Bedard, Peter J

Partner

Expertise

Peter J. Bedard specializes in the trial and arbitration of complex construction disputes, including construction delay, breach of contract, defects and omissions, fraud, and negligence claims. Mr. Bedard represents owners, general contractors, construction managers and EPC firms, both nationally and internationally, on issues arising from the design and construction of technically-complex megaprojects, including power generation and transmission, oil & gas extraction and refining, mining and minerals, chemical process facilities, pipelines, and large-scale commercial projects. He has extensive experience before federal and state courts, the American Arbitration Association, the International Chamber of Commerce, Uncitral, as well as other alternative dispute resolution forums. Mr. Bedard also has provided project legal consulting and contract drafting services to those involved in the construction process.

Publications/Presentations

Mr. Bedard has written and presented on legal topics involving construction matters, including:

“Protecting Subcontractors’ Rights Under Illinois Public Construction Bond Act;” Illinois Bar Journal, October 2002
“A Moorman – Doctrine Exception for Design Professionals and Construction Managers?;” Illinois Bar Journal, August, 2001
“How a Collaborative Legal Team can Streamline Dispute Resolution for Complex Megaprojects,” Society of Construction Law, North America, December 2020
“Witness Statement Drafting,” Illinois Society of Construction Law, October 2021

Representative Engagements

Mr. Bedard has successfully arbitrated numerous international construction disputes over the past several years, including:

Representation of a major European construction consortium against more than $300 million in claims arising from the construction of a hydro power generating facility in Atlantic Canada, and prosecution more than $300 million in claims against the owner.
Defense of a top 5 EPCM firm against approximately $1 billion in owner’s alleging gross negligence, fraud, and errors in the design, procurement, and construction of a first-of-its-kind nickel and cobalt ore processing facility in Canada
Defense of joint venture of two of world’s largest EPCM firms against gross negligence and fraud claims involving expansion of Texas refinery project brought by Saudi Arabian energy company
Defense of an owner of an African slurry pipeline against scope change and prolongation claims by contractor, and pursuit of a delay and environmental damages claim
Defense of a Madagascar power plant owner against delay and disruption claims, and prosecution of claims for defective work and delay, against a consortium of international contractors
Defense of an owner of a nickel and cobalt processing facility against prolongation and disruption claims and prosecution of delay claims against a Korean contractor
Defense of an international contractor against a $250 million gross negligence claim involving a Canadian oil sands processing facility
Defense of a developer against a $50 million lost profits claim involving construction of a luxury hotel in Armenia

Other Representative Engagements

Advice and preparation of a claim for $50 million on behalf of contractor involving construction of a pipeline across Mexico
Representation of developer of a luxury resort, villas and shopping center development in Scottsdale, Arizona involving several contractor and subcontractor claims
Representation of a contractor in litigation involving $200 million conversion of historic power plant into hotel and entertainment district in South Carolina
Defense of a developer against a $60 million claim involving the conversion of a landmark Chicago high-rise into luxury condominiums
Defense and prosecution of $40 million in claims on behalf of the owner of a luxury ski resort in Colorado
Prosecution of $20 million defect claims on behalf of the general contractor involving the construction of high end condominiums in South Carolina

Prosecution of $15 million defect claims on behalf of the owner of an apartment complex in California

Authoritative Credentials

Leading Lawyers – Construction Law, Leading Lawyers magazine
Legal 500 USA
Chambers USA

Professional, Business and Civic Affiliations

Illinois State Bar Association
Chicago Bar Association
Member, Society of Illinois Construction Attorneys
Past Chair, Chicago Bar Association, Mechanic’s Lien Committee

Education

Mr. Bedard received a B.A. in 1991 from Villanova University and a J.D., cum laude, in 1993 from the University of Miami School of Law.