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Josh Leavitt | Much Law

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, climate change liability, 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:

  • Stadiums and recreational facilities
  • Process, manufacturing, and chemical plants
  • Oil refineries and utilities
  • Bio-fuel, wind, solar, and other alternative energy plants
  • Hospitals and other medical buildings
  • Museums and theaters
  • Rail and airports
  • Industrial buildings and warehouses
  • Boilers, furnaces, heat exchangers, hydraulic cylinders, wind turbines, and other large equipment installations
  • High-rises, condominiums, co-ops, residences, hotels, and parking garages
  • Supertall buildings
  • Government buildings
  • Roads, bridges, and tunnels
  • Quarries and breakwaters
  • Universities and elementary, middle, and high schools
  • 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.

Josh is a sought-after speaker and writer with over 100 articles and speaking engagements to his credit. He is a thought leader on topics like 3D printing and construction industry liability for failure to adapt to climate change. In 2021, he co-founded the Practising Law Institute's annual infrastructure program.

Josh serves on the Board of Advisors of Jupiter Intelligence, the leading provider of predictive data and analytics for climate risk and resilience. He is a past president of the Society of Illinois Construction Attorneys, and he serves on the Board of Governors of the prestigious American College of Construction Lawyers.

Chambers and Partners has honored Josh in its nationwide ranking of leading construction attorneys for the past 17 years. Clients remarked "Josh's expertise is first-class. He is extremely reliable and always looks out for our best interests."

Much More Than My Work

I support many charitable organizations through my pro bono work. I was appointed by my local school board to serve on a committee that oversaw a large high school design and construction project. In 2016, I was a member of the Legal Working Group that helped develop the City of Chicago’s Olympic bid.

I recently accepted an invitation to join the prestigious Fellows of the American Bar Foundation.

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