Recent News

Low-Income Tenants To Receive A Right To Counsel In Washington State

Washington State Business & Real Estate Lawyer Babak Shamsi | 5/25/2021
On Thursday, April 22nd, Jay Inslee signed into law a right to counsel guaranteeing to low-income residential tenants the right to counsel during the eviction process. Although Seattle, and several other cities, had similar laws already on the books, Washington State has now established itself as the first state to pass such legislation. Washington appears to… Read More

Professional LLC Or Professional Service Corporation – What Is The Difference?

Washington State Business and Real Estate Lawyer David C. Tingstad | 5/19/2021
Lawyers, doctors, accountants, and other professionals cannot engage in the “corporate” practice of their professions, except through authorized entities.  Professional LLCs and professional service corporations are two such authorized entities.  When considering which entity may be right for you, it is important to note their differences. At least three issues distinguish professional LLCs from professional… Read More

A Family Business And Minority Shareholder Oppression: Real Carriage Door v. Rees

Washington State Business and Real Estate Lawyer David C. Tingstad | 5/12/2021
On May 11, 2021, Division II of the Washington Court of Appeals issued an opinion arising out of a corporation owned by the Rees family.  The case is interesting for a host of reasons, but the focus of this article is minority oppression. The Family v. Don Rees Don Rees owned 51% and his wife,… Read More

Notice! Notice! Notice! Contractors – Provide Your Proper Notices!

Washington State Business & Real Estate Lawyer Babak Shamsi | 5/11/2021
Washington State, and particularly King and Snohomish Counties have grown rapidly in recent years. New construction and remodeling projects are a part of the familiar landscape of the area. Contractors and subcontractors who provide labor, professional services, materials, or equipment to improve real property, however, must navigate through the extensive statutory scheme contained in RCW… Read More

Beware Of Timelines For Mechanics’ Liens: Warranty Work Won’t Give You Extra Time

Washington State Litigation and Real Estate Law Lawyer Andrew M. McKenzie | 5/11/2021
Cashflow is often the lifeblood of the construction industry.  When contractors do work or supply materials without timely payment from their customers, it can have major impacts on their ability to continue operating effectively.  A contractor’s ability to make payroll and stay current on accounts with their suppliers and subcontractors is vital to protecting their… Read More

Even Single Member LLCs Need Written LLC Agreements

Washington State Business and Real Estate Lawyer David C. Tingstad | 5/5/2021
Investors regularly make the mistake of assuming they do not need a written LLC agreement when they form a single-member entity. In the absence of a written LLC agreement, statutory default rules apply, which often come with surprising consequences. A Hypothetical Let us consider, for example, you purchase a fourplex in your own name then transfer… Read More