Construction & Contractor Law
With Clear Guidance & Proven Results

Contractor and Construction lawyers who provide strategic solutions, a clear legal roadmap, realistic results, and transparent costs.

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Servicing Cook, Lake, & Dupage County
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Trusted by Families & Business Professionals Across Chicagoland

Choose The Right
Construction & Accident Law Firm
Get Answers, Not Legal Jargon

We understand how confusing it can be to find a lawyer who gets you and keeps your best interests first. At Zeidman & Carpenter, we listen first—understanding your situation and guiding you to the best legal options. Whether you need a lawyer or just the right advice, we’ll give you honest answers, not pressure.

Contract Drafting & Review

A well-structured contract is the foundation of a successful construction project. We draft, review, and negotiate contracts for general contractors, subcontractors, homeowners, and developers to ensure clear expectations, fair payment terms, and legal protection against disputes. Our contracts safeguard your rights while minimizing liabilities and costly project delays.

Payment Disputes & Mechanic’s Liens

Payment issues are a major concern in construction projects. We assist contractors in filing mechanic’s liens to recover unpaid work and represent property owners in removing fraudulent or excessive liens. Whether handling late payments, contract breaches, or non-payment disputes, we provide legal strategies to enforce fair payment.

Construction Defects & Warranty Claims

Defective workmanship, code violations, and material failures can lead to expensive repairs and legal battles. We represent contractors defending against defect claims and homeowners seeking compensation for construction flaws. Our expertise ensures that warranty obligations, liability concerns, and repair responsibilities are properly handled.

Permit, Zoning, & Code Compliance Issues

Navigating local building codes, zoning laws, and permit regulations is crucial for construction projects. We help contractors and developers obtain necessary approvals, defend against stop-work orders, and resolve compliance disputes with city or state agencies. Avoid legal fines and project delays with proper legal guidance.

Construction Disputes & Litigation

Disputes over project delays, change orders, breach of contract, or poor workmanship can lead to legal claims and costly lawsuits. Whether through mediation, arbitration, or courtroom litigation, we aggressively protect contractors, developers, and property owners to resolve disputes efficiently and cost-effectively.

Trusted by Businesses, Proven in Practice

I had an excellent experience with Attorney Jade Carpenter at Zeidman & Carpenter. Jade handled document preparation for both my personal and professional business needs with exceptional care and professionalism. The process was smooth, efficient, and stress-free. The firm’s attention to detail and expertise were evident throughout, and they had an impressively quick turnaround and response time. Jade went above and beyond to ensure everything was done perfectly. I highly recommend Zeidman & Carpenter’s services to anyone looking for reliable and top-quality legal support. Thank you for making it such a positive experience!

Construction and Contract Law Questions, Answered

Answers to clarify cost, time, outcome and strategy to help you make the right decision for your situation.

When should I hire a construction lawyer?

You should hire a construction lawyer before signing contracts, handling disputes, or facing payment issues. A lawyer can review contracts, ensure compliance with regulations, file mechanic’s liens, resolve disputes, and defend against defect claims—helping you avoid costly mistakes.

What are your business law fees & how do you charge?

We believe in transparent pricing with no hidden fees or surprises. Our fee structure depends on the complexity of your business legal needs. Here’s how we typically charge:

Flat Fees – For services like business formation, contract drafting, trademark filings, or compliance reviews, we offer clear, upfront pricing so you know exactly what to expect.

Hourly Rates – For more complex matters such as business litigation, contract disputes, or mergers & acquisitions, we charge competitive hourly rates with detailed billing transparency.

Retainer – For ongoing legal support, we require an initial retainer that covers business consultations, contract negotiations, and legal filings. We provide regular case
updates so you always know where your investment is going.

Payment Plans – Available when applicable, depending on the nature of your case.

What legal actions can homeowners take against a contractor for defective work?

Homeowners can:
Request repairs under warranty.
Negotiate a settlement.
File a lawsuit for breach of contract or negligence.
File a complaint with the state contractor board.
A lawyer can assess the claim, negotiate resolutions, and file legal action if necessary.

Why should I choose your firm?

Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference in your case. We're here to make your life easier, not harder.

Proven Legal Strategies – We take a results-driven approach, crafting solutions that align with your goals.

Transparent Pricing & No Hidden Fees – You’ll know exactly what to expect from day one.

Personalized Attention – Your case won’t be handed off—you’ll work directly with an experienced attorney.

Clear Communication & Case Updates – No waiting for answers—we keep you informed every step of the way.

Aggressive When Needed, Strategic Always – We fight for the best possible outcome, whether in negotiations or court.

What should be included in a construction contract?

A strong construction contract should include:

Scope of work (detailed project description)
Payment terms & schedule
Change order process
Project timeline & deadlines
Liability & insurance coverage
Dispute resolution methods
(mediation, arbitration, or litigation)
Termination clauses

An attorney can help draft or review contracts to prevent loopholes and legal risks.

What can I do if a homeowner or client refuses to pay?

If a client refuses to pay, you have several legal options:
Send a formal demand letter requesting payment
File a mechanic’s lien against the property
Pursue mediation or arbitration for a faster resolution
Take legal action by filing a lawsuit for breach of contractA construction attorney can help you recover unpaid invoices while protecting your rights.

Can a contractor place a lien on a property for unpaid work?

Yes, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers can file a mechanic’s lien to claim unpaid work or materials. This lien prevents the property owner from selling or refinancing until the debt is settled.Important: Each state has strict deadlines for filing a lien—a construction lawyer ensures compliance with these laws.

Will I get the results and outcome I want?

Every business law case is unique, and while we fight for the best possible outcome, no attorney can guarantee a specific result. However, here’s what you can expect when working with us:

Clear Expectations Upfront – An honest assessment of your case, outlining potential risks, opportunities, and realistic outcomes.

A Strong Legal Strategy – A customized legal approach designed to protect your business interests, minimize liability, and maximize success.

Negotiation & Litigation Expertise – Proven strategies to resolve disputes, enforce contracts, and protect assets in and out of court.

Transparent Communication – Regular updates so you’re never left wondering about the status of your case or what comes next.

A Focus on Business Growth & Protection – We aim for long-term legal solutions that support the success and stability of your business—not just quick fixes.

Same or Next Day Consultations

Free Consultation Made Simple,
What can we do for you?

Step 1:
Tell us your legal issue

Step 2:
Get a legal plans based on your goals

Step 3:
Get clear cost, timelines & outcomes per strategy

Case Study
Protecting a Family’s
Legacy in Skokie, IL

Client

A family in Skokie, IL, with
significant real estate and financial assets.

Challenge

Needed to avoid probate, minimize taxes, and ensure clear guardianship for minor children.

Implementation

Properly titled assets, structured estate planning to comply with Illinois law, and ensured healthcare and financial protection.

Outcome

The family now has a legally protected estate, avoiding probate delays and securing their children’s future.

"First time using Zeidman & Carpenter for a real estate closing and it won't be the last! Lee and Corrie were great communicators during this super quick 7 day closing requested by the buyer. Lee had to navigate finding a surveyor who could get the property surveyed quickly which he did before I was able to utilize my contacts in this area at a very reasonable price. They were fantastic to work with and am looking forward to the next real estate transaction."

Our Construction Law Process
From Start to Winning Outcomes

We simplify the complexities of construction regulations, contracts, dispute resolution, and legal compliance so your business can operate smoothly and avoid costly mistakes. Whether you're dealing with contract disputes, construction defects, project delays, or unpaid invoices, we guide you through each step to protect your business and minimize legal risks.

  1. Initial Consultation & Risk Assessment
  2. Contract Drafting, Negotiation & Review
  3. Compliance & Permitting Assistance
  4. Dispute Resolution & Financial Litigation
  5. Litigation & Legal Defense (If Needed)
1. Initial Consultation & Risk Assessment


Every construction project has legal risks, from contract disputes to compliance violations. In this first step, we:
Assess your project’s legal vulnerabilities
Review existing contracts & agreements
Identify potential disputes before they arise. This ensures proactive legal protection

2. Contract Drafting, Negotiation & Review

Construction contracts are the foundation of every project—a well-drafted contract prevents legal disputes and protects your business. We help contractors, subcontractors, and property owners draft, negotiate, and review agreements that clearly outline scope of work, payment terms, timelines, and dispute resolution procedures.

3. Compliance & Permitting Assistance

Before breaking ground, construction businesses must comply with:
Building codes, zoning laws, & permit requirements
OSHA workplace safety standards
Labor law regulations to avoid disputes.
We help contractors navigate these regulatory challenges to avoid costly penalties and project shutdowns.

4. Dispute Resolution & Payment Protection

Construction disputes often arise from delays, contract breaches, or non-payment. We provide legal strategies for:
Mediation & arbitration to resolve disputes quickly.
Filing mechanic’s liens to secure unpaid work.
Negotiating settlements or defending against lawsuits.
We ensure contractors get paid fairly while preventing lengthy court battles.

5. Litigation & Legal Defense (If Needed)

If disputes escalate, we offer aggressive legal representation for:
Construction defect claims
Breach of contract lawsuits
Liability defense for contractors & developers
When necessary, we fight for your rights in court, securing the best possible outcome.

When You Can’t Afford To Be Wrong, Get Clear Answers
Us vs Other Firms
Clear Legal Strategy
Customized Plans
Generic Plans
Transparent Pricing Guarantee
Proactive Legal Guidance
We help prevent legal problems before they arise.
Often only involved when a crisis happens.
No Case Hand-Offs To Jr Lawyers
Outcome Expectations
We set realistic expectations with a focus on achieving the best result possible.
Overpromising, leading to disappointment and unnecessary stress.
Legal Education for Clients

Our Free Consultations Include:

Clear Roadmap Guarantee
Transparent Pricing Guarantee
Regular Case Update Guarantee
Honest Advice with No Pressue
Proactive Problem Prevention
Complex Legal Terms Explained In Plain English

Contact us

We offer two ways to get started:

1. Quick Contact Form (Right →) : If you have a general inquiry or need a brief consultation, fill out the simple form to connect with us.

2. Detailed Intake Form (Below ↓) : If you’re ready to take the next step, our intake forms help us gather key details upfront—saving you time and allowing our attorneys to quickly determine how we can assist you. These forms help qualify cases and ensure we provide the most relevant guidance.

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