It's time for another breakdown of lien laws in the U.S.! This week, Karalynn is taking a trip back to her home state of Illinois with Jeremy Baker, a clever and committed construction attorney in IL. From your Illinois lien timelines to when you are allowed to send notice for your liens, Jeremy has a lot of excellent insight into how Illinois contractors can ensure they are properly paid for their work. Jeremy Read More
Jeremy Baker Featured on The Law Entrepreneur Podcast
Starting your own practice isn’t something they teach in law school. Join me as I sit down with legal professionals to hear firsthand accounts of just how they did it. In this episode, Neil and Jeremy discuss: Lessons for moving into your own solo firm from a big law firm. Digging deep into the tools that you have. Challenges of opening a new, solo firm. Implementing processes in your law firm (even if you Read More
Jeremy Baker Featured on The Maximum Lawyer Podcast
In this episode, Jeremy chats with Jim and Tyson about the journey of leaving the big law firm and going solo. If you’ve been thinking about making a similar move, this episode talks about Jeremy's experience, journey, and advice. 4:40 things to do 7:30 tools and resources 10:01 substantive work 13:00 hiring 18:00 clientele 20:05 five years from now Jim’s Hack: Every dollar is not created equally - sit down and Read More
Jeremy Baker Presents “Construction Law 101: A Primer for Real Estate Litigation Attorneys”
Construction Law 101: A Primer for Real Estate Litigation Attorneys. In recognition of Construction Month for the Real Estate, Condemnation and Trust Committee, this Roundtable will provide a primer for real estate attorneys on considerations of and practice points on construction litigation. This presentation focuses on the importance of giving thoughtful consideration to the project delivery method, its insurance Read More
Strategies that Help Clients Comply with Accessibility Requirements
Some of the scariest risks I have helped clients address – in terms of potential claim value, meeting exacting performance requirements, and the inability to transfer risk by contract – relate to “accessibility standards,” like Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Housing Act (FHA). Some of the largest dollar value claims I have defended – setting aside those arising from “mega projects” costing north of Read More
Why Illinois Courts Often Favor Arbitration Over Litigation
The choice between arbitration and court litigation in Illinois is complicated. Arbitration is no panacea. Some disputes are definitely better suited to litigation in a court of competent jurisdiction than arbitration. However, Illinois courts and law are no longer hostile to arbitration, and recognize its many advantages. Why Illinois Law and Illinois Courts Favor Arbitration. Our Supreme Court has characterized Read More
How Guided Choice Mediation Achieves Earlier Settlements of Design and Construction Disputes
A version of this article first appeared in the Construction Law Newsletter, Volume 34, Number 3 (January 2018), coauthors Paul M. Lurie and Jeremy S. Baker Want to Resolve Design and Construction Disputes Quickly? Clients have spoken, and their in-house counsel, lawyers, and mediators now understand that clients want their disputes resolved quickly — faster than they typically are in traditional mediation Read More
The Hidden Benefit to Thoughtful Contract Negotiations
The very act of two project participants coming together to thoughtfully negotiate a design and construction contract has a benefit unto itself – one that is separate from the piece of paper produced at the end of the contract negotiation. Why Are Good Contracts Important for Design and Construction Projects? Speed and Efficiency When I negotiate contracts, my goal is to complete the negotiation quickly and Read More
Accessible Design Requirements: Worthy Aims, Huge Risks for Design Professionals
Design professionals must comply with a variety of federal, state, and local statutes, rules, and codes, or accessible design requirements, that require certain public and commercial buildings to be designed in a manner so they are readily accessible to, and usable by, persons with certain kinds of disabilities. Accessible Design Requirements Such “accessibility requirements” address things like ensuring persons in Read More
Design Professionals Should Not Be Afraid to Lead Design-Build Teams
For years, lawyers and insurance brokers have provided limiting advice to architects and engineers. The Limiting Advice To Engineers & Architects Together, we have put architects and engineers in a tiny little box. We advise architects and engineers to stay far away from the means and methods of construction. To not make promises about the outcome of the project. To give no warranties. No assurances about Read More
