With a reputation built on more than 40 years in construction and commercial litigation, Rich Reizen is known for his strategic thinking, industry fluency, and ability to turn legal complexity into practical solutions.
Rich is a trusted advisor and advocate for clients involved in major construction projects and complex commercial litigation across the country. As chair of Gould & Ratner’s Construction Practice, he has represented contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers, and owners on hundreds of projects ranging from high-rise office centers and multifamily developments to cutting-edge data centers and alternative energy sites.
His portfolio of work spans a remarkable range of project types, including:
Rich brings a rare dual perspective to his practice, having spent decades litigating construction agreements before focusing on transactional work. He has tried numerous jury and bench trials and arbitrations, giving him a practical understanding of how construction terms are interpreted in real-world disputes. This background allows him to draft and negotiate operative agreements with a level of insight that goes beyond textbook theory.
His litigation experience extends beyond construction as well. Rich has represented large institutions, closely held businesses, and entrepreneurs in a wide array of commercial litigation matters, including:
In a notable in-house role, Rich served as interim general counsel for Chicago’s largest general contractor at the time, advising the company during a six-month transition. That hands-on experience deepened his understanding of the operational and business realities contractors face—knowledge that now enhances his counsel to owners and developers navigating those relationships.
Clients describe Rich as highly engaged, strategic, and deeply invested in their success. “Rich is an outstanding attorney,” one client noted. “He knows the construction industry and the players in it. Not only does he understand all the legal aspects, he also understands the business aspects. That is what is most important to us.” Another client praised his ability to “navigate very complex and challenging construction environments,” emphasizing his role from early contractor interviews to successful post-construction resolution.
A Fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America, Rich is recognized nationally for his excellence in the field. As the organization noted, “Rich Reizen's excellent reputation in the construction law arena throughout the country is a positive result of top-quality service.”
He is also a frequent author and speaker on construction law, class actions, and commercial litigation issues—including accounting, financial, and banking matters.
“Rich and his team provided immense value from the initial contract discussion through the conclusion of our project. His vast experience proved invaluable as he helped us navigate a very complex and challenging construction environment. He would often be the voice of reason when emotions got high. Rich understood the magnitude of our project and what was at stake. He was always engaged, took ownership and took great pride in making sure that our project was a success. In fact, he continues to check in to see how the business is performing…..even two years after our move in.” President and CEO of a large manufacturing company
