The construction industry law firm of Finch, Thornton & Baird, LLP is pleased to announce the admission of Lindsey Herzik, Scott Bennett, Thomas Diamond, Cory DiBene, and Daniel Spencer as partners effective January 1, 2025.
Lindsey Herzik is a pragmatic litigator who works closely with business owners, senior executives, and in-house counsel on matters involving business and commercial litigation and construction law. Her practice spans all phases of dispute resolution, from pre-litigation strategy through trial, arbitration, judgment, and appeal. Lindsey regularly handles complex public and private works matters, owner and general contractor disputes, subcontractor and joint-venture disputes, contract defaults, surety bond and Miller Act claims, writs, and lien law. Her clients include general contractors, specialty subcontractors, developers, and real property asset holders.
Lindsey received her Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law, graduating magna cum laude. During law school, she served as a Judicial Extern to the Honorable Gonzalo P. Curiel and was a Comments Editor for the San Diego Law Review. She was inducted into the Order of the Coif in recognition of her academic achievement. Lindsey earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, cum laude, from Loyola University of Chicago. She is admitted to practice in California and Arizona.
Scott Bennett works with business owners, shareholders, executive management, and business partners to provide legal counsel in construction law and business and commercial litigation. His construction practice emphasizes efficient and effective resolution of claims, disputes, and collections. Scott’s clients include general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, manufacturers, and general businesses.
A tenacious litigator and negotiator, Scott is known for his strategic approach and unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for his clients. Decisive and responsive, he is thorough in his preparation and approaches each matter with focus and vigor. Above all, Scott provides prudent business advice and practical solutions that allow clients to make informed decisions.
Scott completed the Legal Practitioners Course at Nottingham Law School, graduating with Distinction. He earned his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) with Honors from Nottingham Trent University, achieving Honors of First Division in the Second Class (2:1). He is admitted to practice in California and, formerly, England.
Thomas Diamond works with business owners, executives, and in-house counsel to provide legal expertise in construction law, business and commercial litigation, and government and regulatory matters. His construction practice focuses on resolving disputes involving public and private works, surety bond claims, and collections. Thomas also represents businesses and individuals in a broad range of commercial disputes.
Thomas is known for his ability to master complex issues and distill them into clear, actionable strategies. Meticulous and thoughtful, he evaluates matters from multiple perspectives, allowing clients to fully understand both the strengths and potential weaknesses of their legal positions. He is keenly aware of the distinction between what is legally possible and what is practically advisable—an approach that helps clients stay one step ahead.
Thomas earned his Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law, graduating magna cum laude. He was inducted into the Order of the Coif and Order of the Barristers, received the Dean’s Honor Scholarship, and earned CALI (AmJur) Awards in Constitutional Law and Finance and Accounting for Lawyers. During law school, he served as Chair of the Appellate Moot Court Executive Board, competed in the American Bar Association National Appellate Advocacy Competition, and externed with the U.S. District Court, Southern District of California.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a minor in Criminal Justice, from California State University, Chico, where he was named to the Dean’s List and inducted into Phi Kappa Phi. He is admitted to practice in California.
Cory DiBene works with in-house counsel, business owners, project executives, and managers to provide legal guidance in government contracts and construction law. His practice includes public and private construction claims and disputes, insurance coverage, real estate matters, and commercial litigation. Cory’s clients include general contractors, specialty subcontractors, engineering firms, and owners.
A zealous advocate, Cory carefully assesses client risk while maintaining a strategic focus on cost-effective and practical outcomes. His prompt and effective communication with clients and third parties allows him to efficiently advance client objectives.
Cory earned his Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law, graduating cum laude. During law school, he was inducted into the Order of the Barristers, served as an Articles Editor on the San Diego International Law Journal, and was a member of the Executive Board for San Diego Moot Court. He received the CALI (AmJur) Award for the highest grade in Tax I, earned First Place in the 2017 Paul A. McLennon Sr. Honors Moot Court Competition, served as a Certified Legal Intern with the USD Veterans Legal Clinic, and externed with the U.S. District Court, Southern District of California.
He earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, with a minor in History, cum laude, from San Diego State University and is a member of Alpha Phi Sigma, the national criminal justice honor society. Cory is admitted to practice in California and Idaho, and serves as the firm’s resident partner in its Idaho office.
Daniel Spencer’s practice focuses on construction claims and disputes, federal procurement and claims, collection remedies, contract requirements, and other construction-related litigation and transactions. He represents general contractors, owners, developers, specialty subcontractors, and material suppliers.
With a background spanning engineering, technology, and business administration—combined with professional experience working for two Fortune 500 government contractors—Daniel is uniquely equipped to address the business and legal challenges faced by construction clients. His precise approach to issue management and resolution aligns seamlessly with the firm’s aggressive and results-driven representation style.
Daniel earned his Juris Doctor from William & Mary Law School, graduating with honors. During law school, he served as an Articles Editor and Notes Editor for the Environmental Law and Policy Review, was an active member of the Business Law Society and Intellectual Property Society, and served as Chief of Staff for the Center for Legal and Court Technology.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Finance, summa cum laude, from Point Loma Nazarene University. Daniel also completed coursework in Aerospace Engineering at the University of California, San Diego and holds an Operations Certificate in Construction Management and Planning from The Apprentice Trade School. He is admitted to practice in California.
