Episode 213: ‘The Human Safeguard’ with Kate Strauss
In this episode:
Christi and Angela welcome back Denver-based construction law attorney Kate Strauss, now leading the construction team at the national firm Fennemore, to discuss rapid AI adoption in construction. Strauss describes the divide between office staff who are high AI adopters and field staff who may distrust “Big Brother” technology, along with growing AI fatigue and the need to retain human connection and technical competence. The conversation highlights survey data showing increased AI investment and usage in administrative work, estimating, and preconstruction, driven partly by labor shortages and fast promotions. Strauss outlines hidden legal risks, including discoverability of chat histories, potential waiver of attorney-client privilege, and litigation scrutiny of AI-generated contracts and change orders, urging company leaders to implement clear AI platforms, training, safeguards, escalation points, and true human oversight.
Supported by: NPK
Show Notes and Links:
00:00 Welcome and Introductions
00:28 Meet Kate Strauss
01:59 Dogs and Hunting Stories
03:39 AI Shifts Construction Work
07:31 Training and Human Oversight
09:24 Sponsor Message NPK
10:25 Legal Risks and Discovery
14:27 Top Liability and Policies
17:24 Preserving Human Skills
19:29 Wrap Up and Contact Info
21:00 Closing Thanks
About Kate:
Kate Strauss is a Denver-based construction law attorney who counsels and advocates for clients across Colorado on both transaction and litigation matters. Her practice focuses on construction defects, mechanic’s lien foreclosures, delays and scheduling impact claims, contract disputes, and other business issues affecting construction projects and construction-related businesses. Her clients include general contractors, design professionals, subcontractors, specialty trades, developers, and material suppliers throughout Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region.
As a former co-founder of a women-founded Colorado construction law boutique, Kate brings an entrepreneurial perspective to her practice and understands firsthand the challenges associated with building and managing a successful business. This experience allows her to serve not only as legal counsel, but also as a trusted advisor who appreciates the operational, financial, and strategic considerations that influence decision-making in the construction industry.
Kate works closely with clients throughout the lifecycle of a project, helping them proactively manage risk, negotiate contracts, resolve disputes efficiently, and navigate the legal challenges that arise in an increasingly complex construction environment. Her practical, business-focused approach is rooted in helping clients achieve successful outcomes while minimizing disruption to their operations.
A recognized thought leader within Colorado’s construction community, Kate is a frequent speaker and author on issues affecting contractors, design professionals, and business owners. Her work often focuses on risk management, ethics, leadership, dispute avoidance, and emerging legal developments impacting the industry. She has also become a respected voice on the opportunities and risks associated with artificial intelligence and technology adoption in construction, helping industry leaders understand how innovation is transforming project delivery, documentation, risk assessment, and claims management.
Kate is deeply committed to advancing women in the construction industry and developing future industry leaders. She serves as Co-Chair of the Women in Construction Committee for the American Subcontractors Association of Colorado, helping create educational, networking, and mentorship opportunities for professionals across the industry. She is active in the Colorado Bar Association and is a past Chairperson of the Colorado Bar Association Ethics Committee. She is also the Chapter Attorney for American Subcontractors Association of Colorado.
Her leadership and professional accomplishments have earned significant recognition. Kate was recently named one of the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce’s Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Business for 2025 and one of ColoradoBiz’s Top Women in Colorado. She has been recognized as a Colorado Super Lawyer from 2019 through 2025 and was named a 5280 Magazine Top Lawyer in 2024 and 2025.
Through her legal practice, industry leadership, and commitment to innovation, Kate continues to help shape the future of Colorado’s construction industry while providing practical counsel to clients navigating a rapidly evolving marketplace.
She can be reached at kstrauss@fennemorelaw.com
Supported by:
