Christopher J. Platt has been practicing law for 15 years, primarily focused on representing property owners and governmental entities on a broad range of legal and business matters relating to the design, construction and operation of real estate development projects. Chris’ owner clients have included, among others: private developers, colleges and universities, hotels, and public school districts throughout New York State. In addition to representing owner clients, Chris also represents architects and engineers, construction managers, and specialty and general contractors. 

Chris has significant transactional experience drafting and negotiating all forms of construction, design, and other contracts and related agreements for projects. When representing owners, Chris often assists with structuring project teams and negotiating business arrangements, coordinating the requirements of various consultants (such as risk management), drafting agreements with adjacent property owners, and interfacing with regulatory agencies. Chris also troubleshoots on behalf of owner clients during projects in an effort to resolve issues and disputes quickly and cost-effectively.

With respect to claims and disputes, whether representing owners or other project participants, Chris has developed an approach that helps to diffuse the often high-stress environment surrounding construction projects. Chris encourages communication and helps parties reach mutually agreeable, practical early resolution. When claims and disputes cannot be resolved quickly, Chris has been widely successful in litigating, arbitrating, and mediating multi-million dollar construction disputes. 

In addition to Chris’ construction practice, Chris also represents clients with respect to a broad number of general commercial matters – both transactional and dispute resolution. 

Chris graduated cum laude from Widener University School of Law in 1998, and attended as a Widener Scholar, which was a full-tuition academic scholarship. Chris was also Articles Editor for Widener’s main law review, the Delaware Journal of Corporate Law. While at Widener, Chris also received various other scholarships and honors.

email: cp@finkelsteinplatt.com