Mechanics Liens and Construction Claims

April 8, 2011
8:55 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
5.25 MCLE hours, including 0.75 approved Professional Responsibility MCLE credit hours
Presented by Construction Law
Co-sponsored by Alternative Dispute Resolution, Commercial Banking, Collections, and Bankruptcy and Real Estate Law

Dekalb
Northern Illinois University
College of Law
Riley Auditorium (Swen Parson Hall, Room 170).
(map and directions)

Grasp the basics of mechanics liens and construction claims by attending this comprehensive full-day program. Topics include: notices and other requirements for mechanics lien claims; bond claims on state and local government projects; mediation and arbitration; priority issues between lien claimants and mortgagees; construction payouts; insurance coverage; bankruptcy issues; and much more. The program is designed as a primer for construction lawyers, real estate practitioners, and general practice attorneys with basic to intermediate practice experience.
 
 
Program Coordinators/Moderators:
Samuel H. Levine, Arnstein & Lehr LLP, Chicago
Stanley N. Wasser, Feldman Wasser Draper & Cox, Springfield
 
 
 

Agenda

8:55 – 9:00 a.m. Welcome and Introductions
Howard W. Feldman, Feldman Wasser Draper & Cox, Springfield
 
9:00 – 9:45 a.m. Construction Payouts
The statutory payout system is an intricate system, and recent case law has made it more difficult for owners to protect themselves against paying twofold for construction work. Learn how owners can prevent paying the contractor twice or paying a subcontractor after payment has already been made to the contractor.
Lorence H. Slutzky, Robbins Schwartz Nicholas Lifton & Taylor, Ltd., Chicago
 
9:45 – 10:30 a.m. Perfecting Mechanics Liens on Private Property
Perfecting a lien is an important part of protecting the creditor’s interest in construction. This segment discusses the elements for perfection of a claim for mechanics liens, including notices and other requirements for an original and subcontractor to perfect a claim for mechanics lien.
Bruce H. Schoumacher, Querrey & Harrow, Chicago
 
10:30 – 10:45 a.m. Break (beverages provided)
 
10:45 – 11:30 a.m. Perfecting Mechanics Liens and Bonds Claims on Public Projects
This presentation addresses perfection of liens and bond claims on state and local government projects.
Justin L. Weisberg, Arnstein & Lehr LLP, Chicago
 
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Extras and Changes under Illinois Law
One of the most litigated areas of construction law involves extras and change orders. This presentation provides an overview of extras and change orders in contracts under Illinois law.
Howard W. Feldman, Feldman Wasser Draper & Cox, Springfield
 
12:00– 1:00 p.m. Lunch (on your own)
 
1:00 – 1:45 p.m.  Priority, Necessary Parties, and Other Traps for the Unwary
Issues of priority between lien claimants and mortgagees are complex but necessary for understanding the rights of the parties. This segment examines issues of priority and the rights of involved parties, as well as the various traps for those inattentive to detail.
James M. Dash, Much Shelist, Denenberg, Ament & Rubenstein, P.C., Chicago
 
1:45 – 2:30 p.m. Alternative Dispute Resolution of Construction Claims*
Construction disputes can increase costs for all involved parties, prolong the completion of the construction, and even result in a profit loss if a satisfactory conclusion isn’t reached in a timely fashion. This overview discusses alternative dispute resolution options, including mediation and arbitration.
Kevin L. Kolton, Schiff Hardin, LLP, Chicago
Stanley N. Wasser, Feldman Wasser Draper & Cox, Springfield
 
2:30 – 2:45 p.m. Break (refreshments provided)
 
2:45 – 3:15 p.m. Basic Construction Insurance Coverage
This segment offers an overview of the various types of insurance products available for construction projects and the type of insurance owners need. A discussion on what type of coverage the owner should require of the contractor is also examined.
Geoffrey A. Bryce, BryceDowney LLC, Chicago
 
3:15 – 3:45 p.m. Bankruptcy, Mechanics Liens and Construction Issues
Construction defect claims – for both owners and contractors – have risen significantly with the onset of a down economy. This segment offers an overview of bankruptcy, mechanics liens and other construction law-related issues.
Samuel H. Levine, Arnstein & Lehr LLP, Chicago
Jennifer A. Nielsen, Lyman & Neilsen, LLC, Oak Brook
 
 
(Please Note: Attorneys cannot claim credit for attending/completing the same course twice within a 12-month period.)