Recent News

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

As a former prosecutor, I wanted to take the opportunity to provide context about what to expect at an arraignment hearing. This is the first hearing after a defendant has been charged with a crime. Arraignments are extremely formulaic - the defendant is informed of the charges against them, receives a trial date, and the… Read More

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

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

Many people assume that every clause in a contract is enforceable, so long as it was agreed to.  But that is not true, and parties who make that assumption without further analysis do so at their peril. Typical contract scenarios could include the following: Scenario A:  A and B enter into a contract that A… Read More

February 23rd, 2023 Beresford Booth Law Litigation Lawyer Dexter N. Bradford presents: True or False: You Can Be Sued for Rescinding a Gift? Read More

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'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

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