- About this Course -
How does an engineering firm survive and thrive in a business environment fraught with risk? Consulting engineers often are asked to navigate the competing interests of clients, subs, and insurance companies all while managing the risk of the firm with overall business performance.
The Essentials of Risk Management for Consulting Engineers is an eight-module online course offering you a deeper understanding of the fundamental elements of risk management, from contracts to the standard of care and everything in between. Designed specifically for ACEC, our faculty of experts will guide participants in managing project risk and share critical insights, tips, and tools they've learned from spending decades "in the trenches."
This course is designed for consulting engineering firms of any size or discipline. Small and Medium size firms without in-house counsel or any formal risk management programs will find this program particularly useful.
- Course Overview -
Module 1: Introduction to Risk Management and Course Overview
Module 2: Professional Services Contracting – Part 1
Module 3: Professional Services Contracting – Part 2
Module 4: Managing Risk Posed by Subconsultants and Subcontractors
Module 5: Spearin and the Standard of Care: How Good Does a Design Have to Be?
Module 6: Engineers’ Business Insurance
Module 7: Changes, Claims, and Disputes in Professional Services Contracts and Construction Contracts
Module 8: Engineers’ Risk Management in Alternative Project Delivery
- Course Format -
Combining recorded lectures with live, interactive sessions led by experienced industry practitioners, this eight-module program covers the critical topics every A/E professional needs to know to mitigate risk.
Access recorded lectures anytime via computer, tablet, or smartphone
Assess your understanding of risk management concepts with small group assignments and quizzes
Attend weekly live sessions with instructors for Q&A and discussion of application of lessons to actual project experience
Participants will earn a minimum of 23 PDHs too!
- Meet Your Instructors -
Course Leaders & Faculty Members

Jerry Cavaluzzi, Esq.
Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer
Kennedy/Jenks Consultants
Kevin O'Beirne, PE
National Manager of Engineering Specifications, HDR
ACEC delegate to EJCDC
Hear from our lead instructors as they discuss this course's unique structure and key takeaways.
Additional Faculty Members
- Hugh Anderson, Esq., Legal Counsel to EJCDC
- Jim Brown, PE, Vice President, Arcadis; ACEC delegate to EJCDC
- Peter Coote, PE, Esq., General Counsel, Pennoni
- Karen Erger, Esq., Senior Vice President and Director of Practice Risk Management, Lockton Companies
- Bruce Firkins, PE, LS, Senior Principal Engineer, Bolton & Menk; NSPE delegate to EJCDC
- Jim Lowe, Esq., (BSCE.), Vice President and Senior Assistant General Counsel, AECOM
- FAQs -
What is the time commitment?
Participants can expect to spend 4-5 hours a week on a combination of pre-recorded lectures, small group assignments, and live sessions with the instructors.
Can someone else take my place in the course?
Registrants may substitute another participant at any time without penalty prior to October 1, 2023. Please alert ACEC so we may update our information for PDH recordkeeping.
What happens if I can't make a live session?
Each live discussion will be recorded and available to watch later if you're unable to join us live.
Are refunds available if I can't attend?
Full refunds for cancellations received no less than 7 days prior to start date. Credits issued if cancellation received 3 days before start; less than 48 hours, no refund or credits will be issued.
Additional questions? Contact Maureen Brown at mbrown@acec.org.