Blog | Construction & Design Law | Legal Insights & Updates

Jeremy Baker recognized as 2024 Illinois Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters 6th Consecutive Year

Feb 08

Jeremy has been named among the top 5% of lawyers in Illinois with his inclusion in Thomson Reuters’ 2024 list of Illinois Super Lawyers. Jeremy was recognized for his work in Construction Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution, marking his sixth consecutive year as a Super...

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Is It Worth Pursuing a Construction Claim in Chicago?

Jan 30

This article first appeared in Thompson Reuters Construction Accounting & Taxation, July/August 2009 - Vol.19, No. 4, and is reprinted with permission. The decision to proceed may not be clear-cut. This post analyzes some factors potential claimants should consider when determining whether to file a...

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Jeremy Baker Featured on The Maximum Lawyer Podcast

Dec 22

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...

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Understanding The New Role of the AIA Forms Digital Practice Documents

Dec 13

The AIA’s 2013 Digital Practice Documents play a prominent – yet little understood – role in the AIA’s newest Contract Documents. While previously optional, Digital Practice Document use is now expressly required by the unedited standard form language of the Owner-Architect Agreement (B101-2017), Owner-Contractor Agreement...

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Business Considerations for Owners and Architects Regarding AIA B101-2017 Documents

Dec 13

The AIA’s “new” B101-2017, the latest version of its flagship Owner-Architect Agreement, carries over concepts from its widely-used predecessor, B101-2007. Users of the 2007 form will find the 2017 revision familiar. But the new B101-2017 is different in important and subtle ways, and some of...

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Considerations for Drafting Contractual Dispute Resolution Provisions in Chicago

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Dec 04

Written by Jeremy S. Baker - Dispute resolution clauses in contracts should be drafted to promote the negotiated resolution of disputes in a fair, timely, and cost-effective manner before the parties must resort to binding dispute resolution methods, such as arbitration or litigation, which are...

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What are the Advantages of Private Arbitration Over Public Court Litigation?

Nov 24

Discover the advantages of private arbitration over litigation in a court of law. Private arbitration provides several benefits, including its predominantly private nature. Unlike public court litigation, arbitration ensures confidentiality without leaving behind a public record of filings, preserving the privacy of the involved parties....

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Beware the “One Year” Warranty: Contractor Callback Periods v. Warranties of Quality Work

Oct 30

Contractor “callback periods” and “warranties of quality” are different concepts. The distinction between them is a little understood – yet very important – nuance in construction contracts. Callback periods frequently do have a contractual expiration date, often one year after the completion of work. This...

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AIA’s New 2019 Construction Manager as Constructor (CMc) and Construction Manager as Adviser (CMa) Contract Documents

Oct 26

Construction Management (CM) is not a single approach to project delivery. Rather, it is a sliding scale with endless possible permutations depending on the project and its participants. The ends of the spectrum are Construction Manager as Constructor (CMc), which is also sometimes known as...

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Fixed Fee v. Cost-Plus GMP: Which is Best?

Oct 20

There are good reasons for real estate developers and project owners to prefer a “Fixed Fee” approach over a “Cost-Plus-Fee-up-to-Guaranteed-Maximum-Price (GMP)” approach to paying for construction work. But Cost-Plus GMP Contract Agreements have many virtues as well. Which is best? There is no one correct...

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Contact

Contact Jeremy S. Baker, a Chicago-based design and construction attorney who served at “big law” firms for nearly 18 years before launching Baker Law.

(312) 621-7184

Cook County Office 33 N. Dearborn,
Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60602

Office meetings by appointment only.

Lake County Office 790 Estate Drive,
Suite 200
Deerfield, IL 60015

Office meetings by appointment only.