Law Seminars International Presents: The Second Annual Conference on

Illinois Construction Law 2008
Practical advice and tools to problem solve effectively

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July 10 & 11, 2008
The Gleacher Center in Chicago, IL

Who Should Attend

Attorneys, contractors, developers, lenders, managers, architects, planners and engineers

Why Attend

Construction projects are a complex and constantly changing endeavor that can often be described as "problems in progress." What separates the successful from the unsuccessful project, is the ability to effectively deal with those problems.

This seminar will provide information on current trends and give attorneys, lenders, owners, contractors and their agents, tools to become more effective at problem solving.

This is an exceptional educational and networking opportunity! We have assembled an outstanding group of nationally recognized speakers who will share their knowledge and expertise. We will address topics that are fundamental and cutting edge, as well as update topics of ongoing interest in construction, such as delivering value, issues in leasing and public and private partnerships, avoiding disasters and contract provisions.

This seminar will be informative, fun and should not be missed!

~ Program Co-Chairs: Mona E. Dajani, Esq. and Jeanne Darrow Peck, VP

You Will Learn About

Agenda

Thursday, July 10, 2008

8:00 am

Registration and Continental Breakfast

 
8:30 am

Introduction and Overview

Mona E. Dajani, Esq., Program Co-Chair
Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP / Chicago, IL

Jeanne Darrow Peck, Program Co-Chair, Vice President of Finance and Investor Relations
Fifield Companies / Chicago, IL

 
8:45 am

The New AIA Documents: What You Need to Know to Continue Honing Your Skills

Updated 2007 AIA contracts and consensus documents: Recent developments in the AIA form contracts; common contract provisions that owners and contractors should change; contract formation and clauses; special issues; essential contract terms

Mark C. Friedlander, Esq.
Schiff Hardin LLP / Chicago, IL

Subcontracts: Mandatory flow down clauses; tailoring clauses; paid-if-paid provisions; consent-to clauses; subcontracting plan requirements; managing subcontractors; acceptance; payment; third party beneficiary

Mona E. Dajani, Esq., Program Co-Chair
Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP / Chicago, IL

 
10:15 am

Break

 
10:30 am

Managing Claims for Construction Projects

Owner and lender perspectives: Ways to reduce risk

Michelle F. Kantor, Esq.
Schwartz Cooper Chartered / Chicago, IL

Architect's counsel: The pivotal role in the resolution of construction claims; disputes procedures

Laurie A. Rompala, Esq., Regional Counsel
Gensler / Chicago, IL

 
12:00 pm

Lunch (on your own)

 
1:15 pm

Effective Use of Experts During the Due Diligence Phase and Litigation

Kenneth L. Homfeld, P.E., Senior Vice President
Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc. / Houston, TX

 
2:00 pm

Special Issues for Public/Private Partnerships

Original and innovative solutions that bring these projects to a successful conclusion: Structures, infrastructure projects, procurement law, project finance, outsourcing and dispute resolution

Ross J. Altman, Esq.
DLA Piper / Chicago, IL

 
2:45 pm

Break

 
3:00 pm

Managing the Problem Project and Delivering Value in Construction Projects

Practical approaches to maximizing productivity and minimizing costs: State of the art technologies; project cost controls; quality control processes

James V. Farrell, Senior Managing Director
FTI Consulting, Inc. / Chicago, IL

Joseph C. Slavis, Managing Director, Forensic and Litigation Practice
FTI Consulting, Inc. / New York, NY

 
3:45 pm

Making Money by Going Green: Opportunities and Managing Expectations

Update on local zoning and building codes to promote/require greener building; LEED program requirements; local green building achievements and incentives; risk management in marketing

Helen J. Kessler, FAIA,LEED AP, Principal and President
HJKessler Associates, Inc. / Chicago, IL

Legal strategies and practical tips

Jeffrey C. Fort, Esq.
Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP / Chicago, IL

 
5:00 pm

Continue the Exchange of Ideas: Reception for Faculty and Attendees Sponsored by Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc.

 

Friday, July 11, 2008

8:30 am

Managing Risk Through Insurance

What the contracting parties need to know about insurance coverage; working with insurers; can it really be used to manage and limit risk?

Joan Leydon, Managing Director, Risk Management Group
Marsh Inc. / Chicago, IL

Max West, Senior Vice President
Willis / Chicago, IL

Paul J. Primavera, Jr., Senior Vice President
Lockton Companies, LLC / Chicago, IL

 
10:00 am

Break

 
10:15 am

Collaborative Construction Scheduling & Time Impact Analysis

Tracking how a change order can affect the entire schedule; steps team members can take to achieve win-win outcomes and improve return on equity

Jeanne Darrow Peck, Program Co-Chair, VP
Fifield Companies / Chicago, IL

 
11:00 am

How Building Information Modeling (BIM) is Changing Roles and Risks

What is BIM? How does it change the way the industry works?

Mark Schmieding, AIA, LEED AP, Senior Associate
DeStefano + Partners, Ltd. / Chicago, IL

How the tool shifts risks and what to do about it; legal issues

Werner Sabo, Esq., FAIA
Sabo & Zahn / Chicago, IL

 
12:15 pm

Lunch (on your own)

 
1:30 pm

Dealing with Differing Site Conditions

Effectively resolving problems; getting paid on time; how to defeat or overcome differing site conditions and claims

Martin Walz, Project Manager
Fifield Companies / Chicago, IL

 
2:15 pm

Break

 
2:30 pm

Back from the Brink: The Troubled Project-How to Spot it and How to Turn it Around

Essential steps to be implemented: Prior planning and preparation; specific job related safety plans; on the job enforcement

Christopher J. Heaney, Esq., Vice President and General Counsel
Bergland Construction Company / Chicago, IL

Frank Keres, Principal
Construction Risk Associates, Inc. / Northbrook, IL

 
3:30 pm

Resolving Construction Loan Disasters: What Happens When the Deal Goes South?

Negotiating and documenting workout agreements

Tracy S. Larrison, Senior Vice President and Group Manager
National City Bank / Chicago, IL

Using bankruptcy offensively and defensively

Monika J. Machen, Esq.
Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP / Chicago, IL

 
4:30 pm

Evaluations and Adjourn

 

Tuition

Regular tuition for this program is $895 with a group rate of $795 each for two or more registrants from the same firm. For government employees, we offer a special rate of $695. For students and people in their job for less than a year, our rate is $447.50. All rates include admission to all seminar sessions, food and beverages at breaks, and all course materials. Make checks payable to Law Seminars International.

Cancellation & Substitution

You may substitute another person at any time. We will refund tuition, less a $50 cancellation fee, if we receive your cancellation by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 4, 2008. After that time, we will credit your tuition toward attendance at another program or the purchase of a Homestudy. There is a $25 cancellation fee for Course Materials orders and $50 for Homestudy orders.

Continuing Education Credits

This program qualifies for 12.75 IL CLE credits. IL real estate, AIA and AICP/APA credits are pending. Upon request, we will apply for CLE credits in other states and other types of credits.

Location

The conference will be held at the The Gleacher Center at 450 North Cityfront Plaza Drive in Chicago, IL 60611; (312) 464-8787. Check The Gleacher Center website, Area Attractions, for a list of area hotels at http://www.gleachercenter.com.
More about the Location
Map & Directions

If You Cannot Attend

Our complete Homestudy Course, consisting of a DVD recording and the written course materials, is available for $905. The written course materials alone are available for $100. We will ship your Homestudy order via UPS ground within two weeks after the seminar or the date we receive payment (whichever is later).
Order Homestudy

Faculty Bios

Mona E. Dajani, Program Co-Chair, partner and member of the Real Estate Group at Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP, is a national expert in drafting and negotiating construction and design professional contracts for all project types. She is listed in "Who's Who in America", "Who's Who of American Women", and "Women in Construction Law."

Jeanne Darrow Peck, Program Co-Chair, is Vice President of Finance and Investor Relations at Fifield Companies. She is responsible for investor relations with project partners and lenders, the closing process on all project financings and leading due diligence. Previously, she was an investment professional with Prudential Real Estate Investors.

Ross J. Altman, partner at DLA Piper, focuses on construction, real estate and international sales, and chairs the transactional side of the Construction Law group, representing owners, contractors, design professionals and lenders. He is listed in "Chambers USA", "International Who's Who of Construction Lawyers", "Best Lawyers in America", and is an Illinois Super Lawyer.

James V. Farrell, Senior Managing Director at FTI Consulting, Inc., in the Forensic and Litigation Consulting practice, specializes in construction advisory services. He has been involved in major litigation matters, including construction, breach of contract issues, environmental and general damages analysis.

Jeffrey C. Fort, partner at Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP, focuses on environmental law and co-directs the Climate Change practice. His practice includes permitting and siting of renewable fuel and energy projects, and the development and transactions relating to carbon offset and renewable energy credits.

Mark C. Friedlander, partner at Schiff Hardin LLP, concentrates in construction law. He has received national acclaim for developing a new business structure for design-build projects in which the design professional leads the design-build team with a general contractor as its subcontractor, and copyrighted a set of contract documents that effectuate these relationships.

Christopher J. Heaney, Vice President and General Counsel, and a member of the Board of Directors at Berglund Construction Company, focuses on negotiating and preparing contracts with owners, architects and subcontractors, including establishment and administration of the corporate insurance program and its loss prevention policy.

Kenneth L. Homfeld, Senior Vice President at Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc., focuses on design/build engineering and construction projects, construction project management, contract maintenance and construction safety. He is experienced in construction claims preparation and analysis.

Michelle F. Kantor is of counsel and head of the Construction Law practice at Schwartz Cooper Chartered. Previously she was Deputy Commissioner for the Chicago Department of Buildings and Department of Construction and Permits, and is outside general counsel for the Federation of Women Contractors.

Frank Keres, Principal at Construction Risk Associates, Inc., works with contractors and brokers, insurers, and owners who deal with contractors. He works primarily as an outsourced risk manager.

Helen J. Kessler, is an architect, LEED Accredited Professional, and Principal and President of HJKessler Associates, Inc., providing sustainable and high performance design, LEED, energy efficiency and commissioning consulting services. She is a USGBC Chicago Chapter Board member and chairs the Education and Research Committee.

Tracy S. Larrison, Senior Vice President and Group Manager of the Investment Real Estate Group at National City Bank, is responsible for commercial real estate loans in condominiums, apartments, office, retail, industrial and self-storage facilities.

Joan Leydon, Managing Director at Marsh Inc., in the Risk Management Group, focuses on marketing and servicing global accounts, leading service teams for clients in real estate, technology, manufacturing, financial services and hospitality.

Monika J. Machen is a partner at Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP, in the Corporate Reorganization & Bankruptcy Practice. She advises clients on real estate bankruptcy issues.

Paul J. Primavera, Jr. is Senior Vice President of the National Construction Practice, as well as Claim Services at Lockton Companies, LLC. He focuses on consulting clients to identify and locate unique solutions to claim and exposure related issues.

Laurie A. Rompala, Regional Counsel at Gensler and part of the risk management team, advises the regional managing leaders on financial and risk decisions. She develops strategies for handling claims and litigation, is a mediator, and has been recognized as an Illinois Super Lawyer Rising Star.

Werner Sabo, FAIA, FALA, partner at Sabo & Zahn, focuses on construction, copyright and real estate law. His book, Legal Guide to AIA Documents, published by Aspen Publishing, is in its fourth edition.

Mark Schmieding, Senior Associate at DeStefano + Partners, Ltd., leads the effort to incorporate Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology into the design process.

Joseph C. Slavis, a Managing Director in the Forensic and Litigation Practice at FTI Consulting, Inc., focuses on litigation consulting services. He is a member of the Construction Solutions Practice, monitoring construction costs on completion contracts and assisting with subcontractor arrangements for troubled projects.

Martin Walz, Project Manager at Fifield Companies, focuses on managing and engineering design-build commercial development projects.

Max West, Senior Vice President with the Willis Environmental Practice, focuses on customizing, negotiating and placing environmental insurance for real estate transactions.