Chambers USA, 2008-2018; Band 1, Construction-Illinois, 2014-2018
Top Ten Construction Lawyer, Leading Lawyers Illinois, 2017
The Best Lawyers in America, 2007-2019
Order of the Coif (B.A. 1978)
High Honors (J.D. 1982)
Chambers USA, 2008-2018; Band 1, Construction-Illinois, 2014-2018
Top Ten Construction Lawyer, Leading Lawyers Illinois, 2017
The Best Lawyers in America, 2007-2019
Order of the Coif (B.A. 1978)
High Honors (J.D. 1982)
Barnes & Thornburg, LLP – Chicago – 2007-present (Partner and Chairperson Construction Law Practice Group)
Sachnoff & Weaver, Ltd. – Chicago – 1985-2007 (Partner and Chairperson Construction Law Practice Group) (merged with Reed Smith 2007)
Jenner & Block – Chicago – 1984-1985 (associate)
Weinberg & Green – Baltimore, MD – 1982-1984 (associate)
Clifford Shapiro works every day to resolve construction disputes as Chair of Barnes & Thornburg’s Construction Law Practice Group. With more than 35 years of experience, he handles and resolves virtually any kind of dispute that can arise related to a construction project, including claims for termination, delay and/or disruption, extra work, construction defect, warranty, and professional liability. He also adds value by helping his clients address and resolve insurance coverage issues that arise in the construction claim context, including claims for defense and/or indemnity under commercial general liability policies, builder’s risk policies, professional liability policies and “wrap” insurance programs.
In addition to being an experienced advocate, Clifford serves as a mediator and arbitrator in connection with construction and insurance claims. He is a formally trained mediator and arbitrator, and is listed on the American Arbitration Association’s national roster of arbitrators for construction, insurance and commercial claims.
Specific Experience Includes:
Mr. Shapiro received his B.A. magna cum laude from Washington University in St. Louis and his J.D. with High Honors from George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C, where he was a member of the Law Review and awarded Order of the Coif.
Professional and Community Involvement
Clifford has published numerous articles and frequently speaks throughout the United States about how best to resolve construction claims and insurance related issues. Clifford’s articles about insurance coverage for construction defect claims have appeared in several national publications, and have been cited in numerous court opinions (including several decisions issued by state supreme courts).
SELECTED CASES THAT CITE AND/OR QUOTE CJS ARTICLES
K&L Homes, Inc. v. American Family Mutual Ins. Co., 2013 WL 1364704 (N. Dakota Sup. Ct. 2013 (majority decision; prior law overruled)
Westfield Ins. Co. v. Custom Agri. Sys., Inc., 979 N.E.2d 269 (Ohio Sup. Ct. 2012) (dissenting opinion)
Greystone Construction, Inc. v. National Fire & Marine Ins. Co., 661 F.3d 1272 (10th Cir. 2011) (applying Colorado law)
Sheehan Construction Company, Inc. v. Continental Insurance Company, 935 N.E.2d 160 (Ind. Sup. Ct. 2010) (majority decision; prior law overruled)
United States Fire Ins. Co. v. J.S.U.B., 979 So. 2d 871, 886 n.9 (Fla. 2007)
Lee Builders, Inc. v. Farm Bureau Mutual Ins. Co., 137 P.2d 486, 491-494 (Kan. Sup. Ct. 2006)
Lennar Corp. v. Great American Ins. Co., 200 S.W.3d 651, 672-673 (Tex. App. 2006)
General Security Indemnity Co. of Arizona v. Mountain States Mutual Cas. Co., 205 P.3d 529 (Colo. App. 2009)
Illinois State and Federal Courts
Trial Bar N.D. IL