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
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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
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
Upcoming Event: 30th Annual Oregon Construction Law Seminar
Are you a construction industry professional looking to stay current on the legal landscape affecting your projects and operations? Join me and my Stoel colleagues Zachary Davis, John Dudrey, and Mario Nicholas who will be presenting at the
Negotiating Loan Assumptions in Commercial Real Estate Purchase Agreements
As high interest rates continue to shape the commercial real estate landscape, buyers are increasingly exploring alternatives to traditional financing. One such strategy—assuming the seller’s existing mortgage—can offer significant savings when the seller’s loan terms beat current market rates.
But
Bricks and bots: AI technologies’ growing impact on construction
AI is making waves across construction—from analyzing specs and drawings to automating scheduling and productivity tracking. But alongside efficiency gains come legal and operational risks that can’t be ignored.
Understanding how AI tools function—and where they fall short—is critical for
Construction Liens in Washington: Essential Knowledge for Construction Professionals
Why Understanding Liens is Important
Construction liens are a critical aspect of the construction industry, providing security for those who contribute labor, materials, or services to a project. Understanding construction liens is essential for disparate parties involved in private construction
Upcoming Event: Bisnow’s Portland Multifamily & Affordable Housing Summit
On April 23, 2025, join me in Portland, OR, for Bisnow’s Portland Multifamily & Affordable Housing Summit where leaders in development, policy, and finance will explore what’s next for Portland’s multifamily and affordable housing sectors.
I’ll be serving as the
Oregon Senate Bill 426 Would Make Owners and Prime Contractors Liable for Unpaid Wages Owed by Those They Hire
Developers, owners, and contractors would all be wise to take note of Senate Bill 426, currently under consideration in the Oregon legislature.
SB 426 addresses wage theft in the construction industry. If enacted, it would impose joint and several
A primer for decoding legal jargon in construction contracts
Construction contracts are often loaded with industry and legal jargon, making them tough for nonlawyers to understand. Even though there’s a push for simpler legal language, lawyers are hesitant to let go of traditional terms. This reluctance means complex legal