Skip to Main Content
David Nightingale Bio Image | Much Law

David is an experienced construction attorney who focuses on finding practical and cost-effective solutions. His clients – which range from billion-dollar construction companies to local restaurateurs – call on him whether a matter involves contracting for a multimillion-dollar development or litigating a claim against a property. In addition to his role as a legal advisor, David also guides his clients on business strategy, often serving as the general counsel they don’t keep in-house.

On the transactional side of his practice, David represents developers, designers, contractors and subcontractors, and privately held and family-owned companies throughout the design, contracting, and construction processes. He not only provides advice on ways to minimize cost and risk before contracts are signed, but also finds real-world answers to complex contracting issues. David drafts and negotiates sophisticated design, design-build, and construction agreements throughout the United States for projects involving manufacturing facilities, restaurants, multifamily developments, apartment and office towers, medical facilities, warehouses, erosion control, and more.

On the disputes side, David helps his clients resolve construction, mechanics lien, surety, and contract conflicts before litigation becomes necessary. However, when litigation is unavoidable, David calls on his experience prosecuting and defending construction and contract actions throughout the United States. David has represented clients in state and federal courts, appellate disputes, and in arbitration and mediation proceedings related to claims on both private and public builds.

Critically, David understands firsthand what the courts expect from his clients. Prior to joining Much, he spent two years as a professional law clerk for the Honorable Robert Quinn (Ret.) of the Chancery Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County, where he concentrated on mechanics liens, commercial mortgage foreclosure, construction law, and commercial disputes.

Much More Than My Work

From day one, my parents emphasized the importance of giving back. Now as an attorney, I use my training to carry on that mission.

I provided the legal work to establish Chicago HOPES for Kids as the only in-shelter volunteer tutoring program for homeless students in Chicago Public Schools and served as its first board chairman. Before entering the practice of law, I worked as staffer to Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, where I learned how to bridge gaps and find practical solutions from one of the country’s greatest statemen. Later, as a federal lobbyist, I worked to secure funding for hospitals, school districts, peri-natal health care programs, arts and literacy foundations, and welfare-to-work tax incentive programs.

Outside of the office, I participate in philanthropy events and wellness visits for sick children as a member of the 501st Garrison, a Star Wars costuming group and charity organization. I’m also a longtime youth hockey and baseball coach with over 25 years of experience.

I am an avid bourbon and tequila enthusiast. I often give presentations on the spirits industry for clients and private groups as well as lead spirits tastings to educate people on the intricacies of their favorite spirits and the histories behind them.

News & Insights

much more