Professional Experience

Aileen Leipprandt learned the value of hard work, honest business dealings, and creative problem solving by working in her family’s hardware business from an early age. With that backdrop, Aileen brings more than 30 years of legal counseling and litigation experience to the table in construction law and commercial litigation.

A critical thinker and problem solver, Aileen’s passion is in developing, sharpening, and implementing strategies that efficiently meet clients’ legal, financial, and relational goals.

If litigation becomes necessary, Aileen brings her intensity and focus to the courtroom as well.

Aileen is an exercise and outdoor enthusiast, often embracing the challenges of an uphill run, a downhill ski slope, and a tiny green guarded by menacing bunkers.

Contact:

Lisa Palomino, Paralegal:

  • Construction Law
  • Contract Preparation and Review
  • Commercial and Real Estate Litigation

Admitted to Practice

  • State Bar of Michigan
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western District of Michigan
  • U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern and Western District of Michigan

Published Decisions

  • C.D. Barnes Associates, Inc. v Star Heaven, LLC et al., Mich Ct. App. April 11, 2013
  • Member of the Year 2021, Construction Financial Management Association, West Michigan Chapter
  • GR Magazine Top Lawyers, 2019
  • Mediation Certification, 2018
  • 40-Hour SCAO Approved General Civil Mediation Training
  • Women in the Law, Michigan Lawyers Weekly, 2017
  • Leading Lawyer in Commercial Litigation and Construction Law by LeadingLawyer.com, 2016-present
  • 2015 Lawyer of the Year in Construction in Grand Rapids, by USA Today Best Lawyers
  • Approved Panelist, Kent County Case Evaluation Panel
  • Leader in the Law, Michigan Lawyers Weekly, 2013
  • AV rated Preeminent Attorney by Martindale & Hubbell
  • Michigan State Bar Foundation Fellow
  • Recipient, ABA Forum on Construction Women & Minority Fellowship, 2012
  • “Best Lawyers In America®” 2012-present in the field of Construction Law
  • Named “Super Lawyer” 2010-2013, 2016-present, 5 Year Milestone, Super Lawyers, 2020
  • Graduate, Leadership Grand Rapids, 2008

 

  • Professional Affiliations
    • American Bar Association, Sections: Construction Industry Forum, Division 5 Contract Negotiation, Division 2 Contract Documents, Commercial/Business Litigation
    • State Bar of Michigan; Real Property Law Section, Board Council 2020, Construction Law Committee co-chair 2018, Litigation Section, Alternative Dispute Resolution Section 2020, Character and Fitness Committee 2022
    • Grand Rapids Bar Association; Treasurer and Board of Directors, Young Lawyers 1991-1995; Committees: Community Relations 1996-1999, Law Day 1995-1997, Pro Bono 1991 – 2001, 2009

    Industry Affiliations

    • Associated Builders and Contractors, Western Michigan Chapter; Board Chair 2007-2008, Board of Directors 2004-2008, Safety Committee 2018-Present
    • Associated General Contractors of Michigan, Legal Advisory Committee
    • Construction Financial Management Association; Board Member 2014-2018, Programming Committee 2014-2020
    • Inforum, AEC Steering Committee, 2020
    • Grand Rapids Public Schools, Academy for Design & Construction Mentor 2011-2019, Advisory Council 2011-2017
    • U.S. Green Building Council, Western Michigan Chapter; Program Comittee 2013
    • Home and Building Association of Greater Grand Rapids; Contract Review Task Force 2013, Ethics and Complaint 1999-2005, Education Task Force 1998-1999, Community Service 1999-2001
    • American Subcontractors Association of West Michigan, Western Michigan Chapter; Legislative Committee 2012
    • Michigan Infrastructure Transportation Association (MITA)
    • National Association of Women in Construction; Board of Directors 2001-2003, 2011-2012; Vice President 2012; Community Giving Committee 1999-2005

     

  • Presentations
    • “Mentorship Matters”, Building Up Women hosted by Windemuller, Grand Rapids, Michigan, April 2022
    • “Top 10+ Contract Clauses”; 2020 NAWIC North Central Regional Conference, November 2020
    • “COVID-19, Hits Construction – What to do next?”; Webinar, April 2020
    • Construction Law, State Bar of Michigan, Real Property Law Academy, Troy, Michigan, May 2019
    • Construction Law, State Bar of Michigan, Real Property Law Academy, Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 2018
    • “Negotiation Skills”; Project Accelerate, October 2018
    • “Key Contract Provisions”; Project Accelerate, September 2018
    • “AIA 2017 – The Old is New Again”; co-presenter, Construction Financial Management Association of West Michigan and American Subcontractors Association, Grand Rapids, Michigan, May 2018
    • “Negotiation Skills: Gaining an Edge Without Falling Off the Cliff”; NAWIC Regional Forum, Detroit, Michigan, April 2018
    • “The Art & Law of Living Neighborly”; co-presenter, National Association of Women in Construction, Grand Rapids, Michigan, February 2018
    • “AIA 2017 – The Old is New Again”; co-presenter: West Michigan Construction Industry Forum, Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 2017
    • CCIFP Overview (Legal), presenter, Construction Financial Management Association, October 2017
    • “Bricks and Mortar: An Overview of Construction Law Issues”; co-presenter, Grand Rapids Bar Association, Real Property Section Meeting, Grand Rapids, Michigan, November 2016
    • “Drones: Toys, Tools or Traps for the Unwary?”; co-presenter, West Michigan Construction Industry Forum, Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 2016
    • “Negotiation Skills”; co-presenter, Construction Financial Management Association’s Regional Annual Conference, San Antonio, Texas, June 2016
    • “Contract Provisions that Unfairly Shift Financial Risk”; co-presenter, Don’t Bet Your Construction Company Event, Grand Rapids, Michigan, June 2016
    • CCIFP Overview (Legal), presenter, Construction Financial Management Association,  May 2016.
    • “Contract Clauses You Love to Hate”; co-presenter, West Michigan Construction Industry Forum, Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 2015
    • “Negotiation Skills: Gaining an Edge Without Falling Off the Cliff”; co-presenter, West Michigan Construction Industry Forum, Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 2015
    • “Negotiation Skills: Gaining the Edge Without Falling Off the Cliff”; National Association of Women in Construction, Grand Rapids, Michigan, May 2015
    • “Negotiation Skills: Gaining the Edge Without Falling Off the Cliff”; West Michigan Construction Forum, Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 2014
    • “The Good, The Bad andThe Ugly – Legal Recap”; National Association of Women in Construction, Grand Rapids, Michigan, February 2014
    • “Understanding Construction Contracts”; Vos Glass, Grand Rapids, Michigan, February 2014
    • “90-Minute Law School”; 2014 Housing and Construction Summit, Grand Rapids, Michigan, January 2014
    • “Top 10 Overlooked Contract Clauses”; West Michigan Construction Industry Forum, Grand Rapids, Michigan, September 2013
    • “Top 20 Contract Clauses”; Missouri Society for Healthcare Engineering and St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers, Chesterfield, Missouri, January 2013
    • “Legal Review 2012: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly”; Construction Specifications Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, January 2013
    • “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly”; National Association of Women in Construction, Grand Rapids, Michigan, November 2012
    • “IPD and BIM, Getting Teams and Systems to Play Well Together”; West Michigan Design and Construction Expo, Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 2012
    • “New AIA Sustainable Project Documents”; West Michigan Construction Industry Forum, Grand Rapids, Michigan, September 2012
    • “Top 20 Contract Clauses”; (GC/Sub), West Michigan Construction Industry Forum, Grand Rapids, Michigan, September 2012
    • “Top 20 Contract Clauses”; (Design Professionals), West Michigan Construction Industry Forum, Grand Rapids, Michigan, September 2012
    • “Evaluating the Rights, Wrongs and Responsibilities in Construction Competitive Bidding” ;West Michigan Design and Construction Expo, Grand Rapids, Michigan, April 2011
    • “Construction Jeopardy”; National Association of Women in Construction, Grand Rapids, Michigan, April 2011
    • “Ins and Outs of Change Orders”; American Subcontractors Association, Grand Rapids, Michigan, November 2010
    • “Building Green – Looming Legal Issues”; Progressive AE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, November 2010
    • “Building Green – Looming Legal Issues”; Associated General Contractors of America, Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 2010
    • “Building Information Modeling”; Arizona Society of Health Care Engineers, Scottsdale, Arizona, September 2010
    • “Legal Issues In Building Green – What’s on the Horizon”; American Subcontractors Association, Grand Rapids, Michigan, June 2010
    • “Legal Considerations in Building Green”; Construction and Design Professionals’ Expo, Grand Rapids, Michigan, March 2010
    • “Construction Jeopardy”; Associated Builders and Contractors, Kalamazoo, Michigan, October 2009
    • “Construction Jeopardy”; National Association of Women in Construction, Grand Rapids, Michigan, May 2009 and March 2008
    • “Mock Arbitration”; National Association of Women in Construction, Grand Rapids, Michigan, May 2008
    • “The Power of Purchase Orders”; Purchasing User Group Seminar, Grand Rapids, Michigan, March 2008
    • “Construction Liens”; West Michigan Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association, Grand Rapids, Michigan, February 2008
    • “AIA A201TM-2007 General Conditions – What’s New?” and “The Power of Purchase Orders”; Law Firm Client Seminar, Grand Rapids, Michigan, January 2008
    • “Top Ten Contract Clause Concerns”; Law Firm Client Seminar, Grand Rapids, Michigan, December 2007
    • “Construction Liens”; Lunch and Learn Seminar, Chicago Title, Grand Rapids, Michigan, September 2007
    • “Protect Your Business: Lien”; Home Builders Assocaition of Greater Grand Rapids, September 2007
    • “Construction Documents-What Do They All Mean?”; Real Property Section Summer Conference, State Bar of Michigan, Grand Rapids, Michigan, July 2007
    • “Construction Law for Engineers, Architect, architects and Contractors: Disappointed Bidder”; HalfMoon Seminars, April 2007
    • “Protect Your Business: Liens:, Home Builders Association of Greater Grand Rapids, April 2007
    • “Amendments to the Construction Lien Act”; Construction Financial Managers Association, Grand Rapids, Michigan, February 2007
    • “Construction Liens/Builders Trust Fund”; Law Firm Client Seminar, Grand Rapids, Michigan, February 2007
    • “Protect Your Business: Liens”; Home Builders Association of Greater Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids, Michigan, April 2007
    • “Construction Liens”; Law Firm Client Seminar, November 2006
    • “Key Issues Affecting the Construction Business”; Law Firm Client Seminar, Grand Rapids, Michigan, September 2006
    • “Remodeling Experience: Terrific or Terrible”; Home Builders Association of Greater Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids, Michigan, March 2006
    • “Resolving Problems and Disputes on Construction Projects in Michigan”; National Business Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, February 2006
    • “Contract Terms, Notice of Repair, Code of Ethics, Warranty”; Home Builders Association of Greater Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids, Michigan, January 2006
    • “Disappointed Bidder,” “Conflicts of Interest,” “Surety Bonds” and “Ethics and Kickbacks”; Lorman Education Services, Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 2004 and August 2005
    • “Managing Financial Exposure” and “Planning to Get Paid”; Risk Management for the Construction Industry, Law Firm Client Seminar, Grand Rapids, Michigan, November 2004
    • “Planning to Get Paid” and “Construction Liens”; Design Professionals Seminar, Grand Rapids, Michigan, September 2004
    • “Risk Transfer of Financial Exposure for Construction Liens”; Berends Hendricks Stuit Risk Transfer Seminar, February 2004
    • “Defending Builder Licensing Complaints”; Home Builders Association of Greater Grand Rapids, December 2003
    • “Surety Relationships and Responsibility for Failing to Procure Performance and Payment Bonds for a Public Entity”; Lorman Education Services, July 2003 and April 2003
    • “Bid Protests and Remedies for the Disappointed Bidder”; Lorman Education Services, April 2003
    • Remodelors School, Home Builders Association of Greater Grand Rapids, June 2003, February 2003 and September 2005
    • “Projects for Special Ministry Groups: A Time to Build Faith Leadership Conference”; panelist, Habitat for Humanity, February 2003
    • “The Michigan Construction Lien Act”; National Association of Women in Construction, May 2002
    • “Surety Relationships and Responsibility for Failing to Procure Performance and Payment Bonds on Behalf of a Public Entity”; Lorman Education Services, March 2002
    • “Bid Protests and Remedies for the Disappointed Bidder”; Lorman Education Services, March 2002
    • “Consumerism in the Residential Construction Industry – Defending Consumer Protection Claims and Licensing Complaints”; Home Builders Association of Greater Grand Rapids, Legal Issues Seminar, October 2001
    • “Contractor Jeopardy”; Associated Builders and Contractors, West Michigan Chapter, Leadership Development Series Seminar, September 2001
    • “Responding to MIOSHA Citations”; MIOSHA Construction Safety Seminar, Lorman Education Services, June 2001
    • “What To Do When The Inspector Comes Calling”; MIOSHA Construction Safety Seminar, Lorman Education Services, June 2001
    • “Construction Liens”; Critical Construction Issues in Michigan, Lorman Education Services, December 1998
    • “Alternative Dispute Resolution”; Defense Research Institute, Construction Law Conference, San Diego, California, March 1996

    Publications:

    • “Proposed Amendment to the Michigan Construction Lien Act”, Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, June 2021
    • “Even Billy Joel Didn’t Own the Copyright to His Architectural Plans – Don’t Make This Mistake When Building Your Dream Home”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, June 2020
    • “CISA Advisory on Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, March 2020
    • “Recommendations for Navigating the Coronavirus in the Construction Industry”; Hilger Hammond COVID-19 Resources, March 2020
    • “The Coronavirus and Construction Contract Performance Responsibilities”; Hilger Hammond COVID-19 Resources, March 2020
    • “COVID-19 and Insurance Coverage for Business Interruption”; Hilger Hammond COVID-19 Resources, March 2020
    • “Consequential Damages Reign Supreme But Cannot be Included in Construction Lien”; November 2020
    • “Recommendations for Navigating the Coronavirus in the Construction Industry”; March 2020
    • “The Coronavirus and Construction Contract Performance Responsibilities”; March 2020
    • “COVID-19 & Insurance Coverage for Business Interruption”; March 2020
    • “Amendments to the Michigan Construction Lien Act: A Jumpstart to Priority for Design Professionals”; Michigan Real Property Review, Spring/Summer 2019.
    • Contributing author (Michigan), 50 State Lien Law Handbook, produced by the American Bar Association Forum on Construction Law, Division 7 – Insurance, Surety & Liens, April 2018
    • Contributing author, Chapter 15 ;”Claims and Disputes”; The 2017 A201 Deskbook published by the American Bar Association, 2017
    • “Engineer Loses Claim for Coverage as an Additional Insured”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, July 2017
    • “Minding Your Zoning Ps & Qs”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, May 2017
    • “Court Enforces Subcontractor’s Demand For Arbitration of General Contractor’s Claim”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, April 2017
    • “Court Enforces Subcontractor’s Obligation To Indemnify Contractor”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, February 2017
    • “Improperly Licensed Architect Firm Not Liable On Licensing and Malpractice Claims”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, January 2017
    • “Contractor Loses Bad Faith Argument Against Surety”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, January 2017
    • “An ADC Construction Classic – The Timeless Gingerbread House”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, January 2017
    • “The Art and Law of Living Neighborly”; West Michigan Woman Magazine, June/July 2016
    • “Supplier Who Does Everything Right Wins Big on Payment Bond Claim”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, May 2016
    • “Crossing the Finish Line Can Be Tough”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, September 2015
    • “Crossing the Finish Line – Avoid Project Closeout Drama”; Builders Exchange Quarterly, Summer 2015
    • “You Snooze, You Lose – School’s Claim Against Roofer Too Late”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, January 2015
    • “Contractor’s Useless Liens Trigger Victory on Unjust Enrichment Claim”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, December 2014
    • “Contractor’s Common Law Indemnity Claim Against Architect and Engineer Fails”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, October 2014
    • “Contractor Enjoys Decisive Win in Noteworthy Construction Lien Case”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, April 2014
    • “Breaking Up is Easy – Court Upholds Owner’s Termination for Convenience”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, March 2014
    • “Construction Manager Liable for Injury in Common Work Area”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, March 2014
    • “Lower Tier Subcontractor Loses Payment Claims Against General Contractor and Owner”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, February 2014
    • “General Contractor Not Entitled to Indemnity From Subcontractors Where General Contractor Liable Under Common Work Doctrine”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, January 2014
    • “Surety’s Liability Limited to Amount of Performance Bond”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, October 2013
    • “Bats Gone Wild – Unlicensed Michigan Contractor Loses Claim and Suffers Sanctions”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, October 2013
    • “Statute of Repose Bars Claims Against Contractors”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, September 2013
    • “Michigan Court Enforces Pay If Paid And Forum Selection Provision”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, September 2013
    • “Late Sworn Statement Dooms Subcontractor’s Construction Lien Claim”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, July 2013
    • “Michigan Court of Appeals Rules Unlicensed Builder Liable for Treble Damages”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, July 2013
    • “ABA Forum Focuses on Trends and Developments in the Construction Industry”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, May 2013
    • “Court Declares Contractor Has Right To Pursue Construction Lien Claim”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, March 2013
    • “General Contractor Liable for Violation of False Claims Act”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, February 2013
    • “Condominium Association’s Improper Notice to Unit Owner Invalidates Foreclosure Sale”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, December 2012
    • “Michigan Court of Appeals: Statute of Limitations Bars Claim Against Architect and General Contractor”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, November 2012
    • “Mortgage Has Priority Over Condominium Association Lien”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, November 2012
    • “Contractor Loses Bitter Battle with Architect Over Bid Recommendation to School Board”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, October 2012
    • “Unjust Enrichment Claim in Construction Lien Foreclosure Lawsuit Fails”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, October 2012
    • “Sometimes Juries Get It Wrong”; (Engineer Professional Malpractice), Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, July 2012
    • “What Happens in Vegas Doesn’t Stay in Vegas”; (Trends in Construction Law), Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, June 2012
    • “Subcontractor Wins Payment Claim Against Bank”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, April 2012
    • “Liening Leased or Land Contract Property”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, April 2012
    • “Michigan Arbitration Act: Arbitration Agreement Between Architects Enforced”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, November 2011
    • What’s New in the New AIA A312 Payment and Performance Bonds?”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, 2011
    • “Construction Lien Has Priority Over Mortgage Regardless of Change in General Contractor and Project Ownership”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, May 2011
    • “Contractor Gets a Shot at Proving Architect Improperly Interfered with Bid Award”; Associated General Contractors  of Michigan Legal Brief, February 2011
    • “Contractor Holds Airport Authority’s Feet to the Fire Despite Absence of Signed Contract”; Associated General Contractors of Michigan Legal Brief, February 2011
    • “Construction Lien Has Priority Over Mortgage Regardless of Change in General Contractor and Project Ownership”;Associated General Contractors Legal Brief, February 2011
    • “You Snooze, You Lose – Subcontractor’s Lien Invalid Where Warranty Work Did Not Extend Time to Record Lien”; Associated General Contractors Legal Brief, February 2011
    • “What’s New in the New AIA A312 Payment and Performance Bonds?”; Associated General Contractors Legal Brief, February 2011
    • “Negotiating Home Court Advantage: Why a Forum Selection Clause Matters”; Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, October 2010
    • “MIOSHA: Chapter IX”; A Contractor’s Guide to Michigan Construction Law, Associated General Contractors of Michigan, 2009
    • “Bidding on a Slice of the Stimulus Pie – Public Procurement Practices Revisited”; Miller Johnson Stimulus 2009 Priority Alert Newsletter, Summer 2009
    • “Going Green? Go Thoughtfully”; Miller Johnson Business Update, Summer 2009
    • “What’s Up at the Capitol?”; Law Firm Construction Law Update, July 2008
    • “Construction Site Safety – A Criminal Matter”; Law Firm Construction Law Update, October 2007
    • “Construction Lien Remedy Not Available For Improvements On ‘to-be-installed’ Trade Fixtures”; Associated General Contractors Legal Advisory, October 2006
    • “Court Reaffirms Limitation on Miller Act Payment Bond Requirements”; Associated General Contractors Legal Advisory, October 2006
    • “Contractor Gets Another Bite at Unforeseen Conditions Claim”; Associated General Contractors Legal Advisory, October 2006
    • “Contract Terms, Notice of Repair, Code of Ethics, Warranty”; Home Builders Association of Greater Grand Rapids, HOMEwords, April 2006
    • “Following a Code”; Home Builders Association of Greater Grand Rapids, HOMEwords, December 2005
    • “Healthcare Construction – An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure”; Law Firm Health Law Alert, November 2005
    • “Disappointed Bidder,” “Conflicts of Interest,” “Surety Bonds,”  “Ethics and Kickbacks,” “Public Contract Code,” and “Competitive Public Bidding in Michigan”; Lorman Education Services, October 2004 and August 2005
    • “Copying Doesn’t Pay”; Home Builders Association of Greater Grand Rapids, HOMEwords, October 2004
    • “Good Fences Make Good Neighbors? Maybe Not”; Law Firm Client Alert, February 2004
    • “Sworn Statements with Teeth”; Home Builders Association of Greater Grand Rapids, HOMEwords, May 2003
    • “Mold – What a Mess!”; Business Update, March 2003
    • “Get Legal or Get Lost”; Home Builders Association of Greater Grand Rapids, HOMEwords, September 2002
    • “MIOSHA: Evidentiary Considerations at Trial”; Michigan Defense Quarterly, Vol. 18, No. 4, May 2002
    • “Handling a MIOSHA Investigation”; Michigan Defense Quarterly, Vol. 18, No. 3, March 2002
    • “The Best Ofense is a Good Defense; Handling a MIOSHA Investigation”; Business Update, March 2002
    • “So…You Didn’t Get What You Paid For”; Home Builders Association of Greater Grand Rapids, HOMEwords, October 2001
    • “Disturbing 2X2 – The Lowdown on Lead”; Home Builders Association of Greater Grand Rapids, HOMEwords, October 1999
    • “When the Contract Says ‘X’, But Instead You Do ‘Y'”; Home Builders Association of Greater Grand Rapids, HOMEwords, August 1998
  • Alma College – B.A., Business/History, magna cum laude
  • Indiana University (J.D)