When Jonathan Kitchen accepted the Edward P. Meyerson Lifetime Achievement Award from the Construction Lawyers Society of America (CLSA), he returned to advice his father had given him: work hard, play fair, and remain intellectually curious.

Here’s a link to watch his gracious acceptance speech.

Jonathan reflected on the curiosity that took him from academic life at Cambridge and Stanford into American courtrooms, and that continues to shape his work in construction law. For him, understanding a dispute means learning how something was designed and built, examining what the evidence actually proves, and finding a clear way to explain it.

He also spoke about fairness. Clients who have made mistakes need help putting things right; those who have been unfairly accused deserve a vigorous defense.

Much of his gratitude was directed toward the people who have shared that work. Jonathan values the lawyers who have welcomed him into their cases, combining their knowledge of the record with his trial experience. Many of those collaborations have become lasting friendships.

He is especially grateful to the lawyers and team at Taylor Morrison for their longstanding trust and collaboration, and to his wife, Nina, and their family for their support.

The Meyerson Award recognizes career-long excellence, advocacy, and leadership in construction law. Jonathan’s remarks offer a personal look at the principles and relationships behind that career.

Watch Jonathan’s acceptance speech here.