Ryanne Bush Dent

Ryanne’s practice focuses on complex construction, real estate, and fiduciary litigation in both state and federal courts. She represents commercial clients through the contracting, construction, and litigation processes working with architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, developers, owners, lenders, and title insurance underwriters. Ryanne’s experience in construction litigation includes construction contract and change order disputes, construction and design defect claims, mechanics liens, and delay and disruption claims. As part of her construction practice, Ryanne also performs construction contract review, negotiation, and drafting.

Ryanne resolves disputes through all stages of the litigation through settlement, mediation, arbitration or trial. She advocates for the best possible resolution for her clients, understanding that litigation can be painful for clients at times, but providing the guidance and careful legal analysis to improve the process to achieve favorable outcomes. Ryanne’s background working with a broad range of legal topics early in her career, including business transactions, allows her to spot potential issues and implement innovative solutions for clients.

Ryanne received her JD from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law (formerly John Marshall Law School) summa cum laude and was the valedictorian. She received her B.A. from the University of Tampa.

Publications

• “Construction Litigation,” co-author with Michael Pisano and Eric Singer, Real Estate Litigation, IICLE^®, 2024.
• “Special Defenses to Construction Claims,” co-author with Michael Pisano and Eric Singer, Construction Law Disputes, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 2022.
• “Construction Litigation,” co-author with Michael Pisano and Eric Singer, Real Estate Litigation, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 2021.
• “Special Defenses to Construction Claims,” with Michael Pisano and Eric Singer, Construction Dispute Litigation, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 2018.
• “Will Contests” Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 2015.
• “What Employers Should Know About Cell Phone Law” Daily Herald Business Ledger, February 17, 2014.
• “No Duty to Warn of Drug Interactions: A Dangerous Prescription,” John Marshall Law Review, Winter 2013.

Speaking Engagements

• “Mechanics lien defenses and strategies for property owners” 2024 Annual Real Estate Committee Seminar, Kane County Bar Association, Illinois, 2024.
• “Adventures in Contracts” Contracts Panel Program, Chicagoland Associated General Contractors, Oakbrook, Illinois, 2024.
• Chicago Women in Architecture Foundation Ladders to Leadership Program Guest Speaker, Chicago, Illinois, 2023.
• “Read Your Contract” Contracts Panel Program, Chicagoland Associated General Contractors, Oakbrook, 2023.
• “Special Defenses in Construction Litigation” Illinois Institute for Continuing Education, Chicago, Illinois, 2018.
• “Will Contests” Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education Webinar, Chicago, Illinois, 2015.