Recent News

For small and mid-sized businesses, contracts shape nearly every relationship that matters. They govern how companies buy, sell, hire, lease, partner, and grow. When those agreements break down, business owners are often surprised by how quickly a disagreement becomes a lawsuit—and by how Washington courts approach contract disputes. From the perspective of a Washington litigator,… Read More

Many business owners assume the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) applies only to disputes involving individual consumers. After all, the name says it plainly. In reality, Washington courts have repeatedly held that business-to-business conduct can trigger CPA liability—sometimes with severe financial consequences. Understanding when a commercial dispute crosses into CPA territory is critical. The difference between… Read More

In the competitive business environment of the Pacific Northwest, disputes are almost inevitable. Whether involving partners, employees, customers, or competitors, litigation often becomes a defining—and expensive—moment for a company. While no business can eliminate legal risk entirely, many of the most costly litigation outcomes stem from avoidable mistakes made long before a lawsuit is filed.… Read More

When a trial court makes a decision that doesn’t go your way, it can feel frustrating or unfair. Fortunately, you may have the option to ask a higher court to review that decision. However, not every ruling can be appealed automatically, and not every appeal works the same way. In Washington state, there are two… Read More

If you’ve just received an unfavorable ruling in your civil litigation matter—whether it’s a real estate dispute, business lawsuit, trust or estate case, or family law proceeding—it is natural to feel frustrated, disappointed, or even overwhelmed. You’ve invested significant time, money, and emotional energy into your case. You may be wondering whether you have any… Read More

In Washington, the rules about livestock liability aren’t the same across the state — and for cattle ranchers, that distinction can make all the difference in a lawsuit. Whether your herd strays onto a neighbor’s land or ends up blocking a public highway, your legal responsibility hinges on whether the incident occurred in an open… Read More

You may have noticed that more and more people include agritourism as a part of their entertainment.  This is especially true in autumn, when pumpkin patches decorate the countryside with food, games and even haunted attractions.  But agritourism is not all hot cider and smiles; indeed, it comes with its share of risks. Agritourism is… Read More

The world of beer, wine and liquor regulation is complex, to say the least.  It is full of twists and turns, with statutes compounded by administrative rules.  Navigating that landscape as a business owner can be tricky, especially if you are a supplier or a distributor.  In Washington, the relationship between suppliers and distributors is… Read More

Washington is an agricultural state, with 34% of its land used as farmland (that is approximately 14.7 million acres).  Agribusiness contributes 13% of the state’s economy and contributes $51 billion to Washington’s annual GDP.  If you live in Washington, chances are you’re either involved in the agriculture industry or you know someone who is.  Urban… Read More