Rhiner, Joel J

Partner

Expertise

Joel Rhiner specializes in the resolution of complex construction disputes, both nationally and internationally, as a member of the bar in both the United States and Canada. Mr. Rhiner has extensive experience in all aspects of commercial litigation, but has built his practice on providing legal consultation on complex construction law matters involving claims for delay, breach of contract, loss of productivity, errors and omissions, fraud and negligence. Mr. Rhiner represents EPC firms, owners, general contractors and construction managers on all types of construction projects ranging from energy, infrastructure, luxury resorts and hotels, large apartment buildings/condominiums, transportation and other large scale commercial construction projects. Mr. Rhiner also provides project legal consulting and contract drafting services to his clients involved in the construction industry.

Key Professional Accomplishments

Mr. Rhiner has extensive experience in both state and federal courts, the American Arbitration Association, Uncitral and other dispute resolution forums. A sampling of cases that Mr. Rhiner has handled include the following:

6 month bench trial including litigation of approximately $40 million in claims on behalf of Owner involving construction of high end resort hotel/condominiums
1 month arbitration of approximately $25 million in claims relating to the construction of a power plant
3 week arbitration of approximately $100 million in claims involving the design, construction and performance of a chemical plant
3 week federal jury trial of approximately $10 million in claims arising out of the alleged breach of an environmental remediation services contract
2 week arbitration of approximately $25 million in claims involving the design and construction of a reverse osmosis water purification plant
2 week jury trial relating to the alleged breach of a real estate development services contract
Defense of a developer against a $50 million lost profits claim involving construction of a luxury hotel in Armenia
Defense and prosecution of approximately $150 million in claims on behalf of general contractor involving high end resort hotel

Publications/Presentations

Contributions to construction law literature made by Mr. Rhiner include:

Co-authored “The Wrong Words Can Cost You,” The Builder (March 2007)
Co-authored “Challenging The Finality of An Executed Change Order,” Aspen Publications (Summer 2005)
Co-authored “Limiting Liability in Payment Certifications,” Construction Specifier (October 2003)
Co-authored “Enforcing Letters of Intent and Handshake Agreements,” ABA Construction Lawyer (April 2000)

Mr. Rhiner’s presentations include:

“Termination of Construction Contracts; Mechanics and Pitfalls,” SOICA, May 16, 2017
“Breaking Up is Hard to Do: It’s Gut Check Time,” ABA Forum on the Construction Industry, 2014 Fall Meeting
“Drafting Effective, Enforceable Consulting Expert Agreements to Protect and Maintain Privileges at Various States of Project / Litigation,” ABA Forum on the Construction Industry, April 13, 2011
“Cover Your Assets: Protecting Rights on a Project Through Use of Mechanics Liens,” Solomon, Cordwell and Buenz, Chicago, IL, December 8, 2004
“Anatomy of Risk Shifting: Analyzing and Enforcing Indemnity Agreements,” Stein, Ray & Harris LLP’s 13th Annual Symposium for Design Professionals, March 11, 2004
“Surety and Insurance Beyond,” ICPAS Construction Conference, Oakbrook, IL, October 31, 2002
“Risky Business: State Licensing and Registration,” Stein, Ray & Harris’ 11th Annual Symposium for Design Professionals, March 21, 2002
“Covering Your Assets: How to Protect Your Design Professional Fees,” Stein, Ray & Harris’ 9th Annual Symposium for Design Professionals, February 10, 2000
“Exposures from Certifications of Payments,” Stein, Ray & Harris’ 5th Annual Symposium for Design Professionals, February 9, 1996

Additionally, Mr. Rhiner has addressed a number of different contractors and subcontractors concerning construction law and litigation issues, including such organizations as the Builder’s Association of Greater Chicago.

Authoritative Credentials

Illinois Super Lawyers 2007-2021
Best Lawyers in America 2013-2021
Who’s Who Among America’s Top Construction Lawyers
Legal 500 USA
Selected as a Member of the Society of Illinois Construction Attorneys (SOICA)

Professional, Business and Civic Affiliations

Member of Federal Trial Bar
American Bar Association
Illinois State Bar Association
Iowa State Bar Association
Chicago Bar Association
Member of the Canadian Bar
Forum on the Construction Industry of the American Bar Association – Division 4 Steering Committee Member
Lecturer of Construction Law at the IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law

Education

Mr. Rhiner received his Juris Doctor from the University of California at Los Angeles in 1990. Mr. Rhiner served as an editor on the UCLA Law Review. Mr. Rhiner received his undergraduate degree, Summa Cum Laude, from the University of Iowa in 1987 in Political Science and Economics.