Client Collaborations

Represents Sound Transit and provides comprehensive guidance on all aspects of eminent domain and inverse condemnation, as well as litigating disputes when they arise. Successfully represented Sound Transit in obtaining settlements in hundreds of condemnation matters in Pierce, King, and Snohomish Counties, including acquisitions for the following light rail links:

• South Link
• Tacoma Link
• University Link
• Capitol Hill Link
• Northgate Link
• East Link
• Lynnwood Link
• Federal Way Link
• Downtown Redmond Link

Represented three public interest non-profits in an amicus brief supporting the Sixth Amendment right to an attorney at an initial bail determination hearing in an appeal before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Represented buyer of distressed debt from national bank.

Successfully resolved a dram shop action against a tribe and tribal enterprise.

Litigation of major construction-defect claim against design/builder of large Oregon grocery distribution center when concrete floors lacked flatness and levelness needed to operate facility efficiently. Assisted a multinational engineering firm in resolving claims asserted by a municipal wastewater commission related to the design and construction of a biosolids irrigation facility.

Assisted school district client with formation of a park and recreation district to assume school aquatic facilities.

Assisted employers, public and private, in preparing for strikes, which is frequently the best strike prevention measure. During strikes or picketing, handled in-court injunction proceedings and pursued administrative remedies for both private and public sector employers.

Successful prosecution and defense representation on employment discrimination and sexual harassment cases.

Regularly works with the City of Ferndale in connection with its capital projects to maintain and improve city infrastructure. Provides counsel on pre-project planning, pre-filing negotiations, ordinances authorizing eminent domain, final action requirements, eminent domain filings, and dispute resolution. Advised city or handled condemnation actions for the following city projects:

• Washington Street, Main Street to Vista Drive Project—Represented City in a condemnation of property rights for a road-widening project. Case involved complex valuation issues and an adverse possession dispute. Settled at mediation for $120,000 less than the owner’s just compensation evidence. 
• Thorton Street Overpass
• Gateway Stormwater Improvement/Main Street LaBounty Drive Roundabout Project
• Church Road
• Main Street Improvement Project