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Michael J. Hanahan

Profile photo for Michael J. Hanahan
Profile photo for Michael J. Hanahan
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Michael J. Hanahan

Michael’s practice is inspired by his training as an architect and his passion for the construction industry.

Representing owners, contractors, design professionals, and specialty consultants, Mike Hanahan works on a breadth of matters, preparing and negotiating contracts, providing ongoing client advice during construction, and representing clients in litigation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

Mike shares his industry understanding with his clients to help formulate effective legal strategies. His years of experience guide counsel on engineering procurement construction, design-build projects, master installation agreements, new construction, and renovation and remediation for projects in the commercial, hospitality, entertainment, residential, medical, energy, and manufacturing sectors.  

Mike has both prosecuted and defended claims involving construction defect and payment disputes, construction delays and acceleration, design defect disputes, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), mechanics liens, economic losses, and personal injuries. He also advises design professionals on copyright and trade secret matters.

With a strong background in procurement for both government entities and private organizations, Mike assists clients with requests for proposals, vendor selection, and contract preparation and negotiation.

Mike shares his passion for architecture, construction, and the law with future professionals as an adjunct professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago Graduate School of Architecture. 

View 2024 Presentations

Lecture No.Presentation TitleDownloads
1Introduction, Legal Foundations, Dispute ResolutionAudio File - Part 1
Audio File - Part 2
Presentation Slides
2Contract Law and Contract Formation, Interpretation of ContractsAudio File 
Presentation Slides
3Breach of Contract and Remedies; Tort LawAudio File 
Presentation Slides
4The 2017 B-101 Owner/Architect Agreement – Part 1Audio File 
Presentation Slides
5The 2017 B-101 Agreement (cont.) and related Owner-Architect Issues – Part 2Audio File - Part 1
Audio File - Part 2
Presentation Slides
6Contracting Methods - Alternative Project Delivery MethodsAudio File
Presentation Slides
7The Economics of ConstructionAudio File
Presentation Slides
8Construction and Design Professional Insurance; Licensing of Architects; Forms of AssociationAudio File - Part 1
Audio File - Part 2
Presentation Slides
9The 2017 A-201 General Conditions – Part 1Audio File
Presentation Slides
10The 2017 A-201 General Conditions and Issues That Arise During Construction – Part 2Audio File
Presentation Slides
11Office Management and Fee CalculationAudio File
Presentation Slides
12Copyrights, Ownership of Drawings; Starting Your Own PracticeCheck back for audio file and presentation slides

Education & Credentials

Education

  • Loyola University Chicago School of Law, J.D., 1990
  • University of Notre Dame, B.Arch., 1987

Bar and Court Admissions

  • Illinois
  • Supreme Court of the United States
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin

Professional Recognition

  • Listed in Chambers USA as "America's Leading Lawyer" for Construction, 2022-2024

  • Listed in The Best Lawyers in America: Commercial Litigation,2022-2024

  • Named a Recommended Construction Attorney by The Legal 500 U.S., 2019

  • Named an Illinois Leading Lawyer by Law Bulletin’s Illinois Leading Lawyers Network, 2010-2019

  • Listed in Illinois Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2007-2009, 2011-2014, 2017-2021

  • Name one of 40 Illinois Attorneys Under 40 to Watch by Chicago Lawyer and Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, 2004

  • *The Supreme Court of Illinois does not recognize certifications of specialties in the practice of law and no certificate, award or recognition is a requirement to practice law in Illinois.

Impact

Professional Leadership

  • American Bar Association, Forum on the Construction Industry
  • Chicago Bar Association
  • Illinois State Bar Association, Construction Law Section Council
  • Society of Illinois Construction Attorneys
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