Recent News

Can I still fire an employee for good cause even if they report harassment at work?

Washington State Litigation Lawyer Dexter N. Bradford | 5/4/2023
To be clear, it is considered retaliation if an employer fires someone because they complained to HR or anyone else about harassment. Retaliation is a claim that an employee can bring against their employer when they have suffered negative consequences at work in retaliation of the employee's protected action. In order to establish a retaliation… Read More

The Washington State Capital Gains Tax 

Washington State Business and Real Estate Law Lawyer Babak Shamsi | 5/1/2023
It is official: Washington State can now collect a state capital gains tax. The Washington State legislature had passed a capital gains tax levied at a rate of seven (7%) percent on the sale and exchange of certain types of long-term capital assets, including, but not limited to, stocks, bonds, and tangible assets. The state… Read More

Blackmail? What You Can And Can’t Do To Coerce A Remedy

Washington State Litigation Lawyer Andrew M. McKenzie | 4/24/2023
Lawyers and parties involved in disputes should give careful consideration to whether a given strategy in seeking a resolution may give rise to criminal liability in Washington.  Specifically, beware of criminal liability for blackmail, or as referred to in RCW 9A.56.130, extortion in the second degree. But first, here is some interesting etymology:  Many hundreds… Read More

How to Prove Fraud

Washington State Litigation Lawyer J Patrick Diener | 3/9/2023
Fraud is a very popular claim in civil litigation, but it is one of the most difficult causes of action to prove in court.  Many people think if someone tells them something that turns out to be untrue, they have an ironclad case of fraud, but it is not so simple.  Though fraud can arise… Read More

Taylor Swift and Estate Litigation –
an Unlikely Duet

Washington State Litigation Lawyer William O. Kessler | 3/9/2023
In her hit song “Anti-Hero,” Taylor Swift includes the lyric I have this dream my daughter-in-law kills me for the moneyShe thinks I left them in the willThe family gathers 'round and reads it and then someone screams out"She's laughing up at us from hell" Ms. Swift raises some interesting legal issues here. This post… Read More

Is Your Lien Invalid?

Washington State Litigation Lawyer Dexter N. Bradford | 1/31/2023
Subcontractors should be aware that liens for labor and materials or equipment may not be enforced without prelien notice. When contractors hire subcontractors to work on a job, the law generally requires that the sub-contractor must give a notice to owner. The notice to owner is a statutorily required document that notifies the property owner… Read More

Washington State’s Pay Transparency Law

Washington State Litigation Lawyer Dexter N. Bradford | 12/20/2022
Washington's Pay Transparency Law will take effect January 1, 2023. Signed by Governor Jay Inslee, SB 5761 will require employers with 15 or more employees to include in job postings (1) wage scale or salary range, (2) general description of benefits, and (3) any additional compensation. This information must also be provided to employees receiving… Read More

Business Divorce Litigation: A Brief Overview

Washington State Business Law and Litigation Lawyer J Patrick Diener | 11/30/2022
The adage “nothing is forever” applies readily to all manner of relationships, and business partnerships are no exception. The term “business divorce” fits particularly well when referring to a breakup of business partners because the emotions one may experience during such an event are often similar to those felt during a marital dissolution, including disappointment,… Read More