Jeffrey B. Charkow

Jeff Charkow is an experienced commercial litigator with an emphasis in resolving sophisticated construction disputes through settlement, arbitration, litigation and appeal.

Jeff has extensive experience navigating the resolution of complex construction disputes involving multiple parties and contracts to find cost-effective solutions. Jeff’s construction law practice has involved representation of virtually all the players in the industry, litigating claims on behalf of owners, general contractors, subcontractors and design builders on projects such as the Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, the Art Institute of Chicago, Notre Dame Football Stadium, Deer Island Waste Water Treatment Center, power plants in locations ranging from Illinois to Guatemala, and hotel, apartment and condominiums throughout the United States.

Jeff’s commercial litigation practice is diverse, with cases ranging from litigation for a well know restaurant chain for claims arising out of an iconic advertising campaign, successful representation of company in licensing and intellectual property disputes regarding $150 million sale and purchase of the company to representation of international restaurant chain and its franchisees in connection with indemnity and coverage litigation of an outbreak of e-Coli.

Jeff has achieved notable recognition within the legal community, including being AV Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell’s highest peer recognition for ethical standards and legal ability. He has been individually ranked by individually ranked by Chambers USA 2022 and described by Legal 500 as having “outstanding knowledge.” He is an active member of the Society of Illinois Construction Attorneys, American Bar Association, including the Construction Law Forum, Division 12 (Owners and Lenders) and the Chicago Bar Association.

Jeff graduated in 1993 from Washington University School of Law, where he was an editor of the Washington University of Law Quarterly and graduated Order of the Coif. After law school, Jeff spent two years as a law clerk to the Honorable Carol E. Jackson of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. Jeff received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1988.

Insurance Coverage for Construction Defect Claims, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, Construction Law Disputes (2022 Edition)

Claims for Disruption/Loss of Productivity, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, Construction Law Disputes (2022 Edition) with Jeffrey H. Winick.

Construction Accounting – A Guide for Attorneys and Other Professionals, author of Chapter entitled Revenue Recognition and Other Construction Accounting Issues, with William Gruenier (2010)

The Impact of Illinois Law on Common Owner/Architect Contract Issues, Construction Law in Illinois, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, with Steven G.M. Stein (2004, Supp. 2006)

What’s Mine is Mine: Copyright Protection for the Design Professional, Practicing Law Institute, Real Estate Law and Practice Course Handbook Series, PLI Order No. N0-00BY, with Steven G.M. Stein (April, 2003)

Jeff is admitted to practice in Illinois, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, the District Court for the Northern District of Texas and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.