Recent News

The Escalator Principle: Military Employee Rights When Returning from Leave

Washington State Litigation Lawyer Dexter N. Bradford | 3/27/2024
Introduction The escalator principle is a concept that applies to the employment and reemployment rights of uniformed service members who take a leave of absence from their civilian jobs to perform military duty. The principle is based on the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), a federal law that protects service members from… Read More

Does a Real Estate Contract Affect Your Property?

Washington State Business and Real Estate Law Lawyer Per E. Oscarsson | 3/27/2024
Real estate contracts were a common form of providing for the purchase and sale and financing of real estate. Under real estate contracts, the buyer purchased the property from the seller and agreed to pay the seller the balance of the purchase price in installments.  (Real estate contracts are to be distinguished from the now… Read More

Housing Reform Stalls in 2024

Washington State Business and Real Estate Law Lawyer Babak Shamsi | 3/25/2024
In 2023, the Washington State legislature passed multiple statutes in an effort to tackle the housing issues facing the public, chief among them, HB 1110 discussed here and here, and HB 1337 discussed here and here (the latter discussing HB 1110 as well). The passing of these laws will have a significant impact on housing in Washington… Read More

Navigating Your Child’s Struggles at School with Your New Co-Parent

Washington State Divorce & Family Law Lawyer Mackenzie O. Bretz | 3/21/2024
Being on the same page as your ex-partner is crucial when supporting your child's academic success. Effective communication and collaboration with your ex are essential if your child has expressed difficulty in school or if a teacher has reached out to you regarding concerns with your child's progress. Talking Parents or Our Family Wizard These… Read More

What is a Probate and Should I Be Afraid of It?

Washington State Estate Planning and Probate Lawyer Joshua G. R. Curtis | 3/20/2024
The purpose of this article is to summarize the process of probate and to introduce ideas that we will explain in greater detail in later posts.  In its simplest terms, probate is a process where a court gives a person the authority to act on behalf of an estate to administer the estate.  Administration of… Read More

Beresford Booth Welcomes Litigator Zachary M. Smith

The Lawyers at Beresford Booth | 3/18/2024
Beresford Booth is proud to welcome Zachary M. Smith to its growing litigation team. Zachary joins Beresford Booth after practicing for several years in the Seattle office of a national litigation firm. Zachary’s litigation experience includes a broad range of civil issues, from real estate to insurance coverage, bad faith, and general liability. He has… Read More

Do I Have To Use A Realtor/Real Estate Agent To Buy Or Sell?

Washington State Litigation Lawyer Andrew M. McKenzie | 3/18/2024
Real estate sales usually involve professional realtors who earn commissions when a sale closes.  But buyers and sellers have no obligation to use a realtor.  Generally speaking, parties to a real estate transaction have three options: (1) realtor representation; (2) self-representation; and (3) lawyer representation.  You should give consideration to all three options before deciding… Read More