Thompson Hine LLP houses a team of lawyers who specialize in the financing and construction of sports stadiums across the US. The practice acts for a diverse client base, including financial institutions and a variety of major league teams. The group is led by Alan Ritchie, who is adept at negotiating and drafting design and construction agreements for sports facilities, convention centers, and mixed-use projects. Jeffrey Appelbaum is well versed in both the transactional and contentious aspects of high-value construction projects, while Jack Clark is sought after for his extensive experience serving as project counsel on stadium and training facility developments. All lawyers mentioned are based in Ohio.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I have worked with this firm since 1991 and have found them to be the best all around construction law practice in the country. Their expertise ranges from contracts, dispute, settlement, arbitration/mediation and construction insurance. They are first among peers.’
‘Jeff Appelbaum, the practice leader, is a nationally recognized expert in construction law and construction insurance. I have done a total of nine projects with Jeff. His associate, Erin Luke, is a skilled contracts specialist and has helped me on two major league sports projects. I have used the firm exclusively in all of my sports projects.’
Key clients
- Cleveland Browns and Haslam Sports Group
- Cleveland Metroparks
- The Cleveland Guardians Baseball Club
- Jacksonville Jaguars LLC
- Cobb County
Work highlights
Representing the Cleveland Browns in connection with the development, design and construction of a new $3.7 billion NFL football stadium in Brook Park, Ohio.
Lead construction counsel for The Cleveland Guardians Baseball Club’s $200 million Ballpark Improvement and Renovation project.
Serve as project construction counsel, including drafting and negotiation of the project architect agreement and construction contract, for the Stadium of the Future.
Practice head
Alan Ritchie
Other key lawyers
Jeffrey Appelbaum; Jack Clark; Erin Luke