Chicago Building Code Expert Witness for High-Stakes Disputes

Paul focuses on building code compliance, means of egress and exit compliance, and fire-resistance-rated construction, including fire doors, opening protectives, firestopping, and penetrations. He also handles applicable-code and edition analysis, code-based site inspection and document review, quality-control and inspection-failure review, and the accessibility of built conditions.

Paul is a licensed City of Chicago General Contractor and a Union Journeyman Carpenter (Carpenters Local 10, since 1989) with more than 30 years building and maintaining code-compliant work in commercial, municipal, healthcare, and retail facilities, including O’Hare International Airport. His opinions rest on that documented experience and on recognized codes and standards.

Yes. Illinois state courts apply the Frye/Donaldson standard and the federal courts apply Daubert, and Paul’s experience-based, code-anchored methods are structured to meet both. Each opinion is tied to his license, his documented experience, and the specific code or standard that applies.

Paul accepts time-sensitive matters when his schedule allows and will give a realistic timeline after a brief review of the records, deadlines, and any inspection needs. Rush availability is confirmed case by case so disclosure and discovery dates can be met.

Paul runs a conflict check, confirms the scope and the applicable jurisdiction, and discusses records, access, and timing before any substantive work begins. Once cleared, he outlines the engagement so counsel knows what to expect at each stage through report and testimony.

The office operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM Central, and inquiries generally receive a response within one business day. Inspection scheduling and report timelines are set with retaining counsel around the case calendar.