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General Contractor Mechanic's Lien Litigation
Represented a general contractor in defending a $5 million mechanics lien claim filed by a demolition subcontractor for the re-development of the historic Palmolive Building in Chicago, Ill. The subcontractor claimed that interference with its work by the owner, contractor and other events beyond the subcontractor’s control caused significant delay damages. Following a 10-day trial, the court entered judgment against the subcontractor on its complaint, and a further judgment in favor of the contractor on a counterclaim. The judgments were affirmed on appeal. The published appellate court opinion has been widely cited with respect to the meaning and enforceability of a contractual “merger” clause and the admission of extrinsic evidence.