Blog

Certificates of Insurance May Confer Coverage

  • Posted by Brett M. Hill
  • On November 5, 2019
Certificates of insurance are a common tool used in the construction industry to provide proof of insurance coverage. The legal effect of certificates of insurance has been a source of debate in Washington. Insurance companies have argued that certificates of insurance are “informational only” and do not alter the terms of the applicable insurance policy. […]

Design-Assist, an Ambiguous Term Causing Conflict in the Construction Industry[1]

  • Posted by John P. Ahlers
  • On October 31, 2019
“Design-Assist” is one of the recent cost-saving trends being touted for construction projects and, in particular, construction projects utilizing alternative procurement methods.  If an internet search for the term, “design-assist” is made, the result will be numerous construction industry articles and white papers lauding “design-assist” as a recent cost-saving trend in construction procurement.  From a […]

Legislative Update: Bid Protest Law Changes to Benefit Contractors

  • Posted by Brett M. Hill
  • On September 4, 2019
By Brett Hill A new statute became effective July 28, 2019 that benefits contractors who have bid protests in Washington. A bid protest is the only way for disappointed bidders to challenge irregularities in the public bidding process on public works projects. Bid protests ensure the integrity of the public bidding system and are the […]

Washington State Enacts Law Restricting Non-Compete Agreements

  • Posted by Ellie Perka
  • On August 26, 2019
Washington State has enacted a new law that means big changes for employers.  The new law, in effect on January 1, 2020, will dramatically limit the enforcement of non-compete agreements in our state and imposes tough penalties on employers found to be in violation.  While the new law does not take effect for many months, […]

Ten Firm Members Recognized as Super Lawyers or Rising Stars

  • Posted by Jonathan Schirmer
  • On June 26, 2019
While we avoid using this blog as a platform for self-promotion, long-time readers will know we make an exception to recognize the Super Lawyers of the firm, each of whom is humbled to receive this peer-rated award. Super Lawyers recognizes attorneys who have distinguished themselves in their legal practice as recognized by their peers. Attorneys […]

Major Change to Residential Landlord Tenant Law

  • Posted by Lawrence S. Glosser
  • On May 17, 2019
Governor Inslee has just signed SB 5600 which results in major changes to the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18) regarding the eviction process of residential tenants. The changes do not apply to non-residential tenancies which are still governed by RCW 59.12. The new law includes additional protections for tenants and limits the ability of landlords […]

Federal Contractors – Double Check the Terms of Your Contract Before Performing Ordered Changes

  • Posted by Jonathan Schirmer
  • On May 14, 2019
As federal contractors may be aware, the general rule when performing a contract for the federal government is that only the contracting officer (“CO”) can bind the government. Often, the CO delegates responsibility to a contracting officer’s representative (“COR”). While in some cases a COR may be able to bind the federal government, the contract […]

How to Mitigate Lien Release Bond Premiums with Disappearing Lien Claimants

  • Posted by Scott MacDonald
  • On April 22, 2019
It is one of those dreaded business situations that plagues the construction industry, especially in times of economic downturn—what to do when a lower-tier entity files a lien against a property then disappears. It has happened to countless owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and even some particularly unlucky sub-tier subcontractors and suppliers. Here is how it […]