Harper, Charles E - Stein Ray LLP

Charles E. Harper

Partner

Expertise

Charles Harper is a commercial litigator specializing in complex construction litigation and dispute resolution. An experienced trial lawyer representing clients in state and federal courts, he guides his clients through every stage of the litigation process, including trial and appeal. Mr. Harper also has experience with alternative dispute resolution procedures, including arbitration and mediation before the American Arbitration Association, the International Chamber of Commerce and other ADR forums. His clients have included owners, developers, architects, engineers, contractors and subcontractors, insurers, banks and financial services institutions, private equity firms, non-profit philanthropic organizations, automobile manufacturers, national and multinational retailers, beverage manufacturers, retail franchisors, a U.S. airline, jet fuel consortiums, global shipping and logistics providers, gas and electric utility providers, and solar energy companies.

Representative Engagements

Successfully defended an international lender from a $1.2 billion liability claim regarding failed construction project.
Successfully defended a $300 million employee lawsuit against one of the largest employers in the country.
Obtained favorable settlement for engineering firm in $15 million dispute related to an interstate highway construction project.
Obtained a no liability jury verdict a $45 million claim alleging breach of contract and corporate malfeasance.
Obtained favorable settlement in $25 million breach of contract dispute for a major U.S. utility provider.
Represented energy provider in multi-million-dollar dispute regarding installation of dozens of commercial rooftop solar arrays and solar farms, obtaining favorable settlements and successful surety bond recoveries across multiple projects.
Obtained successful outcome for hydroelectric energy provider in condemnation proceeding and injunction violation related to a power canal.
Successfully defended developer from allegations of FHA and ADA violations across multiple residential and mixed-use projects.
Obtained favorable settlement for owner in multi-million-dollar construction defect case involving water penetration issues.
Successfully defended from preliminary injunction through appeal a multi-million-dollar class action lawsuit brought against a non-profit organization.
Assisted a national retailer renegotiate lease terms for over 100 locations in the wake of COVID-19.
Obtained favorable settlement for an international software manufacturer in a $10 million licensing dispute.
Represented healthcare provider in successful deed restriction removal for construction of new outpatient facility.
Represented multinational retailer in several locations to obtain necessary zoning for construction of big box facilities.
Obtained dismissal of multi-million-dollar dispute alleging violation of a land purchase agreement.
Represented hospital to successful resolution of disputes arising out of a facility roof collapse.
Successfully represented developer in bench trial regarding specific performance claim for the purchase of a commercial office building.
Counselled multiple clients in various industries regarding supply chain matters and force majeure impacts from the global pandemic.
Defended and negotiated successful resolution of numerous building code violation cases, including cases involving emergency health and safety issues.
Assisted tenants, landlords and brokers with various lease dispute resolutions, utilizing effective judicial intervention when necessary.
Obtained a finding of no liability for commercial office building owner in multi-million-dollar tax case.
Handled scores of mechanics lien prosecutions and defenses for owners, contractors, subcontractors and lenders.

Publications and Presentations

Co-author, July 7, 2023 Article for GlobeSt.com, “Four Types of Defaulting Commercial Real Estate Tenants”
Presenter, Webinar, August 10, 2022, “Strategies & Tactics to Restructure or Exit Problematic Leases”
Presenter, Webinar, August 9, 2022, “Strategies & Tactics to Adress Defaulting Tenants”
Co-author, June 21, 2021 Article, “State Supreme Court Eliminates ‘Test the Waters’ Doctrine For Substitutions of Judge as of Right”
Presenter, Webinar, February 27, 2019, “2018 Year in Review: Recent Midwest Legal Decisions Impacting Real Etate and Construction Law”
Contributing author, Construction Law Update (Aspen Publishers 2018)
Presenter, Webinar, March 9, 2018 “2017 Year in Review: Recent Midwest Legal Decisions Impacting Real Etate and Construction Law”
Contributing author, Construction Law Update (Aspen Publishers 2017)
Presenter, Webinar, March 23, 2017 “2016 Year in Review: Recent Midwest Legal Decisions Impacting Real Etate and Construction Law”
Author, January 26, 2017 Article “The Symbiosis of Mentoring and the Importance of Questioning Assumptions”
Contributing author, Construction Law Update (Aspen Publishers 2016)
Presenter, Webinar, March 31, 2016 “2015 Year in Review: Recent Midwest Legal Decisions Impacting Real Etate and Construction Law”
Contributing author, Construction Law Update (Aspen Publishers 2015)
Presenter, Webinar, March 10, 2015 “2014 Year in Review: Recent Midwest Legal Decisions Impacting Real Etate and Construction Law”
Contributing author, Construction Law Update (Aspen Publishers 2014)
Contributing author, “Exclusion By Risk,” Commercial and Professional Liability Insurance (Ill. Inst. for CLE, 2002).
Co-author, “It’s Time to Repeal Illinois’ Seat Belt Gag Rule,” 90 Ill.B.J. 88 (Feb. 2002).

Professional, Business and Civic Affiliations

Court-Appointed Special Advocates of Cook County, former board member and past president
American Bar Association
Illinois State Bar Association
Trial Bar (N.D.Ill)
Leading Lawyers Network
Illinois Super Lawyers^®“Rising Stars” (2008-2010, 2012-2013: Business Litigation)

Education

Mr. Harper received his B.A. in 1995 from Northwestern University and his J.D., magna cum laude, in 1999 from the University of Illinois College of Law.