White and Williams LLP Appoints New Construction and Surety Practice Group Leadership

Philadelphia, PA

6.15.26

PHILADELPHIA – White and Williams LLP is proud to announce the appointment of Eric Korphage and Craig O’Neill, Partners, as Co-Chairs of our Construction and Surety Practice Group. Craig and Eric will succeed previous Chair, William (“Bill”) Taylor, Partner.

“Eric and Craig bring exceptional experience and a proven track record in construction and surety law,” said Tim Davis, Managing Partner. “We are confident in their ability to build on the strong foundation of this practice and lead it into its next phase of growth. We also extend our deep appreciation to Bill Taylor for his lasting contributions and leadership.”

Thomas Fiddler, Chair of the Firm’s Commercial Litigation Practice added, “Craig and Eric’s combined leadership will further enhance the quality and breadth of our practice, strengthen collaboration across the firm, and position the group for continued success. We are confident that under their stewardship, the practice will continue to thrive and deliver the highest standard of service to our clients.”

Eric Korphage has focused his commercial litigation practice on surety and construction law for over 20 years and regularly represents and counsels surety companies, construction contractors and project owners in a wide variety of matters and disputes. Eric’s experience includes payment and performance bonds, construction defects, and trust fund violation claims, as well as contractual disputes and mechanic’s liens. On the surety side, Eric regularly manages defaults and takeover situations, drafts various surety agreements, and enforces subrogation rights. While he focuses on construction, Eric also represents creditors in bankruptcy and insolvency proceedings.

Eric is also a frequent author of legal publications. He is an author of the Maryland Construction Law Deskbook, Chapter on Surety Law (MSBA 3ed. 2023), and the American Bar’s Association’s The Law of Performance Bonds, Chapter on Surety Defenses (ABA 2018). Eric has also been recognized by numerous awards and directories listings such as Chambers USA Guide 2025 as a top Construction attorney in Maryland, and The Best Lawyers in America^® in the area of construction law. Eric serves on the Section Council for the Maryland State Bar Association, Construction Law Section.

For over 25 years, Craig O’Neill has handled construction and surety and other commercial litigation matters. He represents project owners, general contractors, subcontractors and design professionals in a wide range of matters, including construction delay and disruption claims, breach of contract claims, defective design and construction claims, and mechanics’ lien claims in federal and state courts. Craig also regularly drafts and negotiates construction agreements and advises clients on construction contract management and administrative issues and routinely works with surety clients on an array of matters, including payment and performance bond claims and actions to enforce indemnity agreements. His broad litigation experience helps him to examine and understand issues from multiple vantage points.

Craig is also involved with various industry-related and volunteer organizations. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Surety Claims Association. He has volunteered as a “Big Brother” for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America and also volunteers regularly at clinics held by the Senior Law Center, where they assist seniors in the preparation of life planning documents including simple wills and powers of attorney.

“It is a privilege to lead the construction practice. This appointment represents an exciting opportunity to build on the practice’s longstanding reputation for excellence,” said Eric Korphage. “In this role, Craig and I are committed to advancing the practice’s growth and deepening client relationships to ensure our full support as they navigate an increasingly complex construction landscape.”

“We are grateful for the opportunity to serve as Co-Chairs of the Construction and Surety Practice Group and look forward to shaping the next chapter of the construction practice,” said Craig O’Neill. “Building on the strong foundation of this practice, we look forward to continuing to deliver exceptional service to our clients and further strengthening our position as trusted advisors in this evolving market.”

For more information about the Construction and Surety Practice, please contact Eric Korphage, Partner, at 443.761.6506 (korphagee@whiteandwilliams.com), or Craig O’Neill, Partner, at 215.864.6309 (oneillc@whiteandwilliams.com).

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