Joel J Rhiner Expertise Joel J Rhiner’s practice is concentrated in construction law matters, including design-defect related actions, delay and disruption claims, labor productivity, contract interpretation, drafting of contracts, differing site conditions, surety bond and mechanics lien claims, construction related personal injury and other construction related breach of contract matters. Mr. Rhiner also has additional complex commercial litigation experience, including common law fraud, products liability, trademark infringement and breach of contract.   Key Professional Accomplishments Mr. Rhiner has successfully tried or arbitrated over fifteen claims on behalf of engineers, architects, contractors and subcontractors involving a variety of projects, including highways and roadways, electrical power plants, wastewater treatment facilities, commercial buildings and commercial rail.   Publications/Presentations Contributions to construction law literature made by Mr. Rhiner include: • Co-authored “The Wrong Words Can Cost You”, The Builder (March 2007). • Co-authored “Challenging the Finality of an Executed Change Order”, Construction Change Order Claims, Aspen Publishers (2005). • Co-authored "Enforcing Letters of Intent and Handshake Agreements”, ABA Construction Lawyer (April 2000); • Co-authored “Limiting Liability in Payment Certifications”, Construction Specifier (October 2003). Mr. Rhiner’s presentations include: • “Proof of Selected Construction Claims and Damages”, ICLE Mechanics Lien Seminar, February 1 and 14, 2008; • “Cover Your Assets: Protecting Rights on a Project Through Use of Mechanics Liens”, Solomon, Cordwell and Buenz, Chicago, IL, December 8, 2004; • “Anatomy of Risk Shifting: Analyzing and Enforcing Indemnity Agreements”, Stein, Ray & Harris’ 13th Annual Symposium for Design Professionals, March 11, 2004; • “Exposures from Certifications of Payments”, Stein, Ray & Harris’ 5th Annual Symposium for Design Professionals, February 9, 1996; • “Covering Your Assets: How to Protect Your Design Professional Fees”, Stein, Ray & Harris’ 9th Annual Symposium for Design Professionals, February 10, 2000; • “Risky Business: State Licensing and Registration”, Stein, Ray & Harris’ 11th Annual Symposium for Design Professionals, March 21, 2002; • “Surety and Insurance Beyond”, ICPAS Construction Conference, Oakbrook, Illinois, October 31, 2002; • “Anatomy of Risk Shifting: Analyzing and Enforcing Indemnity Agreements”, Stein, Ray & Harris LLP’s 13th Annual symposium for Design Professionals, March 11, 2004. Additionally, Mr. Rhiner has addressed a number of different contractors and subcontractors concerning construction law and litigation issues, including such organizations as the Builder’s Association of Greater Chicago.   Professional, Business and Civic Affiliations • Member of Federal Trial Bar • American Bar Association • Illinois State Bar Association • Iowa State Bar Association • Chicago Bar Association • Forum on the Construction Industry of the American Bar Association • Lecturer of Construction Law at the IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law   Education Mr. Rhiner received his Juris Doctorate from the University of California at Los Angeles in 1990. Mr. Rhiner served as an editor on the UCLA Law Review. Mr. Rhiner received his undergraduate degree, Summa Cum Laude, from the University of Iowa in 1987 in Political Science and Economics. He graduated from the University of Iowa as Phi Beta Kappa.