Overview
Raj Patel advises clients on construction, infrastructure, leasing, and supply chain transactions across various industries including education, automotive, aviation, oil and gas, and sports and gaming.
With over $20 billion in construction and infrastructure project experience in the U.S. and abroad, clients seek out Raj as their trusted advisor on projects of significant strategic and operational importance. Raj leverages his transactional background, including extensive in-house and project finance experience, to help clients achieve their commercial objectives and proactively address potential issues before they escalate into disputes.
Construction and Infrastructure Transactions
Raj’s core practice focuses on assisting clients with structuring, drafting and negotiating various design and construction contracts including engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts. He guides clients through all phases of project development, from initial planning and design to construction administration, project close-out, and operations and maintenance.
Raj works with clients across diverse sectors and industries, including:
- Infrastructure and manufacturing
- Transportation and aerospace
- Food and agribusiness
- Tourism and casinos
- Consumer products and retail
- Sports and gaming
- Education
- Environment and energy
- Health care and life sciences
Sustainability and Renewable Energy
Raj actively supports sustainability initiatives by advising clients on strategic investments for achieving "net zero" emissions, negotiating groundbreaking agreements for sustainable aviation fuel supply, negotiating wind farm contracts, and structuring investments in waste-to-fuel refineries and direct air carbon capture projects.
Prior Experience
Before joining Faegre Drinker, Raj was leader of the construction practice group at an Am Law 200 firm. He also previously served as in-house counsel for two different Fortune 100 companies where he focused on mergers and acquisitions, real estate, construction, finance, commercial transactions, and environmental sustainability matters. Raj began his legal career at an international law firm, focusing on construction, project finance, and infrastructure privatization-related work.
Personal Interests
Outside of work, Raj channels his interest in precision and strategy into following Formula 1 racing. He also enjoys fitness and reading history.
Related Legal Services
Related Policy, Advocacy & Consulting Services
Credentials
U.S. Court & International Admissions
Illinois
Court Admissions
Solicitor of the Courts of England & Wales [Solicitors Regulation Authority]
Education
University of Michigan Law School
J.D. cum laude, Michigan Journal of International Law (contributing editor) (2006)
Columbia University
B.A. cum laude
Insights & Events
Leadership & Community
Professional Associations
- American Bar Association, Forum on the Construction Industry
- Selden Society
Honors
- Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, Fellow, 2018
No aspect of these recognitions has been approved by the highest court of any state.