James R. Carr practices in the areas of government, land use and construction law. He provides counseling and litigation services to the firm's public and private sector clients in zoning, subdivision, annexation, eminent domain, inverse condemnation, first amendment, civil rights, public contracts, procurement, construction, environmental, and administrative law matters. He is a member of the firm's Illinois Land Use and Government Practice Group.
Mr. Carr's government and land use practice involves the representation of the firm's private sector clients seeking government approvals for real estate development. He has represented homebuilders, developers, investment trusts and small businesses in litigation with government entities over land use entitlements. He is also experienced in municipal land use defense litigation.
Mr. Carr’s construction law practice involves representation of government entities in the negotiation and preparation of construction contract documents, bid protests and procurement disputes, construction failure and impact claims litigation, and mechanics lien matters. He has represented units of local government in litigation involving construction of public works facilities such as wastewater treatment plants, interceptors, municipal wells, drainage and storm water management facilities. He is a member of the firm's National Construction Practice Team.
Mr. Carr has more than 20 years of litigation experience. Prior to joining Holland & Knight, he was employed by the Office of the Lake County State's Attorney, where he served as Chief of the Civil Trial Division from 1995-2000. He has tried numerous cases and argued appeals before the Illinois state and federal courts. He is also experienced in construction arbitrations and mediations before the American Arbitration Association and Jams.