Overview

Ryan Lee is a corporate partner in the Nashville office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP focusing on construction-related transactional matters. Drawing upon his engineering background and practical construction knowledge, Ryan represents project owners, developers, contractors and designers in negotiating and drafting contracts for a variety of project with values ranging from US$5 million to over US$12 billion. During his career, Ryan has drafted design and construction contracts on all major industry forms, including AIA, DBIA, ConsensusDocs and EJCDC, as well as bespoke agreements. Likewise, he has advised clients on all major project delivery methods with particular experience in engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) agreements, design-build and construction manager structures.

Ryan also regularly advises on and drafts procurement, installation, engineered equipment supply, maintenance and operation, service, joint venture and other agreements related to construction and infrastructure projects. Based on his past governmental experience, he also advises on regulatory compliance with respect to professional licensing. Due to his sought-after advice, Ryan has represented clients across a broad range of industries including energy, manufacturing, industrial, food and beverage, higher education, healthcare, multifamily, retail, hospitality and entertainment venues and mixed-use developments.

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Recognition

The Best Lawyers in America® for Construction Law, Nashville, TN, 2025–2026

Chambers, Tennessee Construction, 2025

Tennessee Bar Association Leadership Law, Class of 2024

Memberships & Affiliations

Education Chair, Tennessee Association of Construction Counsel (TACC), November 2023–present

Credentials

Admissions & Qualifications

  • 2013Tennessee

Education

  • Chicago-Kent College of Law at Illinois Institute of TechnologyJ.D.2007

    CALI Awards Legal Writing I, Secured Transactions, and Business Transactions

    Chicago IP Colloquium Fellow, Spring 2007

  • Princeton UniversityB.S., Operations Research and Financial Engineering & Finance and Engineering Management Systems2002
    Varsity Football