Christopher S. Dunn

Christopher Dunn is a highly regarded attorney based in Nashville, Tennessee. Chris provides comprehensive legal guidance for complex construction projects and represents owners and developers nationwide. Clients value Chris’s robust knowledge of the construction industry and his network of resources. He guides clients through the intricate planning phase, negotiating favorable design and construction agreements. They also rely on his deep understanding of operational challenges that often surface mid-project.

When disputes arise concerning delays, reimbursable costs, work quality, or job cost accounting, Chris advocates in all phases of dispute resolution, including mediation, arbitration, and court litigation. He has extensive experience defending owners and developers against “impact” or delay-related claims from contractors, as well as demands for additional fees, general conditions, and other compensation.

For more than 20 years, Chris has represented owners and developers across the manufacturing, industrial, transportation, hospitality, and professional sports sectors, many of which have appeared on Engineering News-Record’s “Top 400 Owners” list. His experience includes advising on major regional developments involving mixed-use districts, multifamily communities, utility installations, and hospitality projects. Whether guiding the redevelopment of a former industrial site into a mixed-use corridor or helping shape the legal framework behind a new entertainment venue, Chris brings a practical approach to the complexities of real estate and infrastructure growth.

Chris also has extensive experience representing healthcare and life sciences owners undergoing expansion, renovation, or new construction projects. His experience encompasses facilities such as hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, behavioral health facilities, stand-alone emergency departments, skilled nursing facilities, urgent care clinics, cancer treatment centers, medical office buildings, dental clinics and offices, research facilities, imaging and radiology centers, rehabilitation centers, and other post-acute care facilities.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

• Fellow, American College of Construction Lawyers
• Fellow, Construction Lawyers Society of America
• Member, American Bar Association’s Forum on the Construction Industry
  • Member, Governing Committee
  • Past Chair, Division 12-Owners and Lenders
• Member, Construction Neutrals Panel of the American Arbitration Association
• Member, Nashville, Tennessee and American Bar Associations
• Member, Texas Bar Association
• Member, Tennessee Association of Construction Counsel (TACC)
  • Former Member, Board of Directors
  • Former Education Committee Chair
• Fellow, Nashville Bar Foundation

Speaking engagements, podcasts, and presentations

• “Owner’s Outlook: Vaccine Mandate for Construction Workers at Health Care Facilities,” Diagnosing Health Care Podcast, ep. 35 (February 17, 2022)
• “Protect Financing & Cash Flow Issues,” American Bar Association Forum on the Construction Industry Section Webinar, Nashville, TN (April 14, 2020)
• “Mechanics’ and Materialmen’s Liens: A Primer for Tennessee Real Estate Attorneys,” Tennessee Real Estate Law Conference for TN Attorneys, Nashville, TN (October 18, 2019)
• “The Owner’s Perspective on the Tennessee Prompt Pay Act,” Tennessee Municipal Attorneys’ Association CLE, Nashville, TN (February 2019)
• “Construction Lien Law,” Law Conference for Tennessee Practitioners CLE, Nashville, TN (November 2017)
• “The Insurer’s Duty to Make Reasonable Settlement Decisions,” Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) Society Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL (August 2017)
• “Healthcare Real Estate and Construction Update,” HCA Inc., Nashville, TN (March 2017)
• “Looking Ahead at Potential Changes in 2017 AIA Contract Documents,” 2016 International Risk Management Institute (IRMI) Conference, Orlando, FL (November 10, 2016)
• “Understanding Contractual Risk Transfer Tools,” International Risk Management Institute (IRMI) Construction Risk Conference, Orlando, FL (November 10, 2016)
• “Tools of Risk Transfer: Additional Insured Endorsements, Indemnification Agreements, and Waivers of Subrogation,” Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) Society Annual Meeting, Honolulu, HI (September 2016)
• “Additional Insured Endorsements, Indemnification Agreements, Waivers of Subrogation, and Understanding Risk Transfer Tools,” 2016 CPCU Society Annual Meeting, Honolulu HI (September 16, 2016)
• “Risk Transfer and Management in Modern Government Construction Projects in Tennessee,” International Municipal Lawyers Association Annual Conference, Nashville TN (March 2016)
• “Insurance and Bonding Requirements for Requests for Proposals (RFPs),” Airports Council International (ACI) Conference, Nashville, TN (January 2016)
• “Risk Transfer Devices,” International Risk Management Institute (IRMI) Construction Risk Conference, Las Vegas, NV (November 2015)
• “Introduction to Tennessee Mechanics’ and Materialmen’s Lien Act,” Tennessee Attorney’s Memo Tennessee Real Estate Law Conference, Nashville, TN (October 2015)
• “Construction Insurance Fundamentals and Relevant Legal Issues,” Middle Tennessee Chapter of Associated General Contractors (AGC), Nashville, TN (February 2015)
• Associated General Contractors (AGC), Nashville, TN (February 2015)
• “Construction Issues for Real Estate Lawyers,” 7^th Annual TN Real Estate Law Conference, Tennessee Bar Association, Nashville, TN (December 12, 2014)
• “Get A Knowledgeable Construction Broker,” IMRI Online – Mondaq, Nashville, TN (October 23, 2014)
• “Unforced Errors — Steps Clients Take to Reduce Their Chances of Success,” Tennessee Hospitality Symposium, Nashville, TN (July 2014)
• “Insurance Issues in Construction Law,” Hospitality & Tourism Law Symposium, Nashville, TN (July 2014)
• “Introduction to Construction Insurance Issues,” Middle Tennessee Chapter of Associated General Contractors (AGC) (March 2014)
• “Construction in Government Contracts,” Tennessee Bar Association CLE Seminar, Nashville, TN (February 2014)
• “Construction Law: Sticks and Bricks – What Every Lawyer Involved in a Construction Case Needs to Know About Construction But is Afraid to Ask,” Tennessee Bar Association CLE Seminar “Anatomy of a Construction Dispute from A to Z,” Nashville TN (January 24, 2014)
• “P3 in Public Places,” Tennessee Municipal Lawyers Association Annual Conference, Nashville, TN (January 2014)
• “Eight Construction Insurance Traps Every Project Owner Should Avoid,” International Municipal Lawyers Association Annual Conference, San Francisco, CA (September 29, 2013)
• “Construction Contract Drafting Initiative (CCDI) — Recommended Modifications to the A-201 Contract,” International Municipal Lawyers Association Annual Conference, San Francisco, CA (September 2013)
• “Introduction to Construction Law,” Tennessee Bar Association General Practice Summit 2013, Nashville, TN (August 16, 2013)
• “Eight Construction Insurance Traps Every Project Owner Should Avoid,” Tennessee Municipal Lawyers Association Annual Conference, Nashville, TN (January 2013)
• “Construction Law: Sticks and Bricks – What Every Lawyer Involved in a Construction Case Needs to Know About Construction But is Afraid to Ask,” Tennessee Bar Association CLE Seminar, Nashville, TN (January 2013)
• “Construction Law – Owner’s Damages Arising from Defective Construction,” 77th Annual International Municipal Lawyers Association Conference, Austin, TX (October 23, 2012)
• “Work Session XII: Owner’s Guide to Surviving the AIA’s A201,” 77th Annual International Municipal Lawyers Association Conference, Austin, TX (October 23, 2012)
• “Construction Contract Drafting Initiative (CCDI) — Recommended Modifications to the A-201 Contract,” 77th Annual International Municipal Lawyers Association Conference, Austin, TX (October 22, 2012)
• “Healthcare Design and Construction Update,” Symbion, Inc. Client Seminar., Nashville, TN (May 2012)
• “Healthcare Design and Construction Update,” Lillibridge Healthcare Services, Inc. Client Seminar, Chicago, IL (May 2012)
• “Healthcare Design and Construction Update,” Carolinas Healthcare Client Seminar, Charlotte, NC (April 2012)
• “Review of Factors to Consider When Determining Who Should Engage the Geotechnical Consultant,” ABA Forum on the Construction Industry 2012 Midwinter Meeting, Houston, TX (February 2, 2012)
• “Owner’s Damages Arising from Defective Construction,” 76^th Annual International Municipal Lawyers Association Conference, Chicago, IL (September 11, 2011)
• “Your Construction Project is at Death’s Door! Practical Strategies to Avoid a Date with the Devil,” 76^th Annual International Municipal Lawyers Association Conference, Chicago, IL (September 10, 2011)
• “Forum Experience Program,” American Bar Association Forum on the Construction Industry Annual Meeting Denver, CO (August 5, 2011)
• “Fundamentals of Construction Law,” American Bar Association Forum on the Construction Industry Annual Meeting, Denver, CO (August 4, 2011)
• “Healthcare Design and Construction Update,” Healthcare Realty Trust Incorporated Client Seminar, Nashville, TN (May 2011)
• “Healthcare Design and Construction Update,” Symbion, Inc. Client Seminar, Nashville, TN (February 2011)
• “Tennessee Construction Law: A-Z 2011,” TN Bar Association CLE Seminar, Nashville, TN (January 14, 2011)
• “Healthcare Design and Construction Update,” LifePoint Healthcare Client Seminar., Brentwood, TN (September 2010)
• “Healthcare Design and Construction Update,” Capella Healthcare Client Seminar, Nashville, TN (August 2010)
• “Healthcare Design and Construction Update,” HCA, Inc. Client Seminar, Nashville, TN (August 2010)
• “Healthcare Design and Construction Update,” Healthcare Realty Trust Incorporated Client Seminar, Nashville TN (July 2010)
• “Healthcare Design and Construction Update,” Symbion, Inc. Client Seminar, Nashville, TN (July 2010)
• “After the Flood: Rebuilding and Restoring Nashville,” Tennessee Bar Association Webinar, Nashville, TN (May 2010)
• “Fundamentals of Construction Law,” ABA Forum on the Construction Industry Regional Meeting, Nashville, TN (2009)
• “Forum Experience Program,” ABA Forum on Construction Industry Annual Meeting_, New Orleans, LA (2009)
• “Sharp Edges: The Owner/Developers Guide to the 2007 AIA and ConsensusDOCS Form Contract Documents,” ABA Forum on the Construction Industry Fall Meeting Division 12, Newport, RI (2007)
• “Real Estate Litigation in Tennessee,” Real Estate Law Seminar, Nashville, TN (2007)
• “Project Drawings – If you Pay for It, Do You Own It?,” Christopher Dunn, ABA Forum on the Construction Industry Annual Meeting, Puerto Rico (2007)
• “Joint Division Breakfast Discussion” ABA Forum on the Construction Industry Fall Meeting (Fall, 2007)
• “Joint Division Breakfast Discussion,” ABA Forum on the Construction Industry Midwinter Meeting (Midwinter 2006)

Published works

• “2013 ISO Additional Insured Endorsements: Putting the Changes into Context for the Construction Industry,” IRMI Online (August 1, 2013)
• Owner’s Damages Arising From Defective Construction, in Construction Defects: ABA Forum on the Construction Industry, ch. 6 (Nikles, Reisman, McSorley & Tyler, 1 ed. 2012)
• “Responding to a Contrary Position: Minimizing the Number of Named Insureds on the Builders Risk Policy,” Under Construction: The Newsletter of the ABA Forum on the Construction Industry (Fall 2012)
• Construction Contract Insurance Clauses, in Construction Insurance: A Guide For Attorneys and Other Professionals, ch. 2 (Palley, Delahunt, Sandberg & Wielinski, 1 ed. 2011)
• Confronting Conventional Wisdom on Builders Risk: From Named Insured Status to Concurrent Causation, in The Construction Lawyer, Chicago vol. 31 (Fall 2011)
• “Owner’s Field Guide to Risk Transfer Provisions in Modern Day Design and Construction Contracts,” (October 12, 2010)
• “5 Legal Factors in Green Construction,” Buildings.com (March 1, 2010)
• “6 Things Every Contractor Needs to Know about Bid Protests Under Tennessee Law,” Tennessee Road Builder (Vol 12 Issue 5) (September 2009)
• Step Negotiation, in The Construction Contracts Book: How to Find Common Ground in Negotiating the 2007 Industry Form Contract Documents, ch. 25 and 26 (Brennan, Neilson, Spangler & Hanahan, 2d ed. 2008)
• Representing the Construction Lender, in Construction Checklists: A Guide to Frequently Encountered Construction Issues, ch. 74 (Wilshusen, Berg., Brookie, and Okizaki, 1 ed. 2008)
• “Consequences of Ownership or Licensing of the Project Drawings, If You Pay for it, Do You Own It?,” Construction Lawyer Magazine (28:3 Constr. Law. 356 (2008)
• “Retainage No More,” Tennessee Road Builder Magazine (Fall, 2008)
• “A User’s Guide to the Tennessee Prompt Pay Act: Perfecting the Art of Getting Paid,” Tennessee Road Builder Magazine (Spring, 2008)
• “Public Works Projects in Tennessee: The Distinction Between Statutory and Common Law Bonds,” Monday (Bulletin) (February 6, 2008)
• “Six Reasons Every Construction Owner Should Exercise Caution When Considering a `Mutual’ Waiver of Consequential Damage Provisions,” Waller Lansden Dortch & Davies, LLP Publication (August 2007)

• U.S. District Court for the Middle and Western Districts of Tennessee
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
• Supreme Court, State of Tennessee
• Supreme Court, State of Texas

• American Bar Association’s Forum on the Construction Industry
  • Governing Committee, Member (2015 to 2017)
  • Division 12 – Owners and Lenders, Chair (2011 to 2013)
• Appalachian Bear Rescue
• Construction Neutrals Panel of the American Arbitration Association
• Goodwill of Middle Tennessee, Inc., Executive Committee, Member (2008 to Present)
• Law360 Construction Advisory Board (2022)
• Nashville Bar Association
• Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF)
• Tennessee Association of Construction Counsel (TACC)
  • Former Board of Directors Member
  • Former Education Committee Chair
• Tennessee Bar Association
• Tennessee Justice Center, Pro Bono Counsel
• Texas Bar Association
• Villanova University Alumni Club of Nashville, Social Events Chair