Kevin L. Kolton
Informed by his technical engineering experience, Kevin supports clients through large-scale construction projects.
During construction, Kevin Kolton works with his clients on a continuous basis, advising on nearly every aspect of the project, including the evaluation and negotiation of change orders and development and analysis of scheduling and budgeting metrics and reports. He continues to provide ongoing counsel after project completion, including helping clients understand their warranty rights and document warranty claims.
Kevin represents owners involved in the construction, operation, and maintenance of utility-scale energy projects, particularly clean energy. He regularly handles construction agreements of wind farms, solar farms, and natural gas facilities. Kevin also drafts and negotiates the long-term operation and maintenance agreements associated with owning clean energy and natural gas projects. When disputes arise, Kevin resolves them through mediation, arbitration, and litigation.
In addition to his clean energy work, Kevin has been involved in many of Chicago’s landmark projects including McCormick Place, United Center, and the Thompson Center.
Areas of focus
Education & Credentials
Education
- South Texas College of Law Houston, J.D., magna cum laude, 1989
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, B.S., Engineering, 1980
Bar and Court Admissions
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Illinois
Related Employment
- Schiff Hardin LLP, 1991-2019
- Neal Gerber Eisenberg LLP, 1989-1991
Professional Recognition
Ranked by Chambers USA, as “America’s Leading Construction Lawyers," 2021-2024
Fellow, Construction Lawyers Society of America
Named Illinois Leading Lawyer since 2008
Listed in Illinois Super Lawyers, 2017-2023
Recommended in The Legal 500 U.S., Construction Attorney, 2018-2019
Listed in Best Lawyers in America: Construction Law; Litigation - Construction, 2010-2025
*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
- Society of Illinois Construction Attorneys
- Construction Lawyers Society of America, Fellow
- Northwestern University, Department of Civil Engineering Graduate Program, Construction Law & Risk Management, Adjunct Professor, 2018
Insights
News
Professional Experience
Clean Energy
- Drafted and negotiated the governing contract documents relating to the design and construction of numerous wind and solar facilities throughout the Midwest. This work includes the review of the project schedule, status, cost controls, contracts, delay/change orders, and startup.
- Drafted and negotiated the governing contract documents relating to procurement of wind turbines and other major components needed for a wind facility.
- Drafted and negotiated the governing contract documents relating to procurement of PV modules, inverters, and other major components needed for a solar facility.
- Drafted and negotiated the governing contract documents relating to the long-term operation of numerous wind and solar farms and natural gas plants.
Utilities
- Drafted and negotiated the governing contract documents relating to a failed gas turbine generator requiring repair during a 12-week forced outage. This engagement scope included the review of the project schedule, status, cost controls, contracts, delay/change orders, and startup.
- Drafted and negotiated the governing contract documents relating to the design and installation of selective catalytic reduction system at client’s Iowa facility. This engagement included the review of the project schedule, status, cost controls, contracts, delay/change orders, and startup.
- Drafted and negotiated the governing contract documents relating to the installation of air quality control system. This engagement included the review of the project schedule, status, cost controls, contracts, delay/change orders, and startup.
- Drafted, reviewed, and negotiated the project contracts and analyzed project status, cost control, delay/change orders, and startup for a planned outage/addition, relating to 19-mile gas pipeline.
- Drafted and negotiated the governing contract documents relating to the pond closure project for client’s Midwestern plants. Engagement included the review of the project schedule, status, cost controls, contracts, delay/change orders, and startup.