HONOLULU (HI Now) - At Clay Partnering, we believe in preventing disputes before they happen. Founded by Gerald “Jerry” Clay, Esq., Clay Partnering, LLC is dedicated to helping businesses, nonprofits, and government organizations work more effectively as teams. After 50 years in construction law and third-party neutral services, Jerry saw firsthand how the traditional legal system harms businesses, turning colleagues into adversaries. In his upcoming article for the Hawai’i State Bar Journal (April 2025), he explores how the adversarial legal system often damages relationships, creates unnecessary conflict, and forces parties into costly, drawn-out disputes. Partnering offers a better way by focusing on dispute prevention rather than resolution.
Originally pioneered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over 30 years ago, the Partnering approach was developed to reduce legal conflicts and improve collaboration. Faced with 1,100 active lawsuits, the Corps worked with Texas A&M to create a structured system that prevents disputes before they arise. Since then, Partnering has been successfully implemented in large-scale construction projects, government initiatives, and beyond. Unlike traditional legal processes, Partnering fosters stronger teams, helps organizations set and accomplish goals, and builds a more positive, cooperative work environment.
While Partnering has a strong foundation in construction, its benefits extend to businesses, charities, and government agencies of all types. Every organization needs a roadmap for success—operating without one leads to confusion and inefficiency. Clay Partnering helps groups work toward common goals while fostering a productive and fulfilling environment. With over 10,000 charities employing more than 70,000 people in Hawai’i, nonprofits play a crucial role in society, which is why Clay Partnering offers its services to them at no cost. Ready to build a stronger, more cohesive team? Visit www.claypartnering.com to learn more.
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