Richard S. Porter

Rick has substantial trial experience appearing in state, federal, and appellate courts and hearings before the Illinois Pollution Control Board on environmental issues. He handles disputes, applications, hearings, litigation, and appeals involving proposed land uses, including wind turbines, landfills, transfer stations, river ports, airports, heliports, quarries, pipelines, and ethanol plants.

Representing businesses and municipalities in various commercial litigations as lead counsel, his experience includes bench, jury, appellate, and administrative actions related to contracts, negligence, business torts, unfair competition, misappropriation, defamation, securities fraud, non-competition clauses, insurance coverage, eminent domain, trademark infringement, and professional malpractice. He also deals with premises, products, and automobile liability cases along with breach of contract matters.

Rick handles jury and bench trials, appeals, and administrative actions. He drafts briefs and presents arguments in Illinois District Courts, the Illinois Supreme Court, and the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. With extensive experience in alternative dispute resolution, he serves as an arbitrator for the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit in Illinois and works with the American Arbitration Association.

Rick has extensive experience representing clients in industries such as construction, waste disposal, government, manufacturing, transportation, and education. In the construction sector, he has assisted general contractors and subcontractors with both litigated and non-litigated matters, including breach of contract, environmental claims, alternative energy, debt collection, mechanics' liens, transportation compliance, and labor issues.

He has a diverse portfolio of national and international manufacturing clients in consumer goods, industrial equipment, electrical equipment, and food and pharmaceuticals. His experience includes managing litigated and non-litigated matters related to breach of contract, UCC compliance, land use claims, personal injury, labor disputes, and environmental issues, with a focus on environmental remediation and related permitting projects.

Rick's education law practice serves public, private, and religious schools, as well as school districts. He focuses on issues such as public purchasing, energy concerns, contract development, and regulatory compliance. Rick drafts Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) and possesses proficiency in alternative energy agreements and compliance with the Freedom of Information Act. Additionally, he has represented educational entities in both litigation and negotiations.

Rick represents governmental clients, including counties, cities, townships, park districts, school districts, airport authorities, and other public entities, along with their employees and elected officials. He focuses on regulatory compliance, environmental and energy matters, eminent domain, public meeting laws, Freedom of Information Act responses, and gaming regulations. He drafts ordinances on wind energy, waste and pollution control, nuisance, zoning, and cost recovery, and frequently serves as counsel or hearing officer at public meetings. He has also been recognized as a Special Assistant State’s Attorney.

In the transportation sector, Rick advises airports, aircraft owners, transportation companies, and manufacturers on contract disputes, environmental and energy matters, and public proceedings. He handles railroad-related litigation and negotiations, including matters before the Surface Transportation Board and the Illinois Commerce Commission.