Ty Laurie, founding partner of Laurie & Brennan, LLP, practices construction law nationwide. His representative matters include high-profile sports facility disputes, capital improvement and replacement projects for hospitals and medical facilities, and construction of skyscrapers. Ty has served as construction counsel or provided construction law advice for several Fortune 500 companies and sports franchises in the NFL and NHL. Besides trying cases to verdict, he counsels on project delivery methods, negotiates contracts, assists in the procurement of insurance, provides critical dispute avoidance services and advocates in mediations and arbitrations.

In addition to his advocacy work, Ty is a nationally renowned mediator and arbitrator. Ty is an American Arbitration Association (AAA), International Mediation Institute (IMI) certified mediator, and AAA-certified arbitrator for over 25 years, and has provided neutral services around the country on all types of construction disputes. He is in select company as being one of only a few neutrals who is both an AAA Master Mediator and a Mega Project Panel Arbitrator. He is also a member of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals, and a fellow of the American College of Civil Trial Mediators.

Ty has a national reputation for his advocacy and neutral practice of construction law. His representative matters include: the multibillion-dollar World Trade Center in downtown Manhattan at Ground Zero; the Prudential Center, home of the New Jersey Devils; Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Philadelphia Eagles; and the adaptive reuse of historic Solider Field. Projects also include Arlington Park International Racetrack, Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel, and Sears retail outlets nationwide.

Ty is still basking in the glory of the Cubs World Series win – Go Cubs – and is patiently awaiting for another Bears Super Bowl victory. Ty also enjoys traveling, reading, golfing, and skiing with his wife, two boys, and friends.

Awards and Honors

  • Ranked Number One Construction Lawyer in Illinois by Leading Lawyers
  • Rated Tier 1 by Chambers USA
  • Ranked in Top 100 Leading Lawyers and Top 100 Leading Business Lawyers in Illinois by Leading Lawyers
  • Appointed by American Arbitration Association as a Master Mediator and Mega Project Arbitrator
  • American College of Construction Lawyers Fellow
  • Ranked Lawyer of the Year in Chicago Construction Law by Best Lawyers® (2013)
  • AV-Rated by Martindale Hubbell
  • “Highly recommended” in The PLC Which Lawyer? (Yearbook 2009)
  • Recognized by Sears, Roebuck & Co. with the first Sears Construction World Class Partner Award for outside counsel (1999)
  • Member of the American College of Civil Trial Mediators
  • Member of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals
  • Listed in The International Who’s Who of Construction Lawyers; Who’s Who Legal: Illinois
  • Listed in the The Best Lawyers in America®
  • Designated an Illinois Super Lawyer

Professional Organizations

  • American Bar Foundation
  • American College of Construction Lawyers
  • American Bar Association
    • Forum on Construction Law
      • Chair (2006 – 2007)
      • Governing Committee (2001 –2004)
      • Chair, Design Division (1996 – 1999)
      • Publications Chair (2004)
    • Section of Litigation, Construction Litigation Committee
      • Co-Chair, Technology Subcommittee (1997 – 1999)
    • National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals
    • American Arbitration Association
      • Master Mediator and Mega Project Arbitrator
    • International Mediation Institute
    • Society of Illinois Construction Lawyers
    • American College of Civil Trial Mediators
    • Village of Glenview (1996 – 2002)
      • Chair, Zoning Board of Appeals

Representative Matters

  • Arlington International Racecourse. Arlington Heights, IL
  • Aux Sable Liquid Products Plant.
  • Chicago Blackhawks Practice Arena. Chicago, IL
  • Harold O. Schulz Co. – High-end Residential Construction.
  • Life Sciences Building at Northwestern University. Evanston, IL
  • Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia Eagles. Philadelphia, PA
  • Mandalay Baseball Properties
  • Metropolitan Hospital. Grand Rapids, MI
  • Nestlé USA, Inc.
  • One World Trade Center Reconstruction. New York City, NY
  • Prudential Center, New Jersey Devils. Newark, NJ
  • Rush University Medical Center. Chicago, IL
  • Sears, Roebuck & Co.
  • Soldier Field Stadium, Chicago Bears. Chicago, IL
  • The Spire. Chicago, IL
  • theWit Hotel. Chicago, IL
  • UIC Forum. Chicago, IL
  • Waldorf Astoria Chicago Hotel (f/k/a The Elysian Hotel). Chicago, IL

Publications

  • Co-Author, “The Changing Face of Arbitration in the Middle East,” JAMS Global Construction Newsletter (August 2009)
  • Executive Editor, The Construction Contracts Book, American Bar Association Forum on the Construction Industry (2005)
  • Co-Author, “Responsible Use of Computer Technology by Engineers,” Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice (April 2004)
  • Co-Author, “Contractual Protections Against Mechanics’ Liens and the Importance of Lien Waivers,” Commercial Leasing Law and Strategy (November/December 2001)
  • Co-Author, “Five Steps an Owner Should Take to Terminate a Construction Contract Properly,” Shopping Center Update (Spring 2001)
  • Co-Author, “Construction Industry Expert Testimony in the Aftermath of Kumho Tire Co., Ltd. v. Carmichael and Under Amended Rule 702 of the Federal Rules of Evidence,” Annual Meeting of the ABA Forum on the Construction Industry, New Orleans, Louisiana (April 2001)
  • Contributing author, lienlaw-online.com (Spring 2001)
  • Co-Author, “Practical Tips on Achieving a Successful Project Through Prudent Contracting,” Commercial Leasing Law and Strategy (December 2000/January 2001)
  • Co-Author, “Illinois Tort Reform: Issues for Architects,” Architalk, the newsletter of the American Institute of Architects, Northeast Illinois Chapter (July 1996)
  • Co-Author, “Survey of the Economic Loss Doctrine in Construction Claims,” American Bar Association, Section of Litigation (1996)
  • Co-Author, “Illinois Tort Reform: Issues for Architects,” Architalk, the newsletter of the American Institute of Architects, Northeast Illinois Chapter (September 1995)
  • Co-Author, “ADA: Is It Really as Bad as You Think?” Consulting Specifying Engineer (March 1995)
  • Author and Illinois Case Note Editor, Construct!, Committee on Construction Litigation Subcommittee, American Bar Association, Section of Litigation (1994 to present)
  • Co-Author, “Collecting Your Receivables,” Consulting Specifying Engineer (January 1994)
  • Co-Author, “Design-Build Agreement with General Conditions; Ownership Transition,” Consulting Specifying Engineer (December 1993)
  • Co-Author, “Contractor’s Substitution in ‘Original’ Spec,” Consulting Specifying Engineer (August 1993)
  • Co-Author, “Betterment Follow-Up: Proper Amount of Liability Insurance,” Consulting Specifying Engineer (March 1993)
  • Co-Author, “Software Error: Contracting with Subconsultants,” Consulting Specifying Engineer (January 1993)
  • Co-Author, “E&O Insurance – Claim Reporting and What Is a Claim; File Retention; Betterment from Spec Omission; 3rd Party Beneficiary/Privity of Contract Role – Engineer Can’t Make Claim Against Contractor,” Consulting Specifying Engineer (September 1992)
  • Author, “What the Americans with Disabilities Act Means to Manufacturers,” Manufacturing Risk Management and Insurance Newsletter, International Risk Management Institute, Inc. (August 1992)
  • Author, “Libraries’ Duties to Accommodate Their Patrons Under the ADA,” The American Library Association (July 1992)
  • Author, “Title III of the ADA Potential Liability or Opportunity,” Consulting Specifying Engineer (June 1992)
  • Author, “Contract Provisions for the Americans with Disabilities Act,” Consulting Specifying Engineer (March 1992)
  • Co-Author, “Liability for Defective Specs Pay When Paid Clauses ADA,” Consulting Specifying Engineer (February 1992)
  • Co-Author, “Winning and Preventing Fee Disputes with Strong Contracts,” Consulting Specifying Engineer (January 1992)
  • Columnist, “Ask the Lawyer,” Consulting Specifying Engineer, column published quarterly (1992 to 1997)
  • Speaker and Co-Author of course manual, “Practical Illinois Construction Law,” published and presented semi-annually by Federal Publications Inc., Chicago, Illinois (1989 to 2000)

Presentations

  • Speaker, “Schedules and Time Impact Issues Changes and Differing Site Conditions,” ABA Forum on Construction Fundamentals Program (November 2016)
  • Speaker, “Noticeably Older, Arguably Wiser and Still in Need of Work: An A201 Analysis,” ABA Forum on the Construction Industry 2016 Annual Meeting (April 2016)
  • Speaker, “Hot Tips Presentation,” American College of Construction Lawyers Annual Conference (February 2016)
  • Speaker, “Mediating Complex Construction Disputes: Tips for Mediators and Advocates,” (November 2015)
  • Co-Presenter, “Advanced Construction Mediation and Advanced Construction Arbitration,” Cook County Mandatory Arbitration & Mediation (November 2014)
  • Co-Presenter, “Time to Pull the Plug: When to Advise the Client to Terminate,” ABA Forum on the Construction Industry 2014 Annual Meeting (April 2014)
  • Speaker, “Effective Mediation Strategies,” ADR Systems of America (July 24, 2013)
  • Co-Presenter, “Most Controversial A201 Provisions,” Society of Illinois Construction Attorneys (March 20, 2012)
  • Co-Presenter, “Mediation of Construction Disputes: Controlling Your Own Destiny,” AAAU Webinar (October 2011)
  • Organizer and Panel Moderator, “Managing the Challenges of Scarcity: The Critical Path for Global Construction,” American College of Construction Lawyers and Princeton University Joint Symposium, Princeton University (November 5-6, 2009)
  • Organizer and speaker, “Mothballing A Construction Project: What Happens To Contracts, Financing and Improvements?” presented at DLA Piper, Chicago, Illinois (August 5, 2009)
  • Speaker, “Lessons Learned from Construction Mediation” (May 14, 2009)
  • Co-Presenter, “Pros and Cons of Cost-Plus vs. Fixed Price Contracts and the Impact of the Current Economy on Construction Projects,” Lorman Seminars (March 20, 2009)
  • Co-Presenter, “Controlling Your Own Destiny with Mediation,” 2008 AAA Construction Conference, ADR Works (November 2008)
  • Speaker, “Key Risk Factors in Construction Contracting,” Mid-Atlantic Construction Seminar, Lorman Education Services, Baltimore, Maryland (May 2006)
  • Speaker, “New AIA Design-Build Documents: An Owner’s Perspective,” Lorman Education Services, Hoffman Estates, Illinois (November 2005)
  • Speaker, “Fundamentals of Construction Law,” American Bar Association Forum on the Construction Industry, Chicago, Illinois (November 2002)
  • Program liaison, “Defective Work, Effective Litigation: Claims, Coverage and Trends,” Forum on the Construction Industry, Minneapolis, Minnesota (October 2002)
  • Program co-chair and speaker, “Covering the Design Waterfront: Insurance Projects with Fragmented Design Responsibility,” ABA Forum on the Construction Industry/TIPS Joint Meeting (January 2000)
  • Speaker, “ADA Title III, The Buck Stops Here,” International Conference of Shopping Centers Annual Meeting, Scottsdale, Arizona (October 1999)
  • Speaker, “Healthy Construction Projects: Achieving Goals of Time, Quality, and Budget,” ASHE 36th Annual Conference & Technical Exhibition, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (June 1999)
  • Presenter, “A Simulated Arbitration,” 1999 ASHRAE Winter Meeting, Chicago, Illinois (January 1999)
  • Speaker, “Alternative Dispute Resolution Provisions in Construction Contracts,” Construction, Contracts, Bidding and Liability Class, Oakton Community College, Skokie, Illinois (November 1998)
  • Speaker, “ADA Update,” a presentation to architects and planners, Chicago, Illinois (July 1998)
  • Speaker, “ADA Update,” a presentation to Sears, Roebuck and Co., Los Angeles, California (June 1998)
  • Speaker, “Construction Contracts Update,” a presentation to Sears, Roebuck and Co., Las Vegas, Nevada (May 1998)
  • Co-chair and speaker, “AIA Contract Documents: Generation Next,” a joint presentation by the ABA Forum on the Construction Industry and The American Institute of Architects, Atlanta, Georgia (October 1997) and San Diego, California (November 1997)
  • Speaker, “Construction in the 21st Century,” a presentation to Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, Illinois (October 1997 and November 1997)
  • Speaker, “Design Professional’s Responsibilities on a Construction Project,” ABA Forum on the Construction Industry, 1997 Annual Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana (April 1997)
  • Speaker, “Surviving Construction Projects With a Smile,” a presentation to Newell Co., Houston, Texas (March 1997)
  • Speaker, “Disputes Between Contractor and Owner,” Everyday Risk Management, a presentation to Perkins & Will, Chicago, Illinois (March 1997)
  • Speaker and Co-Author, “Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990: How Shopping Centers Can Avoid Claims and Accommodate Shoppers with Disabilities,” International Council of Shopping Centers, Orlando, Florida (October 1996)
  • Speaker, “Strategizing for Success: To Bundle or Not to Bundle, That Is the Question,” 1996 Annual Meeting of the ABA Forum on the Construction Industry, Dallas, Texas (May 1996)
  • Speaker, “Disputes Between Contractor and Owner,” Everyday Risk Management, a presentation for Perkins & Will, Chicago, Illinois (March 1996)
  • Speaker, “Proposed Changes to the 1987 AIA A201 General Conditions for the Contract for Construction,” a presentation to the Chicago Bar Association, Real Property Section, Chicago, Illinois (January 1996)
  • Speaker, “Shop Drawings,” Proposed Changes to the 1987 AIA A201 General Conditions for the Contract for Construction, a presentation to invited guests of the construction community, Chicago, Illinois (January 1996)
  • Speaker, “Alternative Dispute Resolution,” Construction Specification Institute, Northern Illinois Chapter, Itasca, Illinois (November 1995)
  • Speaker, “Contract Provisions and Negotiation Strategies,” Maximizing Profits and Minimizing Risks, a presentation for Hansen Lind Meyer, Inc., Chicago, Illinois (June 1995)
  • Speaker, “Enhancing Profits By Minimizing Risks,” American Institute of Architects, Northeast Illinois Chapter Mini-Seminar, Lombard, Illinois (June 1995)
  • Speaker, “Workletter Construction Issues,” Construction Issues for Brokers, a presentation for The John Buck Company, Chicago, Illinois (February 1995)
  • Speaker, “Alternative Dispute Resolutions,” National US Arab Chamber of Commerce, Chicago, Illinois (October 1994)
  • Speaker and author, “Alternative Dispute Resolution: Extent of Usage and Recommendation for Increased Acceptance,” Edison Electric Institute, New Orleans, Louisiana (October 1994)
  • Speaker, “Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990: Title I Employment; Title II State and Local Governments; and Title III Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities,” Illinois CPA Society 1994 Non-Profit Organizations Conference, Chicago, Illinois (September 1994)
  • Speaker, “Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990: Title II State and Local Governments; Title III Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities,” Environ, Inc., Chicago, Illinois (May 1994)
  • Speaker, “Illinois Tort Liability for Engineers and Construction Owners,” Western Society of Engineers, Chicago, Illinois (April 1994)
  • Speaker, “Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990: Title II State and Local Governments; Title III Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities,” Illinois Association of Plumbing and Cooling Contractors 1994 Convention, Chicago, Illinois (March 1994)
  • Speaker, “Americans with Disabilities Act: Title III Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities,” National Safety Council Congress and Exposition, Chicago, Illinois (October 1993)
  • Speaker, “Practical Pointers on the Americans with Disabilities Act,” 1993 Midwest Accounting and Business Management Show, Rosemont, Illinois (August 1993)
  • Speaker, “Americans with Disabilities Act: Title III Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities,” American Society of Plumbing Engineers, Technical Symposium, Atlanta, Georgia (May 1993)
  • Speaker, “Americans with Disabilities Act: Title III Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities,” Illinois CPA Society, 1993 Midwest Accounting and Business Management Show, Chicago, Illinois (June 1993)
  • Panelist, “Employment and Human Resources Issues,” 1992 Americans with Disabilities Act Conference, Illinois CPA Society and Foundation Panel Discussion, Metropolitan Healthcare Conference Center, Chicago, Illinois (May 1992)

Bar and Court Admissions

  • Illinois, 1986