Construction & Real Estate Law
Construction
We guide both public and private sector clients through every phase of the planning, design, and implementation of construction, remodeling, and repair projects.
Our attorneys provide strategic counsel across the full spectrum of construction-related legal issues, including governmental regulation, site safety, design and construction defects, site conditions, delays, loss of productivity, mechanics’ liens, and bonds. Our clients include owners, designers, contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, insurers, and public entities of all sizes.
Our Clients Include:
- Property Owners
- Developers
- Contractors
- Subcontractors
- Suppliers
Public Sector Construction
For public bodies such as municipalities, school districts, community colleges, park districts, and other governmental entities, our attorneys offer deep experience navigating the unique challenges of public procurement, bidding, and funding. We assist in drafting and negotiating design, construction, and professional services contracts that comply with the statutory and regulatory requirements, and we advise on prevailing wage laws, competitive bidding procedures, and project delivery options. When disputes arise, we represent public entities in mediation, arbitration, and litigation involving claims such as delay, defective work, or payment disputes—always with an emphasis on protecting taxpayer funds and ensuring accountability in public projects.
Private Sector Construction
For private owners, developers, contractors, and design professionals, we provide comprehensive counsel on project delivery methods, risk allocation, and contract negotiation. Our attorneys work closely with clients to structure agreements that address financing, scheduling, and performance issues, helping to prevent problems before they occur. When disputes arise, we advocate effectively in negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and court proceedings, seeking timely and cost-efficient resolutions. We also advise on compliance, insurance coverage, and mechanics’ lien rights to safeguard our clients’ financial and legal interests.
Preventing and Resolving Disputes
When engaged early in a project, we help clients draft and review bid specifications and contracts to avoid pitfalls that can delay or derail construction. We focus on clear delineation of responsibilities, inclusion of critical path method schedules, and the use of no-damage-for-delay clauses to mitigate risk. When construction defects or failures occur, our attorneys work with architectural and engineering experts to investigate causes and develop strong evidentiary support, often securing favorable settlements without the need for litigation.
Our goal is to help clients, public and private alike, complete projects on time, within budget, and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, while minimizing risk and maximizing successful outcomes.
Real Estate
Robbins Schwartz represents public and private sector clients in all aspects of real estate transactions and property development. Our attorneys provide comprehensive legal counsel and practical advice throughout each phase of the process, from land acquisition and sales to zoning approvals, financing, leasing, and development agreements.
For private sector clients, including developers, businesses, cooperatives, and nonprofit organizations, we prepare and negotiate purchase agreements, commercial leases, redevelopment agreements, and planned unit developments, and represent clients in zoning hearings and land use proceedings. Our attorneys are skilled in handling map amendments, constitutional issues related to land use, and related litigation when necessary.
Working collaboratively with experts such as engineers, architects, appraisers, and planners, we present effective evidence and advocacy before zoning boards and governmental agencies. At Robbins Schwartz, our focus is on protecting our clients’ interests, facilitating efficient approvals, and achieving successful, sustainable development outcomes.
We have extensive experience working with public bodies, including municipalities, school districts, community colleges, park districts, and other governmental entities, in the purchase, condemnation, sale, and leasing of public property. Our attorneys draft and negotiate contracts in close consultation with clients, ensuring that terms are clear, protective, and aligned with project goals. We also advise on local zoning laws, land use regulations, and the state and federal tax implications associated with property transactions.
Land Use
Our team provides comprehensive legal counsel to public and private sector clients in all areas of planning, zoning, and land use law. Our attorneys guide clients through every stage of the real estate development process, helping them navigate complex regulatory, political, and procedural requirements to achieve successful project outcomes.
We have experience assisting clients with zoning hearings, annexations, planned unit developments, subdivision matters, comprehensive plans, map amendments, conditional uses, and building and public safety codes. Our team also advises on the formation of special service areas (including “dormant” SSAs) and the use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) as a tool to support redevelopment initiatives.
We frequently represent municipalities, school districts, community colleges, park districts, developers, and private entities before Plan Commissions, Zoning Boards of Appeals, and municipal staff, addressing questions involving variances, special uses, zoning amendments, and zoning ordinance regulations. When disputes arise, our attorneys are experienced litigators, advocating effectively in court and before administrative bodies on behalf of our clients.
With an in-depth understanding of land use laws and practices, our firm also handles related matters including eminent domain proceedings, government grants and contracts, and legislative advocacy. We work closely with engineers, architects, appraisers, and planners to build strong evidentiary records and to secure the necessary governmental approvals for complex projects.
