Insight, Analysis, and Perspective for Businesses and Individuals

If you use names, images, or likenesses in your business, whether for advertising, endorsements, or creative projects, it is essential you understand Washington’s right of publicity laws. Here is what you need to know about how these laws work, who controls these rights, and how to stay compliant. Washington law recognizes that every individual has […]

Conditions precedent are critical provisions in commercial contracts that require specific events or actions to occur before contractual obligations become enforceable. These conditions serve as legal triggers, ensuring that duties arise only after certain criteria have been fulfilled. The primary purpose of such clauses is to reduce uncertainty, clearly define prerequisites to performance, and manage […]

The enforceability of noncompetition agreements is a widely debated topic in and outside of the legal world. In just the last year, it has been a repeat topic on the floor of the Washington state legislature. States across the county are seeing a trend toward the unenforceability of overly restrictive restraints on employees’ trade. Currently, […]

Residential construction contracts will often contain technical terms or jargon that leave many homeowners with uncertainty. Homeowners should be cautious of implicitly agreeing to language they do not understand when entering a construction contract. As a primer, the following are some words commonly found in residential construction agreements that homeowners should understand before entering into […]

In today’s complex litigation landscape, many individuals and businesses are turning to alternative methods to resolve disputes as a way to avoid the time, expense, and unpredictability of traditional lawsuit. Pre-litigation mediation has emerged as one method to resolve disputes before initiating a lawsuit. Engaging in pre-litigation mediation involves working with a neutral third-party mediator […]

In part 2 of our discussion of the fact finding process in civil litigation we are going to look at “requests for production”—a form of “discovery” that you should be prepared for as part of a civil lawsuit.  If you missed Part 1 on Interrogatories, a common form of discovery that often accompanies requests for […]

If you find yourself involved in civil litigation of any kind, the case will take up a significant part of your life. While your attorney will take on the heavy lifting, he or she will require your help to gather the facts and evidence to support or defend your case. This article discusses “interrogatories”—a method […]

Liens provide a means of recourse for contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers who have not been paid. In Washington, there are specific disclosure requirements that must be met before a licensed and registered contractor is able to record a valid mechanic’s lien for work performed on residential real property. It is imperative that both contractors and […]

One of the greatest hurdles faced by landlords and property owners is regaining possession of real property in a timely manner.  Unlawful Detainer (also referred to as an eviction) and Ejectment are actions are used by landlords and property owners to recover the possession of real property. Choosing the type of action depends on the […]

In 2014, long before the pandemic spurred the proliferation of short-term residential home rentals like those offered through Airbnb and other services, the Washington Supreme Court in Wilkinson v. Chiwawa Community Associations addressed whether a homeowners’ association (“HOA”) exceeded its power to amend covenants when a simple majority of the homeowners voted to prohibit short-term […]

As of June 2024, the legal parameters of Washington noncompetition agreements were refined by the passing of Substitute Senate Bill 5935. The bill, which passed by the Legislature in February and was signed into law by Governor Jay Inslee in March, took effect on June 6, 2024. Amending five provisions of RCW 49.62, the new […]

In 2014, long before the pandemic spurred the proliferation of short-term residential home rentals like those offered through Airbnb and other services, the Washington Supreme Court in Wilkinson v. Chiwawa Community Associations addressed whether a homeowners’ association (“HOA”) exceeded its power to amend covenants when a simple majority of the homeowners voted to prohibit short-term […]