Clifford J. Shapiro

In his practice, Clifford worked every day to resolve construction claims and disputes. He resolved construction related disputes through negotiation and mediation and, when necessary, through arbitration or litigation. His in-depth knowledge of construction-related insurance coverage issues further enabled him to help clients resolve claims.

With more than 36 years of experience, Clifford has been involved in virtually every kind of claim or dispute related to a construction project, and he has also handled virtually every kind of insurance coverage claim that arises in the construction claim context. He is now the proprietor of Shapiro Dispute Resolution LLC.

Construction Claims

Clifford helped clients resolve construction disputes in mediation, arbitration and litigation. He has represented owners, developers, contractors, subcontractors and design professionals in a wide variety of disputes related to construction projects, including construction and design defect claims; professional liability claims; delay, disruption and/or acceleration claims; extra work claims and mechanic lien claims. 

Insurance

Well-known for his in-depth knowledge of construction-related insurance issues, Clifford used that knowledge to help clients resolve their construction claims. He has helped clients address and resolve complex coverage issues under commercial general liability (CGL) policies, builder's risk policies, professional liability policies and “wrap” insurance programs.

Arbitration and Mediation

In addition to being an experienced advocate, Clifford serves as a mediator and arbitrator to resolve construction, insurance and other commercial disputes. He is a formally trained mediator and arbitrator, and is listed on the American Arbitration Association’s national roster of arbitrators for construction, insurance and commercial claims.

He has served as mediator for complex construction claims, and successfully resolved numerous complex, multiparty construction and design claims as an advocate. Clifford’s arbitration experience includes serving as AAA arbitrator and as an arbitrator in the Cook County Circuit Court mandatory arbitration program. In addition, as an advocate, he has handled several multiparty, complex arbitration matters as first chair, all of which successfully resolved through mediation and/or settlement before hearing.

Clifford has published numerous articles and frequently speaks throughout the United States about how best to resolve construction claims and insurance related issues. His articles about insurance coverage for construction defect claims have appeared in several national publications, and have been cited in numerous court opinions (including several decisions issued by state supreme courts).