Labor shortages in the construction industry are an increasingly pressing issue—particularly for large-scale infrastructure and technology projects where schedule and budget performance are critical. While recent attention has focused on material costs and supply chain disruptions, a tightening labor market
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Limitations of Liability in Construction Contracts: Ironclad Protection or Legal Illusion?
Limitation of liability (LOL) clauses are a standard fixture in contracts involving architects, engineers, and other design professionals—particularly because these parties often have limited assets and depend on such provisions to manage risk. However, Washington legal authority suggests these clauses…
Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County: Agencies Granted Substantial Deference in Assessing Project Scope and Environmental Impacts
In a significant decision interpreting the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the U.S. Supreme Court issued its opinion in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, Colorado on May 29, 2025. For certain projects, NEPA requires federal agencies to prepare…
DOL Signals Business Friendly Independent Contractor Standard: What Employers Need to Know
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently stated that it will not enforce an employee-friendly independent contractor rule implemented by the Biden administration in 2024 (“Biden Rule”). The Biden Rule made it more difficult for businesses to classify workers as…
In Case You Missed It: Federal Agencies Pause Enforcement of the 2024 MHPAEA Final Rule; Prior Regulations and Comparative Analyses Requirement Remain in Effect
On May 15, the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury (“the Departments”) released a statement announcing a temporary non-enforcement period regarding their final rule issued on September 9, 2024, titled “Requirements Related to the Mental…
Lease of Mind: Why Developers Should Consider Lease Options in Real Estate Agreements
Before leasing land, it is important for developers to understand the benefits of using a lease-option structure instead of jumping straight into a leasehold. By deliberately separating and sequencing the grant of rights from a landowner to a developer, parties…
2024 EEO-1 Data Collection Opens
As of yesterday—May 20, 2025—EEO-1 data collection is open. The deadline to file the 2024 EEO-1 Component 1 report is June 24, 2025. The EEOC stated there will be no extensions, so covered employers should act promptly to file their…
Oregon Lawmakers Eye Major Employment Changes: Three Bills Employers Should Watch Closely
As the 83rd Oregon Legislative Session approaches its end, several employment-related bills are still in play, and they could carry significant implications for businesses across the state. While none have been signed into law yet, the momentum behind them makes…
Utah Implements First-in-the-Nation Law Requiring Age Verification for App Store Access
On May 7, 2025, Utah became the first U.S. state to enact a law requiring app store providers and developers to verify users’ ages and obtain verifiable parental consent for minors to download apps or make in-app purchases. Senate Bill…
Washington Adopts Statewide Rent Control: What Landlords Should Know
On May 7, 2025, Washington became the third state to enact statewide rent control, joining Oregon and California. House Bill 1217, effective immediately, limits annual rent increases, extends notice requirements, and mandates parity pricing across lease types. Most provisions…