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The Washington Court of Appeals’ decision, Zhi Feng v. Xiaoqiang Wu et al., addressed such a situation. In Feng, a real estate broker represented himself in a lawsuit and subsequent settlement negotiations following a failed real estate deal.  Ultimately, the real broker ended up with some costly unintended consequences.  Misunderstanding the language and terminology used… Read More

Last month, my colleague JP. Diener wrote an excellent article here outlining many considerations that a litigant must review before pursuing an appeal. As he noted, an appeal does not allow a claimant to fully re-argue the case or present new evidence. It is not the proverbial second bite at the apple. Instead, it often focuses on… Read More

When people hear “expert witness,” they may think about shows like CSI, where a scientist can evaluate things like blood samples or DNA to determine who committed the crime. While expert witnesses certainly play an important role in some criminal matters, expert witnesses can be vital to the outcome of civil cases. This article explores… 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

There is no denying that litigation is expensive. As a result, clients often ask their attorney whether attorneys’ fees are recoverable. Often times, the answer is, “no.” The reason is because, under the American rule, attorneys’ fees are generally not recoverable unless attorneys’ fees are authorized by contract, statute, or recognized ground of equity. This… Read More

It goes without saying that every client’s situation is unique, and there is no such thing as one-size-fits-all representation.  That said, humans have a tendency to mistakenly assume that everyone else thinks like they do.  Clients fall all over the spectrum in terms of their attitudes and goals in a dispute. The Principled Client The… Read More

June 12th, 2025 Attorney J Patrick Diener discusses "When and How to Appeal a Court Decision". Read More

Being served with a petition for a protection order can be confusing and overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with the legal process. Whether you are being accused of harassment, domestic violence, stalking, or other misconduct, it is important to take the process seriously from the beginning. Here are a few tips: Know Your Court… 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