We act as general counsel for a diverse client base and provide cost-effective, one-stop representation on the broad spectrum of business matters encountered by the individual or closely held business. These can include corporate structure, tax planning, and intellectual property protection, as well as matters typically handled by in-house legal counsel such as human resource issues, mergers and acquisitions, financial reorganization, contract drafting, compensation design, retirement plan advice and trademark registration. Tailored to the needs of doing business in the Northwest, we also offer experience in transnational transactions. Shannon Sperry | Ronald E. Braley | Darcy L. R. Boddy | Taro Kusunose | Dean A. Messmer | Karl A. Weiss | Eugene W. Wong Unemployment Benefits Cannot Be Denied Based On Employee Negligence by Lisa Ann Sharpe Personal Liability of Corporate Officers and Directors: A Short Compilation by George S. Holzapfel, Business Law Newsletter of Washington State Bar Association, Vol. 14, No. 2 Property Owners Impacted by Laws Protecting the Disabled by Shannon Sperry, Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce New Disability Legislation to Have Big Impact by Shannon Sperry, Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce Divorce and its Impact on the Family Business by Delney N. Hilen, Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce Tips on Hiring a Good Lawyer by Anthony J.W. Gewald, Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce Successor Products Liability in Sale of Asset Transactions by George S. Holzapfel, Business Law Newsletter Corporate Law Section of Washington State Bar Association Firing An Employee Can Be A Legal Mine Field by Robin Williams Phillips, Puget Sound Business Journal Reasonable accommodation might require telecommuting Complying with FMLA intermittent-leave requirements Get the most from technology-outsourcing agreements Fiduciary duties of directors of privately held companies IRS Revises Procedures for Offers in Compromise Mandatory Workplace Postings: It’s the Law! Complying With the ADA During Hiring E-commerce: Is Your Company Vulnerable to Lawsuits? How to Protect Your LLC A Legal Audit Can Prevent Costly Legal Woes How to avoid FMLA disputes Letter of Intent: Prelude to Buying a Business Funding Long-Term Care Without Draining Your Estate Tips for Better Leases Don’t Let Software Piracy Shipwreck Your Company Toxic Mold Can Infect Your Bottom Line The Civilized Way To Collect Debt Rules for Conducting Employee Background Checks A Charitable Remainder Trust Offers a Wealth of Tax Benefits Want to Sell Stock in Your Business But Keep Control? The ADA and You Background Checks Are a Good Idea Employers Must Send COBRA Notices Starting a New Business? Has Your Identity Been Stolen? Stay Out of Hot Water With a Document-Retention Policy Be Careful What You Throw Out Living Trusts Need Checkups Note to Downsizers: Proceed With Caution Discharge Employees With Care Title Search and Insurance Reduce Risk ADEA Update: Severance Pay, Waivers and Tender-Backs Will Your Power of Attorney Expire Before You Do? Take Minutes To Preserve Corporate Status Testing Job Candidates: Handle With Care Use CFAA To Protect Computer Data The ABCs of Mediation and Arbitration Do You Really Own Your Property? Complying With An Evolving ADA - The Target Is Still Moving, but at Least Has Slowed Some Retirees and the ADEA Sticky Fingers Are More Costly Than You Thought Use a Trust as a Business Succession Tool Dirty Money or It All Comes Out in the Wash Tardy Exempts’ Pay When Workers Return From Active Duty What Makes A Contract Enforceable? Rent With an Option To Buy - Potential Advantages for Both Buyers and Sellers Investigate -- Don’t Retaliate Handle Employee Complaints With Care Evacuation Plans And Disabled Workers QTIP Trusts Help Provide Peace of Mind Trademark Protection Dealing With Customers in Distress FLPs and LLCs - Look at Estate Planning Issues When Choosing a Family Business Entity Protect Your Trade Secrets Religous Freedom in the Workplace - What You Must Do To Protect Your Employees -- and Your Company Watch Those Training Programs Don’t Let Your E-Records Turn Into Smoking Guns OSHA Online The FLSA And Your Business Gotcha! 9 Questions To Ask Workers When You Suspect Fraud or Theft Allowing Harassment Just Got More Expensive English-Only Rules Can Companies Patent Business Methods? Dividing Stock in a Closely Held Corporation Give Fair WARNing Retirement Plans For the Self-Employed Contact | Legal Disclaimer