William R. KlingerPartner
William R. Klinger focuses his litigation practice in the areas of construction, general business and other civil matters, including a wide array of commercial disputes, governmental and regulatory issues and transactions/contracts. In addition, he represents numerous businesses of varying size as outside general counsel, providing practical advice on risk management/mitigation and other legal concerns his clients encounter on a day-to-day basis.
Throughout his career, Mr. Klinger’s clients have included owners, developers, contractors, construction managers, municipalities, utility providers, manufacturers, architects, engineers, retailers, insurers, insurance brokers, and a host of individuals and businesses across other industries. Mr. Klinger prides himself on a practical, forward-thinking and goal-oriented approach that allows his clients to achieve their objectives.
Mr. Klinger was previously a partner in a Chicago-based government-facing boutique law firm as well as a large regional firm where he practiced within the construction and commercial litigation groups. In addition to maintaining an active dispute resolution practice, he has also tried numerous jury and bench trials with many successful results.
Representative Experience
- Routinely counsels clients in the evaluation, preparation and advancement of change orders and claims, including for delay, acceleration, changed conditions, unforeseen conditions and any other claim basis that may be encountered on a construction project.
- Represented clients in dozens of administrative actions and claim proceedings seeking, amongst other things, additions to contract sum and/or time, often in the government contracting context. Relatedly, Mr. Klinger also often represents clients in bid and award protest matters and judicial review cases stemming from administrative decisions.
- Functions as counsel for an association representing contractors and suppliers that provide construction services throughout the Chicagoland area.
- Represented an architectural client at trial in multi-million-dollar design litigation at the Art Institute of Chicago, securing defense verdict in favor of client.
- Successfully defended contractor client on alleged OSHA violations at trial against U.S. Department of Labor.
- Represented contractor and gas utility at trial in construction negligence case, securing defense verdict in favor of clients.
- Represented architectural client against professional liability and construction defect claims related to seismic design for commercial office building in downstate Illinois.
- Represented multiple clients in judgment enforcement proceedings throughout the State of Illinois.
- Represented dozens of clients in resolution of construction claims, mechanic’s lien actions, breach of contract suits relating to payment disputes, construction delay, and property damage.
- Represented multiple employers in negotiation of employment terms and drafting of employment agreements.
- Successfully litigated multiple insurance coverage lawsuits related to first-party disputes and additional insured status arising from defense and indemnity tenders.
- Routinely advised clients on various OSHA issues, including emergency response, compliance, abatement and appeals.
- Successfully prosecuted and defended multiple appeals in different districts across Illinois.
Admissions
- Illinois– 2008
- Northern District of Illinois – 2010
- Pro Hac Vice admission in numerous jurisdictions throughout the U.S.
Memberships, Organizations and Awards
- Associated Steel Erectors
- Illinois State Bar Association
- Defense Research Institute
- Selected to the Illinois Super Lawyers list of “Rising Stars”: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
Education
- J.D., University of Illinois Chicago School of Law – 2008
- B.S., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – 2004