McNees adds real estate and construction litigator to greater Philadelphia team
January 8, 2025
Press Releases
DEVON, Pa. — (Jan. 8, 2025) McNees Wallace & Nurick has added an experienced construction litigator to its growing greater Philadelphia team.
Key notes:
- Richard J. Kalinowski joins McNees as Of Counsel bringing experience guiding clients through all stages of construction projects, including drafting and negotiating agreements and contracts, as well as complex legal disputes.
- Kalinowski is the third attorney the firm has added to its Devon, Pa. construction practice in the last 12 months, in line with the firm’s strategic growth initiatives.
- With the addition of Kalinowski, McNees’ real estate and construction team now includes 39 attorneys, paralegals and specialists serving clients nationally from offices throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Richard J. Kalinowski joined McNees after spending several years with prominent construction and built environment law firms in New York City. With undergraduate degrees in both architectural and civil engineering, he brings a unique perspective to clients seeking counsel through all stages of construction projects.
Serving clients from McNees’ Devon office, Kalinowski will represent design professionals, contractors, real estate owners and developers in complex matters – including guiding clients through the multifaceted real estate development and construction process, drafting and negotiating agreements and contracts, and resolving complex legal disputes.
“Whether our clients need help drafting or negotiating contract or subcontract documents, strategic advice concerning complex project-related legal issues, or a strong advocate when claims arise, they know they have the strength of McNees on their side,” said Andrew Levy, who leads McNees’ Construction and Procurement Group. “With Rick on our team, our clients will see added value from both his legal acumen, as well as his experience in civil engineering prior to his law career.”
Kalinowski has successfully represented clients in mediation and arbitration proceedings, drafted and responded to critical motions, and actively participated in all aspects of the discovery process. He also is an experienced litigator, advocating for his clients’ interests in court.
He has been recognized in “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America” in 2023, 2024 and 2025 and has been listed as a “Rising Star” on both the Super Lawyers and Crain’s lists.
Kalinowski earned his law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law, and bachelor’s degrees in civil engineering and architectural engineering from Drexel University.
“I’m thrilled to be back in the Philadelphia area and excited to join the well-respected and growing team at McNees,” Kalinowski said. “This is a firm that’s on the move and quickly gaining a reputation as a destination for attorneys who are looking to join a high-performing team with a culture of excellence.”
In the last 12 months, the team also added construction law attorneys Benjamin Wright and Caitlyn Bechta in the firm’s Devon, Pa. office and Colin Butler in the Lancaster, Pa. office. With the addition of Kalinowski, McNees now has 39 real estate and construction attorneys, paralegals and specialists serving clients nationally from offices throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland.
The team’s real estate attorneys represent residential and commercial real estate developers, investors and lenders; buyers and sellers of real estate; and commercial lessors and lessees. Construction law attorneys serve owners and developers, design and build contractors, general contractors, construction managers, government entities, public utilities, major subcontractors and suppliers, and design and engineering firms.
In addition to its legal practice, McNees also offers clients access to its title company, Pine Street Land Company, which includes a team of Pennsylvania- and Maryland-licensed title agents that conduct commercial and residential real estate settlements.
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McNees is a multidisciplinary law firm founded in 1935 with more than 150 attorneys representing businesses, associations, institutions, municipalities and individuals. The firm serves clients worldwide from offices in Devon, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Pittsburgh, Scranton, State College and York, Pa.; Columbus, Ohio; Frederick and Towson, Md.; and Washington, D.C. McNees is a member of the ALFA International Global Legal Network.
