Recent News

Attorneys’ Fees Arising from Form 17 Disclosures

Washington State Litigation and Real Estate Lawyer Aaron M. Dunn | 7/1/2025
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

Three Big Changes to Washington Estate Tax Laws as of July 1, 2025

Washington State Estate Planning and Probate Lawyer Sherry Bosse Lueders | 7/1/2025
On July 1, 2025, three big changes to Washington’s estate tax law will go into effect. In its 2025 session, the Washington legislature passed a bill that provided for increases to the individual exclusion amount, addressed an issue that caused the exclusion amount to be frozen at $2.193 million for several years, and substantially increased… Read More

Two Basic Types Of Clients: Principled Vs. Pragmatic

Washington State Litigation Lawyer Andrew M. McKenzie | 6/27/2025
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

Pursuing Off-Market Real Estate Transactions

Washington State Business Law and Litigation Lawyer Babak Shamsi | 6/23/2025
In Washington State, most home sales involve publicly disclosed and advertised transactions. They often start with listings on the Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS) and end up with buyers and sellers entering into purchase and sale agreements with the assistance of their respective real estate brokers. Although rife with risks, some of which we have… Read More

Why Sole Proprietors in Washington Must Act Now to Protect Their Assets

Washington State Business and Real Estate Lawyer C. Michael Kvistad | 6/18/2025
Running a business in Washington without liability protection is like sailing stormy seas without a lifeboat. Without a clear divide between your personal and business finances, you face serious financial risk. Forming a Limited Liability Company (“LLC”) creates a layer of protection that sole proprietorships simply can’t match, shielding your personal assets from business-related liabilities.… Read More

Changes to Washington’s EPOA Laws, What an Employer Needs to Know

Washington State Employer Law Lawyer Dexter N. Bradford | 6/18/2025
On May 20, 2025, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5408 into law, enacting important amendments to the state’s Equal Pay and Opportunities Act (EPOA). These changes, effective July 27, 2025, clarify employers’ obligations, adjust the available remedies for violations, and introduce a limited “notice and cure” period designed to reduce opportunistic litigation. Background… Read More