Client Collaborations

We counsel and advise a wide spectrum of clients with the power of eminent domain on all aspects of the condemnation process. We routinely achieve administrative and pre-trial settlement in hundreds of condemnation matters through effective negotiation and mediation.

• Represented an Oregon transportation district in several acquisitions for bus, light rail, and commuter rail transit service projects.
  
• Negotiated administrative resolution for road widening and improvement projects for cities across the Pacific Northwest.
  
• Advised utility districts and local pipeline company in navigating final action procedures and condemnation process.
  
• Represented a local fire district for fire station expansion project. The jury returned a verdict nearly at our client’s valuation and significantly less than the property owner’s valuation.

Assist cannabis clients with license application and regulatory compliance.

Patent applications on wireless communications systems (IEEE 802.11)

Represented subcontractor in lien foreclosure action with full payment obtained.

Negotiation of design/build contracts for new grocery distribution centers in California and Idaho and expansion projects of other centers.

Assisted with public records requests and Public Meetings law issues.

Wyndham Resort Development Corporation et al v. Swinerton Builders Northwest, Inc., et al. Multimillion-dollar recovery in the largest construction-defect case in the history of the state. Case involved claims of negligence, breach of contract, and breach of warranty. Representation of the Resort at Seaside against a general contractor and some 28 additional subcontractors, architects, designers, vendors, and material suppliers. Case complexities included dealing with condominium association rights and complex insurance and coverage issues.

We represent property owners in condemnation actions throughout the Northwest. Our clients have been routinely awarded just compensation greater than the amount offered by the condemning authority. In many instances, we have obtained reimbursement of legal fees and expert costs for our clients.

• Represented property owner in multi-week condemnation trial for city roadway expansion project. The property owner was awarded just compensation of nearly four times the amount argued by the city, and awarded fees and costs in defending action.
• Achieved a $1.7 million verdict for property owner in a city’s acquisition of a family farm for the creation of a park in Gig Harbor ($1.2 million over the condemnor’s evidence at trial).
• Represented property owner in expansion of the University of Washington Tacoma Campus resulting in a $1.9 million verdict ($900,000 over the condemnor’s evidence at trial).

Successfully represent clients in responding to and resolving BOLI complaints.