Recent News

California is the world’s sixth largest economy.  That fact combined with its west coast proximity to Washington spurs commerce between many Washington and California businesses.  Many Washingtonians have a second home in California, or may have other investments or contractual relationships affected by California laws. When disputes arise, parties located in Washington may be required to… Read More

Over the last month many Washingtonians have questioned whether Washington Governor Jay Inslee would let his “Stay Home – Stay Healthy” Order expire on May 4, 2020.  On May 1, 2020, Governor Inslee answered those questions in a televised address in which he announced a four phase plan for re-opening Washington State known as “Safe… Read More

On April 24, Governor Inslee released his Phase 1 Construction Restart plan signaling the beginning of a possible easing of Covid-19 related restrictions put in place under Gubernatorial Proclamation 20-25. As contractors return to work, it is the perfect time to reassess compliance with the Contractor Registration Act. A major component of the Act, is… Read More

On April 30, 2020, the IRS issued Notice 2020-32 (the “Notice”), which answered a question asked by many business owners since receiving their Payroll Protection Program (“PPP”) loans: are deductible expenses paid for with the PPP loan still deductible once the PPP loan is forgiven?  According to the IRS, the answer is “no”. The Notice… Read More

In many divorce cases, the community’s highest valued asset is real estate.  Whether it be the family home, an investment property, a commercial building, or a second home, it is quite common that the equity in these properties is used to achieve a fair division and either the proceeds or the home itself awarded equitably… Read More

Lisa H. Do presents on The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Parenting Plans. William (Bill) O. Kessler covers Construction Gradually Reopening in Washington State. Read More

Membership in Washington LLCs comes with many rights, privileges, and obligations, and members cannot easily dispose of them.  This second post in a series of three highlights Washington’s Limited Liability Company Act, RCW 25.15 (the “Act”) default provisions on member dissociation and withdrawal as ways in which LLC members dispose of their various rights, privileges,… Read More

A recurrent theme in smaller, privately held companies, is the minority owners’ ability to liquidate their ownership interests and quit the company.  Under existing agreements, minority owners may only recover that value on the occurrence of significant company events such as a proposed merger, or a sale of key company assets.  Also, company agreements typically… Read More

In March of this year, Amazon created a $5 million Neighborhood Small Business Relief Fund for small businesses located within a few blocks of their Regrade, South Lake Union, and Bellevue office buildings.  Amazon has already awarded funds to local businesses such as Lady Yum in Seattle’s Regrade neighborhood, and Cactus in South Lake Union.  It… Read More