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 Title | Downloads |
---|---|---|
1 | Introduction, Legal Foundations, Dispute Resolution | Audio File - Part 1 Audio File - Part 2 Presentation Slides |
2 | Contract Law and Contract Formation, Interpretation of Contracts | Audio File Presentation Slides |
3 | Breach of Contract and Remedies; Tort Law | Audio File Presentation Slides |
4 | The 2017 B-101 Owner/Architect Agreement – Part 1 | Audio File Presentation Slides |
5 | The 2017 B-101 Agreement (cont.) and related Owner-Architect Issues – Part 2 | Audio File - Part 1 Audio File - Part 2 Presentation Slides |
6 | Contracting Methods - Alternative Project Delivery Methods | Audio File Presentation Slides |
7 | The Economics of Construction | Audio File Presentation Slides |
8 | Construction and Design Professional Insurance; Licensing of Architects; Forms of Association | Audio File - Part 1 Audio File - Part 2 Presentation Slides |
9 | The 2017 A-201 General Conditions – Part 1 | Audio File Presentation Slides |
10 | The 2017 A-201 General Conditions and Issues That Arise During Construction – Part 2 | Audio File Presentation Slides |
11 | Office Management and Fee Calculation | Audio File Presentation Slides |
12 | Copyrights, Ownership of Drawings; Starting Your Own Practice | Check back for audio file and presentation slides |
Areas of focus
Industries
Services
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