Construction and Mechanic’s Lien Law

Throughout his 30-plus years of practicing law, Gary Leydig has counseled and represented parties engaged in the construction industry; from the representation of bonding companies taking over entire projects under surety and performance bonds, to the representation of the Chicago region’s largest carpenter contracting business, to the representation of the one or two pick-up truck builder/contractor.  Gary skillfully represents the rights of his clients, as both plaintiff and defendant, in just about every type of construction-related dispute:  homeowner or condominium association lawsuits against builder-developers, contract and performance disputes between contractors and subcontractors, work interference and delay damage claims, mechanic’s lien perfection and foreclosure, breaches of the implied warranty of habitability, enforcement of express and implied warranties and indemnification agreements, and bankruptcy adversary proceedings arising out of failed developments.

A frequently cited case is Cleveland Wrecking Company v. Central National Bank.  In that case, Gary successfully obtained an award of $400,000.00 and the foreclosure of a mechanic’s lien on behalf of his demolition contractor client.  A substantial portion of the damages related to delays imposed upon the client due to the developer’s changes in the scope of the work.   Among other issues, this was the first case where an Illinois court recognized demolition as a lienable “improvement” under the Illinois Mechanic’s Lien Act.

In addition to Gary’s successful trial work in the area of construction and mechanic’s lien law, he and his associates provide the highest quality counsel to our construction clients in the areas of contract review and preparation, loan finance documentation and review, corporate and partnership formation and structuring, real estate acquisition and leasing, and general business legal advice.