
Charles M. Rodriguez
Associate
Overview
Charlie Rodriguez partners with construction and real estate stakeholders, from Fortune 500 companies to local organizations, to mitigate risk, resolve disputes and facilitate smooth project completion. After externing for Northern District of Illinois Federal District Court Judge Der-Yeghiayan in law school and spending more than seven years in various in-house roles at one of the largest construction contractors in the United States, Charlie has an in-depth understanding of the transactional, litigation, regulatory and compliance demands that accompany any major project; and he helps clients anticipate, prepare for and resolve these challenges.
Construction & Real Estate Transactions
Charlie has drafted and negotiated billions of dollars’ worth of construction contracts. Whether these be lump-sum or guaranteed-maximum price; contractor-as-builder or construction manager; traditional contract structure, design-build or P3; or traditional construction agreement or operation and maintenance services, he zealously advocates for and protects clients. Charlie also regularly assists clients in navigating contract awards under innovative procurement statutes including energy service performance contracting and cooperative purchasing.
Claims and Pre-Litigation
Charlie assists clients in claim management before, during and after project completion. Drawing on his experience as a former assistant project manager and current contract drafter, Charlie is uniquely equipped to advise clients on how best to proceed in order to preserve claims under the contract, and he successfully represents clients in administrative hearings, arbitration and litigation.
Personal Interests
Outside the office, Charlie enjoys spending time with his wife and son, listening to audio books, early mornings at the gym, and keeping abreast of construction industry news.
Credentials
Bar Admissions
Illinois
Education
Notre Dame Law School
J.D. (2014)
University of Chicago
B.A. in English, with honors (2011)
Insights & Events
Leadership & Community
Professional Associations
- American Bar Association
- Chicago Bar Association
Civic Activities
- Misericordia — Volunteer, Chicago, IL, November 2005-present
Honors
- American Bar Association Forum on Construction Law — Diversity Fellow
- Faegre Drinker — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2022-24
- Chicago Notre Dame Alumni Club — Scholarship, 2011
- National Police and Fire Scholarship (University of Chicago), 2007
No aspect of these recognitions has been approved by the highest court of any state.