Client Collaborations
All Representative Cases
Isla Verde v. City of Camas. The Washington Supreme Court ruled that the city’s requirement for a developer to set aside 30 percent of its land as open space as a condition of subdivision approval was unlawful. The court resolved an important issue that had yet to be firmly determined in prior cases: that a Washington statute, RCW 82.020.020, prohibits governments from requiring developers to pay fee, dedicate land, or make an improvement as a condition of a permit unless the condition directly mitigates an impact of the development. The court stated this statute applied even though the city would not take title to the open space.
Advised private secondary school on state law reporting obligations for complaint of student-on-student involuntary sexual contact and assisted school administrators through interactions with law enforcement, students, families, and legal representatives.
Represented property owner in easement dispute; case settled after court granted our client summary judgment on its easement right claims.
Insurance Coverage. Obtained summary judgment that ruled a commercial property destroyed by fire was covered by an insurance policy, even though client had failed to list the property in the schedule of insured properties.
Successfully defended community college against multiple petitions filed with the district attorney’s office related to public records requests.
Represented gasoline supplier in defense of claims brought by dealer in federal court for discrimination in violation of Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, Washington Gasoline Dealer Bill of Rights Act, and breach of contract. Prevailed on summary judgment with dismissal of all claims.
Real Property Tax Appeals. Successfully challenged county’s assessment of back taxes, penalties and interest for alleged removal of property from the open space program in GG One, Inc. v. Clark County. The Board of Equalization found that the property conveyed to the county for wetland and storm water purposes was still open space and that the property owner was entitled to a tax refund.
Guided a private university through first union-organizing campaign, including representation proceedings before the NLRB.
Represented homeowner in dispute with neighbors over rights arising from Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs).