ongoing construction projects when problems arise, and negotiating claims in order to help her clients avoid litigation.
Prior to moving to Texas, Heather practiced as an attorney in North Carolina for seven years. She prides herself on keeping her clients informed as a case develops. By actively communicating with her clients at each step of the litigation process, she is able to fine-tune her approach so that she is constantly focusing on the best interests of her clients.
In addition to her regular practice, Heather enjoys volunteering her time by providing free legal advice to survivors of domestic violence.
She is also an active member of several professional organizations in Travis County, and enjoys speaking on issues that face contractors, subcontractors, and design professionals.
Representative Experience
Negotiated favorable settlements on behalf of clients in numerous construction defect cases through mediation and informal dispute resolution.
Obtained summary judgment for roofing subcontractor in complex construction arbitration based on expiration of statute of repose.
Obtained partial judgment on the pleadings for subcontractor in construction defect action.
Obtained summary judgment for a hospital in a medical malpractice action, which was subsequently affirmed by the North Carolina Court of Appeals
Gause v. New Hanover Reg’l Med. Ctr., 795 S.E.2d 411 (2016)
Obtained summary judgment for defendant-parent in a personal injury action arising out of child allegedly injuring the plaintiff with a BB gun.
Obtained summary judgment for defendant arising out of a bicycle-vehicle accident.
Successful in appeal holding that trial court abused its discretion in denying general contractor’s motion to compel arbitration.
Anderson-Jenkins Signature Homes, Ltd. v. Allen, 2018 WL 6331135 (Tex.App.—San Antonio Dec. 5, 2018, no pet.)
Successful in appeal vacating summary judgment in breach of contract claim.
Bruns v. North Carolina Farm Bureau Mut. Ins. Co., Inc., 2014 WL 2993995 (N.C. Ct. App. 2014)
Successful in appeal affirming dismissal of hospital in lawsuit involving claim of assault arising out of medical treatment.
Metts v. New Hanover Reg’l Med. Ctr., 2012 WL 2896158 (N.C. Ct. App. 2012)
Professional Recognition
Listed for Construction Law; Litigation – Construction; Product Liability Litigation
Listed for Construction Litigation: Business
Listed as Austin Top Attorney - Construction
Related Resources
Related Services
Publications & Speaking Engagements
Education, Admissions & Activities
Education
Campbell University School of Law
J.D., cum laude, 2010
ABA National Moot Court Team
Law Review Comments Editor
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
B.A., Political Science and Psychology, 2006
Bar Admissions
Texas
2017
North Carolina
2010
Court Admissions
United States District Court of North Carolina
Eastern, Middle, and Western
United States District Court of Texas
Eastern District
Professional and Community Activities
Texas Advocacy Project
Volunteer Legal Line Attorney, May 2019
Austin Bar Association
Construction Law Section Council, 2022
Austin Young Lawyers Association
Travis County Women Lawyers’ Association
North Carolina Judicial District 3B Bar
Vice President, 2017; Secretary and Treasurer, 2016
Craven County Bar Association
President 2014-2015; Secretary and Treasurer, 2013-2014