Charles Harper

Pragmatic dispute resolution across multiple industries

Charles Harper is a litigator who has successfully represented plaintiffs and defendants in commercial matters in state and federal courts. He helps clients resolve disputes with an emphasis on:

• Real estate litigation
• Construction litigation
• Automotive matters
• Financial services matters
• Appellate

Charles assists Quarles’ clients in every aspect of dispute resolution by always striving to understand the client’s objectives, then delivering strategies and solutions designed to navigate them to a successful outcome. An experienced trial lawyer, he is able to guide clients through every aspect of the litigation process, including appeal when necessary.

• Represents and counsels clients on all types of real estate litigation. Clients contact Charles to resolve issues such as construction defect cases, lease and contract disputes, eminent domain, condemnation, zoning, and mechanic's lien enforcement and defense.
• Advises clients on automotive supply chain cases and dealer network and distribution in the automotive industry. Charles represents and advises OEMs and suppliers in supply chain matters as well as counseled and litigated dealer franchise disputes.
• Represents clients in appellate court and has experience handling appeals before the Illinois Court of Appeals, the Illinois Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court. 

• Successfully defended an international lender from a $1.2 billion liability claim.
• Obtained dismissal of a $300 million employee lawsuit against one of the largest employers in the country.
• Helped a national retail chain renegotiate lease terms for over 100 locations in the wake of COVID-19.
• Counselled multiple clients regarding supply chain matters and force majeure impacts from the global pandemic.
• Obtained multi-million-dollar tax settlements for multiple financial institutions.
• Successfully defended through appeal a multi-million-dollar class action lawsuit brought against a nonprofit organization.
• Obtained favorable settlement for an international software manufacturer in a North American licensing dispute.
• Assisted tenants, landlords and brokers with various lease dispute resolutions, including efficient and effective judicial intervention when necessary.