John W. Dreste

Practice areas

Construction Litigation: Business, Surety, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Civil Litigation: Defense, Environmental Litigation, Insurance Coverage

Focus areas

Arbitration, Bad Faith Insurance, Fidelity, Guarantee & Surety, Insurance, Insurance Defense, Mediation

John W. Dreste is a partner at Ernstrom & Dreste, LLP, a law firm located in Rochester, New York. He provides legal services to clients in both the Rochester metropolitan area and throughout upstate New York. Mr. Dreste specializes in commercial contract litigation and primarily focuses on various aspects of construction contract law, suretyship, fidelity, and environmental law. While his practice primarily involves litigation, it also includes comprehensive claims analysis, investigation, and incorporates alternative dispute resolution methods such as negotiation and mediation.

In addition to his role as a partner at his firm, Mr. Dreste serves as a mediator and arbitrator through the American Arbitration Association, specializing in disputes within the construction industry. Over the course of his career, he has represented numerous clients, including contractors, owners, sureties, and others, in complex commercial contracts and disputes. Furthermore, Mr. Dreste is a prolific author and speaker, having delivered lectures and written numerous articles on topics relevant to the surety and construction industries.

Mr. Dreste’s professional experience includes handling high-profile cases, including multimillion-dollar claims involving major construction projects. Notably, he recently secured a favorable verdict for a contractor in a case related to differing site conditions on a bridge project, which also resulted in a fee award. Additionally, he has a track record of successful defenses based on fraudulent inducement.

As a respected and knowledgeable attorney, Mr. Dreste has represented various Brazilian corporations in legal matters pertaining to railroad and oil production projects, as well as publicity rights in both the United States and Brazil. He regularly advises clients, assisting with contractor workouts and addressing potential defaults or claims. He firmly believes that early and thorough investigation of problems can often reduce the severity of potential losses.

Mr. Dreste’s educational background includes graduating with high honors from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 1981 for his undergraduate studies. Subsequently, he obtained his law degree from the University at Buffalo in 1984. He became licensed to practice law in New York in the following year and is authorized to practice before various U.S. District Courts, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd and 5th Circuit.

He is well-regarded by his peers and clients for his professionalism and commitment to high ethical standards, earning him an AV Preeminent* rating through Martindale-Hubbell and a “Very Good” rating on Avvo. Mr. Dreste is also a fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America and has been recognized in the Rochester Business Journal’s Best Lawyers list. He maintains active memberships in professional organizations, including the New York State Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the National Bond Claims Association.