Profile

Richard J. Kalinowski is an experienced litigator representing design professionals, contractors, real estate owners and developers in complex matters. He guides clients through all stages of real estate and construction projects including drafting and negotiating agreements and contracts. When disputes arise on projects, Rick advocates for his clients’ interests in court. He also collaborates with in-house and outside counsel to ensure seamless project execution.

As a former associate at two prominent construction and built environment law firms and having formerly served in the legal department at the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Rick gained invaluable experience in handling a wide range of construction disputes. He 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.

Prior to his legal career, Rick developed an understanding of the built environment through undergraduate degrees in civil and architectural engineering. This technical background, coupled with his subsequent experience as a consultant in roadway, bridge, and infrastructure design and construction, provides him with a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges faced by his clients.

EDUCATION

  • Seton Hall University School of Law, J.D. cum laude
  • Drexel University, B.S. in architectural engineering
  • Drexel University, B.S. in civil engineering

MEMBERSHIPS

  • American Bar Association, Construction Litigation Committee
  • American Bar Association, Forum on Construction Law

HONORS/AWARDS

  • Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America, Construction Law; Litigation – Construction, New York, 2023, 2024, 2025
  • Super Lawyers List of Rising Stars in Construction Litigation, 2021
  • Crain’s List of Rising Stars in Real Estate, 2020
  • New York Real Estate Journal Ones to Watch, 2020

EXPERIENCE/REPRESENTATIVE CASES

  • Assisted in representing general contractor asserting $1M in claims arising from an owner’s failure to issue payment on a large-scale New York renovation project
  • Assisted in representing an owner in lien foreclosure and $6M+ breach of contact action arising from delay and defective work claims on Bronx, NY construction project
  • Represented design professionals against $10+ in potential claims arising from utility failures at a research laboratory in San Francisco, CA
  • Represented a joint venture against $50M+ in change order and delay claims arising from the development of a retail and public transit facility in New York, NY
  • Defended design professional against $8M+ claims arising from design services on a residential tower in San Francisco, CA

COURT ADMISSIONS

  • U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey

Bar Admissions

Pennsylvania

New York

New Jersey

Contact Info

Practice Groups