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.
We provide clients with a multifaceted approach to their commercial construction needs and provide representation through all project stages.
Our experienced attorneys handle contract negotiation, advice during construction, liens, dispute resolution, and litigation. We work closely with the other practice areas at our firm, such as the public finance & taxation and labor and employment team, to ensure that we address all potential issues that may arise during construction projects.
Through timely communications with affected parties and their insurance carriers and sureties, we negotiate strong settlements, often without having to file a lawsuit.
Construction Litigation
Our attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in all aspects of construction law, from dispute resolution to litigation. We represent owners, suppliers, lenders, developers, investors, subcontractors, and other entities in their construction litigation lawsuits. Many construction litigation claims involve contract disputes, defects, delays, and lien issues.
We provide clients with the most strategic and efficient way to achieve the goals and outcomes they desire. In many cases, these matters go through dispute resolution, such as arbitration, mediation, and settlement negotiations. If a dispute is unresolved during this stage, our attorneys will bring their vast experience to the courtroom. The lawyers on our team aggressively pursue and defend claims on our clients’ behalf in state and federal courts.
We place a strong emphasis on teamwork, which enables us to leverage the breadth and depth of knowledge of all our attorneys, paralegals and staff.
We offer a holistic approach to representation and advise clients during all stages of our relationship.
Mechanic's Liens
We take preventative measures to avoid disputes by advising on drafting legally binding contracts. We also help review contracts and modify the terms as necessary. If a claim does go to mediation, arbitration, or litigation, our attorneys zealously represent clients to achieve a favorable outcome.
Contractors' Liability
We represent public and private owners, contractors, design professionals, construction managers, and subcontractors in liability matters. Our wide range of experience allows us to provide excellent advice, counsel, and representation in these matters.
Owner/Architect Agreements
A well-written and legally binding owner/architect agreement is crucial to success on a project or subsequent dispute. Our attorneys have an extensive understanding of complex contract principles that apply to these agreements. Boilerplate or standardized forms often fail to address the nuances of owner/architect agreements and can lead to disputes down the road. Our firm believes in drafting sound contracts that set the foundation for our clients' contractual relationships. We provide personalized attention and individual representation to each contract we draft or review.
Owner/Construction Manager Agreements
Our attorneys prove to be an invaluable resource to our clients seeking assistance with owner/construction manager agreements. Construction management is a frequently utilized service that works with project owners to manage the project's schedule, cost, and safety. However, as with any business relationship, these partnerships may lead to various disputes.
We prepare and negotiate various construction-related agreements and contracts. In our review, we pay close attention to reducing risk and minimizing potential liability. This proactive step increases the likelihood of a positive contractual relationship. We represent property and business owners, construction managers, contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers, and design professionals. In addition to providing advice in drafting and preparing contractual agreements, we represent clients in any contract disputes.
Owner/Contractor Agreements
In addition to owner/construction manager agreements, our firm handles owner/contractor agreements. Using standard forms for these relationships often results in subsequent contract disputes related to compensation, incomplete work, or other material breaches. Hiring us at your legal counsel minimizes the risk of contract disputes, fines, penalties, and litigation related to these agreements.
Our team provides the full scope of legal services to businesses engaged in construction or contractor agreements. We aid in the inception of projects, including negotiation to final wrap of the project, including acceptance and final payments. We represents various clients involved in construction law, such as contractors, owners and trade associations.
Performance & Payment Bonds
Almost all Illinois public projects and many private projects require contractors to obtain a performance and payment bond as a condition of the contract. The bond provides a remedy to the contract's beneficiaries and provides the claimant a third party to seek satisfaction of the obligation. In a performance bond, the surety assures that the principal will promptly perform all of its contractual obligations. In most construction cases, the performance bond is for the benefit of the construction project owner. On the other hand, a payment bond is a type of surety issued to contractors that guarantees that all involved in the project will receive compensation. Generally, the payment bond is for the benefit of the subcontractors or suppliers.
Performance and payment bonds are critical to many construction relationships. Our attorneys advise and represent clients in all aspects of these bonds, including filing and perfection, negotiations with the surety, and litigation to enforce rights and remedies.
Public Works Projects
Public works projects involve a significant amount of statutory and regulatory requirements. Our public works attorneys have a broad understanding of the various rules that apply to public works projects in Illinois. Our firm represents developers, owners, and contractors in their projects. We provide thorough advice and quick, decisive actions throughout our attorney-client relationship.
We work to minimize the duration and cost of projects by working with engineers, architects, and planners. In addition to preventing problems before they occur, our lawyers handle construction disputes and any litigation that may stem from these matters.
