Litigation and Dispute Resolution

When disputes arise, Freeborn is trial-ready with more than 80 litigators who litigate and try cases across the nation. Our team has deep experience handling real estate litigation matters involving a wide range of claims.

Our team has deep experience handling real estate litigation matters involving a wide range of claims including:

  • Performance bonds and letters of credit
  • Construction contract disputes
  • Construction defect litigation
  • Mechanic's lien claims
  • Bankruptcy
  • Condemnation and eminent domain actions
  • Other matters involving real property issues

We represent both landlords and tenants in commercial lease disputes and regulatory matters. Our clients include large national and international lenders, developers, builders, manufacturing companies, financial institutions, real estate firms, construction companies, high technology firms, restaurant companies and retailers.

Representative Matters

Successfully prosecuted real estate fraud claim for wealthy investor, involving a massive condominium conversion project, recovering 100% of initial investment and attorneys’ fees incurred in prosecuting action in federal court.

Obtained first mandatory injunction against municipality in Illinois, allowing a multi-million dollar aircraft facility and fuel farm to be constructed during pendency of litigation - and obtained a jury verdict against the municipality for breach of contract.

Negotiated settlement of a $20 million claim against a publicly traded railroad, after the close of discovery, for less than the budgeted amount to defend the case at trial. This case was actively litigated for over four years and was reviewed quarterly by the railroad’s Board of Directors as “material” litigation.

Filed and pursued foreclosure of numerous mechanics’ liens.

Successfully transferred media-generating construction defect claim from public forum to private arbitration forum where claims were favorably resolved without additional negative media attention.

Negotiated a successful resolution of dispute between a painting subcontractor, its general contractor and its bonding company over additional costs incurred as a result of the discovery and abatement of asbestos and lead paint.

Obtained a dismissal with prejudice of all claims asserted against a general contractor in connection with litigation alleging latent defects in the construction of a nursing home.

Successfully prosecuted multi-million dollar contractor claim concerning construction of the Cleveland Browns stadium.

Successfully appealed a trial court decision resulting in the creation of mechanic’s lien rights for trucking and hauling of construction material.

Represented several railroad companies on environmental cleanups and natural resource damage claims resulting from major developments.

National and Chicago-based developers in connection with the acquisition, development, construction, leasing, financing and sale of shopping centers and retail properties throughout the United States.

Following a 3-week jury trial in Tampa, Florida successfully prosecuted non-competition and trade secret claims against former employees of a leading brokerage firm recovering compensatory and punitive damages as well as attorney's fees.