Josh has over 35 years of experience guiding companies through complex construction and design projects. Known for his deep industry knowledge, he handles disputes, contracts, licensing, due diligence, and risk management matters. Josh focuses on the middle and upper markets, representing both mid-level entities and worldwide leaders in the construction space.
Clients rely on Josh's prowess as a litigator, negotiator, and business advisor as well as his dedication to top-notch service. Josh works as a core member of his clients' teams, helping them take advantage of Much's full-service capabilities and midsize value proposition. He prides himself on collaborating with colleagues to acquire a true 360-degree view of any opportunity or challenge.
Josh has handled matters involving dozens of building systems and technologies on a variety of project types, including:
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Stadiums and recreational facilities
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Process, manufacturing, and chemical plants
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Oil refineries and utilities
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Bio-fuel, wind, solar, and other alternative energy plants
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Hospitals and other medical buildings
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Museums and theaters
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Rail and airports
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Industrial buildings and warehouses
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Boilers, furnaces, heat exchangers, hydraulic cylinders, wind turbines, and other large equipment installations
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High-rises, condominiums, co-ops, residences, hotels, and parking garages
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Supertall buildings
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Government buildings
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Roads, bridges, and tunnels
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Quarries and breakwaters
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Universities and elementary, middle, and high schools
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Modular and 3D printing installations
On the disputes side, Josh leads litigation and alternative dispute resolution involving the full spectrum of construction claims, such as delays and disruption, defects, change orders, and insurance coverage. He has presented and cross-examined numerous expert witnesses, including structural, mechanical, soil, instrumentation, control system, process, and chemical engineers; material scientists; roofing, HVAC, and other building system consultants; standard of care, estimating, scheduling, and damages experts; and developer, construction, and lending experts.
On the transactions side, Josh counsels clients on delivery system selection, contracts, and risk management. He drafts, negotiates, and advises clients on a wide range of construction, design, and EPC project agreements. Josh has a niche practice leading due diligence efforts in acquisitions and reorganizations involving construction and engineering firms. These clients call on him to identify, assess, and address risks of troubled projects for both sell-side and buy-side engagements.
More Legal and Business Bylines From Josh Leavitt
- Signs of Financial Distress in Sectors of Construction Market - (Posted On Monday, April 08, 2024)
- Will the Coronavirus Make Your Business Sick? - (Posted On Tuesday, February 04, 2020)
- Gov. Pritzker Signs Retainage Cap Into Law – Immediately Impacts Construction Contract and Loan Negotiations - (Posted On Monday, August 26, 2019)
- Illinois Court Limits the Enforcement of a Waiver of the Implied Warranty of Habitability Against a Claim by a Subsequent Purchaser - (Posted On Thursday, August 06, 2015)
- Today’s Contracts Enforceability Issues, Part III: Decoding Indemnity Clauses - (Posted On Thursday, June 25, 2015)
- Today’s Contracts Enforceability Issues, Part II: Those Pesky Forum Selection Clauses - (Posted On Wednesday, December 10, 2014)
- Cyber and Technology Risk Insurance for the Construction Sector - (Posted On Wednesday, December 10, 2014)
- Today's Contracts Enforceability Issue: No Damages for Delay or Disruption Clauses - (Posted On Wednesday, February 26, 2014)
- You May Think It's Enforceable, but It's Not: Drafting Contract Provisions That Hold up in Your Jurisdiction - (Posted On Tuesday, February 25, 2014)