What to Send First
- Names of the parties and counsel, for the conflict check
- Project address or neighborhood and the project type
- A short description of the workmanship or contractor issues
- Your role, such as counsel for the owner, contractor or insurer
- Any deadlines, such as Rule 213 disclosures, an inspection date or trial
Please do not send documents, photographs or privileged material until the conflict check is cleared and the engagement agreement is signed.
Consultation
After the conflict check, Paul will discuss the matter with you, say plainly whether it fits his experience, and describe what an engagement would involve. If the matter needs an engineer, architect or other professional as well, he will tell you early so you can plan.
Documents and Site Access
Once engaged, documents are exchanged through the secure file-transfer method counsel prefers. For Chicago projects, permit and inspection records, contracts, drawings, change orders, daily reports and photographs are typically the first materials Paul reviews. Site inspections are scheduled with counsel, the other parties and any occupants, often within the Chicago area on short notice where access allows.
Availability in Chicago and Illinois
Paul is based in Chicago and serves Cook County and the collar counties regularly, with matters elsewhere in Illinois and out of state accepted where the work fits his experience. Inquiries are normally answered within one business day. You can download Paul Gaston's CV before calling, and the engagement fees are listed below.
Questions Before You Retain
Attorneys, insurers and property owners are welcome to call before retaining Paul to ask whether he is the right fit for a matter, how quickly he could inspect, or whether the dispute also needs an engineer or other professional. A short call often saves time for everyone. If the matter falls outside his experience, he will say so directly and, where possible, describe the kind of professional the matter needs.
Confidentiality
Paul keeps case materials confidential and uses them only for the engagement. Information shared during a conflict check is limited to what is needed to identify conflicts, and he does not discuss one matter with parties to another. Documents are returned or handled as the engagement agreement and any protective order require at the close of the matter, and Paul follows any confidentiality order entered in the case. If you have questions about how materials will be handled, raise them before documents are sent.