I previously owned and operated a carpentry sub-contracting company. Because I worked on job sites and managed the company, I understand the construction industry in a way that any other attorney that has never worked in the industry can.
I specialize in construction law, mechanic's lien law, and construction litigation, representing clients in disputes involving payment, performance, defects, delays, and contracts. I also help clients with drafting, reviewing, and negotiating construction contracts and agreements. I have successfully handled cases in state courts, arbitration, and mediation, achieving favorable outcomes for my clients. I am passionate about advocating for the quality, integrity, and fairness of the construction industry, and I take pride in delivering personalized and effective legal solutions.
I have personally dealt with GC's who do not timely pay and suffered the consequences. I have seen true craftsmen go unpaid or have to accept a percentage of what they were owed and I've seen contractors who have no pride in their work perform sub-standard work to make a quick dollar. As an attorney concentrating in Construction Law and Mechanics Lien disputes, I am constantly faced with the ugly side of the industry, and I understand the consequences of going unpaid, settling for a percentage of a contract and the bad contractors and the damage that they cause to owners -- and the damage that owners inflict on tradesmen.
- Loyola University Chicago School of Law
- J.D. (1990) | Legal Practice
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- Obtained the absolute best legal education from the greatest law school in Chicago.
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- University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign
- B.S. (1987) | Political Science and Economics.
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- Honors: Member, Political Science Honor Society and Dean’s List
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- Assistant Teacher of Trial Practice
- Loyola University Chicago School of Law
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- Assistant Appellate Advocacy Teacher.
- Loyola University Chicago School of Law
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- Assistant Appellate Advocacy Teacher.
- Volunteer Attorney
- Chicago Catholic Charities
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- The Illinois Supreme Court allows yet to be licensed attorneys, working under the supervision of licensed attorneys to take cases to trial. At the greatest law school in Chicago— Loyal University School of Law, I volunteered to represent children of abuse and others who could not afford attorneys in court. It was the most rewarding experience I’ve had as an attorney.
- The Blue Book Construction Network
- Attorney / Member
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- Activities: I am one of a very few lawyers that are members of the Blue Book Construction Network because it was created to assist contractors meet with sub- contractors, etc. However, I joined because it allows me to have access to contractors in informal settings where we can discuss the construction industry and the legal issues contractors are faced with and I’ve made a great many friends in the industry at the get togethers. I love the construction industry and I love talking shop with everyone.
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- State Bar of Illinois
- Attorney
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- The Federal Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
- Attorney
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- Illinois
- Supreme Court of Illinois
- ID Number: 6204703
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- United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
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Free Consultation
I offer free consultations because I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to meet with a lawyer to learn his or her rights. - Credit Cards Accepted
- Contingent Fees
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Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
Call for Details.
- Construction Law
- Construction Contracts, Construction Defects, Construction Liens, Construction Litigation
- Business Law
- Business Contracts, Business Dissolution, Business Litigation
- English
- Q. Landlord question (In Illinois) Should tenants be required to have renters insurance? Any benefit to the landlord?
- A: Illinois law allows a landlord to require a prospective tenant to have renter's insurance, which by the way is for your benefit because it will cover any loss you incur for the contents of your rented space for covered losses stated in your contract of insurance such as fire or theft and is usually inexpensive. And it can benefit the landlord from certain claims regarding any loss you incur or if a person is injured in your rented space.
- Q. How do I get my money back from someone who tricked me into investing into his businesses. How can I sue?
- A: The facts you stated may give rise to a cause of action for common law fraud and statutory fraud, pursuant to the Illinois Fraud and Deceptive Practices Act. You may be entitled to obtain an award of your actual damages and for the attorney's fees and costs you incur.
You may also have what are known as "Equitable Remedies" that might allow you to obtain an award to obtain the interest in the business that you were deprived of.
Please email me if you wish to discuss this further.
- Q. We have general contractor who has abandoned the project, and has not paid the subcontractors. He has done subpar work.
- A: Yes, you have stated facts that support suing the contractor for damages for breaching the contract and a cause of action for a breach of the Implied Warranty of Workmanship, whether the contract was written or oral, if your claim can be filed within the applicable statute of limitations.
Moreover, if the contractor failed to provide you with what is commonly referred to as a "know your rights pamphlet," pursuant to the Illinois Home Repair and Remodeling Act ( 815 ILCS 513/1, et seq) you can obtain an award
of actual damages, punitive damages and reasonable attorney’s fees and costs incurred you in pursuing this action against the contractor.
Regarding whether the sub-contractors ... Read More