Williams Kastner

March 2020

Williams Kastner’s Response to COVID-19 and Our Commitment to You

Our Commitment to Health & Safety While Maintaining High-Level Client Services At Williams Kastner, our firm culture is characterized by qualit...

Featured

January 2020

Supreme Court To Hear ‘Faithless Electors’ Case

Hunter M. Abell, Daniel A. Brown, Sumeer Singla

Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear two cases challenging state attempts to penalize Electoral College delegate...

May 2020

Employee Retention Tax Credits in the Age of Coronavirus

by Sheryl J. Willert

On Sunday, May 17, in a previous client update note on the Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) loan forgiveness, we informed you that the Department of...

May 2020

More News on the PPP Loan Forgiveness

by Sheryl J. Willert

On Sunday, May 17, we issued an update on PPP loans which discussed the change in time frame which would be considered for loan forgiveness. At th...

May 2020

Governor Inslee Walks Back Contact Tracing Requirement for Restaurants

by Sheryl J. Willert

On May 15, 2020, within days of announcing a requirement that all restaurants would be required to obtain and maintain contact tracing information ...

May 2020

SBA Releases New Rules on How to Apply PPP Proceeds in Order to Get Forgiveness

by Sheryl J. Willert

On Friday, May 15, the Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, issued new guidelines on how employers wh...

May 2020

PPP Loans: Saved Before the Bell

by Sheryl J. Willert

On Wednesday, May 13, 2020, the Treasury Department, after consultation with the Small Business Administration, issued new guidance regarding good ...

May 2020

The Ever-Changing Landscape of PPP Loans

by Sheryl J. Willert

On April 23, 2020, in response to the hue and cry from many members of the public that large businesses such as the Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse had rec...

May 2020

Oregon State Bar: Construction Law Newsletter

by Thomas A. Ped, Cassie L. Bow

NEW RETAINAGE REQUIREMENTS RAISE MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS Recent amendments to ORS 279C.570 and ORS 701.420 create new requirements for retainag...

May 7 11:00 AM

Williams Kastner Hosted Event

May 7, 2020

Labor & Employment and Insurance Coverage Webinar: Best Practices to…

Sheryl J. Willert, Eliot M. Harris, Jeffery M. Wells

May 6

Williams Kastner Hosted Event

May 6, 2020

The Time to Give Back is Now!

GiveBIG Washington is a fundraising event that started with early giving on April 15th and will c...

April 2020

New Proclamation from Washington Governor Establishes Employer Obligations to COVID-19 At-Risk Employees

by Josephine B. Vestal, Jeffery M. Wells, Sheryl J. Willert

Williams Kastner Speaker Event

April 16, 2020

Webinar: Retain or Release? A Legal Look at Electronic Files

Erin J. Varriano, Meredith E. Dishaw

April 16th 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Register Now More and more of our work is going electronicall...

Apr 13 11:00 AM

Williams Kastner Hosted Event

April 13, 2020

Webinar: COVID-19 Impact on Labor & Employment

Sheryl J. Willert, Jeffery M. Wells, Bryan K. Churchill

Speakers Sheryl Willert Jefferey W...

April 2020

Labor & Employment COVID-19 Updates

by Josephine B. Vestal, Jeffery M. Wells, Sheryl J. Willert, Jerome L. Rubin, David E. Worley, Jessica M. Cox

The rapid spread of coronavirus has widely affected employers throughout the U.S. We are closely monitoring the developing situation and will offer...

April 2020

CORONAVIRUS-RELATED PAID LEAVE FOR WORKERS AND TAX CREDITS FOR SMALL AND MIDSIZED BUSINESSES

by Josephine B. Vestal, Jessica M. Cox

On Friday March 20, 2020, The United States Departments of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, and the U. S. Department of Labor took action to imp...

Mar 31 10:30 AM

Williams Kastner Sponsored Event

March 31, 2020

Insurance Webinar: Coverage Issues in Claims Related to COVID-19

Eliot M. Harris, Miles JM. Stewart

Tuesday, March 31st 10:30-11:30 am (PDT) Register Now Join partner Eliot Harris and associate Mil...

March 2020

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER WINTER 2020

by Eliot M. Harris, Jerry B. Edmonds, Thomas A. Ped, Miles JM. Stewart

OVERVIEW OF POTENTIAL COVERAGE ISSUES IN CLAIM RELATED TO THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC The rapid spread of coronavirus in the United States...

Jan 30 7:30 AM

Williams Kastner Hosted Event

January 30, 2020

Law Update: Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave Program

Two Union Square

Jeffery M. Wells

About This Event Please join Jeffery Wells and Kathleen Goodman of Williams Kastne...

January 2020

WILLIAMS KASTNER ANNOUNCES 2020 NEW MEMBERS

Steven F. Cade, Ryan W. Vollans, Jeffery M. Wells

January 6, 2020 ─ Williams Kastner is pleased to announce the new attorneys to be admitted to the firm’s membership, effective January 1, 2020. The...

November 2019

Williams Kastner Named to 2020 Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms”

SEATTLE, WA (November 7, 2019) — Williams Kastner is pleased to announce that the firm received top-tier rankings in 9 practice areas across our S...

Williams Kastner Hosted Event

October 10, 2019

2019 Williams Kastner Labor and Employment Fall Seminar

Bellevue Club

Jessie L. Harris, Jerome L. Rubin, Josephine B. Vestal, Jeffery M. Wells, Sheryl J. Willert, David E. Worley

Please join the Labor & Employment Practice Group at Williams Kastner for a look at the newes...

October 2019

Supreme Court Petitioned by Presidential Electors’ Attorneys To Conclusively

Hunter M. Abell, Daniel A. Brown, Sumeer Singla

Washington, DC – Today, attorneys at Equal Citizens petitioned the Supreme Court to hear the case about controlling the votes of presidential...

October 2019

Rodney L. Umberger Named Vice Chair of USLAW NETWORK

Rodney L. Umberger

October 1, 2019 (Seattle, WA) – At the USLAW Network Fall Conference in Washington, D.C., Rodney (Rod) Umberger was named Vice-Chair of the organiz...

September 2019

Williams Kastner Welcomes Doug Green and Ken Yalowitz to Seattle Office

Douglas J. Green, Ken G. Yalowitz

September 20, 2019 – Seattle, WA – Williams Kastner is pleased to announce the addition of Doug Green and Ken Yalowitz to the firm’s Seattle office...

August 2019

13 Williams Kastner Attorneys Named to 2020 Best Lawyers in America©

Stanbery Foster, Jr., S. Ward Greene, P. Arley Harrel, Scott B. Henrie, Douglas A. Hofmann, Heidi L. Mandt, Charles R. Markley, Mark M. Myers, Jerome L. Rubin, Robert W. Sargeant, Alan L. Wallace, David P. Weiner, Sheryl J. Willert

July 2019

Williams Kastner Welcomes Mark L. Lorbiecki to Seattle Office

Mark L. Lorbiecki

July 1, 2019 – Seattle, WA – Williams Kastner is pleased to announce the addition of Mark L. Lorbiecki to the firm’s Seattle office. Mr. Lorbiecki...

June 2019

12 Williams Kastner Attorneys Named to 2019 Super Lawyers & Rising Stars Lists

Daniel A. Brown, Meredith E. Dishaw, Blair I. Fassburg, S. Ward Greene, P. Arley Harrel, Jessie L. Harris, Douglas A. Hofmann, Mark L. Lorbiecki, Charles R. Markley, Bridget T. Schuster, Rodney L. Umberger, Sheryl J. Willert

June 2019

Williams Kastner Welcomes 2019 Summer Associates

Gabrielle Lindquist Gabrielle Lindquist is a 2020 J.D. candidate at the University of Washington School of Law. Gabri...

May 2019

NEW WASHINGTON LAW REQUIRES ACTION ON NON-COMPETITION AGREEMENTS

by Josephine B. Vestal

On May 8, 2019, Washington’s Governor signed legislation which makes significant changes to the law on the enforceability of the non-competition co...

April 2019

Oregon Court of Appeals Finds Coverage Dependent on the Nature of Injury, Regardless of Liability Theory Alleged

April 2019

Washington Federal Court Enforces Endorsement Allowing Insurer to Recoup Defense Costs for Uncovered Claims

by Eliot M. Harris

April 2019

Washington Federal Court Find Insurer Cannot Refuse to Cover Defense Costs Without Showing of “Actual Prejudice”

by Eliot M. Harris

March 2019

Williams Kastner Launches Redesigned Website

Williams Kastner is excited to celebrate the firm’s 90th Anniversary. The firm has been a steadfast presence in the Pacific Northwest with offices...

February 2019

Williams Kastner Greene & Markley Capable of Assisting PG&E Creditors

Charles R. Markley

Charles Markley and Stephen Arnot have the experience and credentials to help creditors that may be affected by the recent Pacific Gas & Electr...

January 2019

Williams Kastner Celebrates 90th Anniversary

Williams Kastner is proud to celebrate its 90th Anniversary in 2019. The firm has a rich and noteworthy history in the Pacific Northwest, tracing ...

December 2018

Williams Kastner Announces 2019 New Members

Blair I. Fassburg, Heidi L. Mandt

December 28, 2018 ─ Williams Kastner is pleased to announce that four new Members will be admitted to the firm, effective January 1, 2019. Earning ...

December 2018

OREGON FEDERAL COURT FINDS HOA MEMBERS LACK STANDING TO BRING DIRECT ACTION AGAINST INSURER UNDER HOA’S INSURANCE POLICY BECAUSE THEY DO NOT QUALIFY AS INTENDED THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES

by Sean T. James

December 2018

WASHINGTON FEDERAL COURT FINDS THAT STATUTORY NOTICE OF INTENT TO SUE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE “CLAIM” UNDER CLAIMS-MADE POLICY

by Eliot M. Harris

December 2018

A Little Advance Notice on Employment Issues That Will Be Faced by General Counsel in 2018

by Sheryl J. Willert

In the summer of 2017, ALM and a major American law firm launched what was described as the inaugural “General Counsel Up-At-Night” report. That re...

November 2018

100 Black Men of Seattle, Inc. with Women Presidents’ Organization Honor Outstanding Women Entrepreneurs Leading Successful Businesses

Sheryl J. Willert

Williams Kastner Hosted Event

October 30, 2018

2018 Williams Kastner Labor and Employment Fall Seminar

Washington Athletic Club

Bryan K. Churchill, Jessica M. Cox, William T. Hansen, Jessie L. Harris, Sean T. James, Josephine B. Vestal, Jeffery M. Wells, Sheryl J. Willert

Please join the Labor & Employment Practice Group at Williams Kastner for a look at the newes...

October 2018

WASHINGTON FEDERAL COURT FINDS THAT SEXUAL ABUSE CLAIM NOT COVERED EVEN WHEN “NEGLIGENCE” CLAIM WAS ALLEGED

by Eliot M. Harris

October 2018

IN ISSUE OF FIRST IMPRESSION, WASHINGTON COURT HOLDS THAT ACTIONS OF PUBLIC ADJUSTER ARE IMPUTED TO INSURED

by Eliot M. Harris

October 2018

OREGON COURT HOLDS THAT INSURED MUST ATTEND EUO AS CONDITION PRECEDENT TO COVERAGE DESPITE OREGON STATUTE REQUIRING PROMPT PAYMENT OF PIP BENEFITS

by Eliot M. Harris

September 2018

WILLIAMS KASTNER WELCOMES BRIDGET T. SCHUSTER TO THE SEATTLE OFFICE

Bridget T. Schuster

Williams Kastner is pleased to announce the addition of Bridget T. Schuster to the Seattle office. Ms. Schuster will join the firm as an Of Counsel...

September 2018

Williams Kastner Honored with 2018 Bridge to Healing Award

September 12, 2018 ─ Williams Kastner will be honored with the 2018 Bridge to Healing Award at the Safe Crossings Foundation’s (SCF) annual luncheo...

September 2018

Williams Kastner Member Rodney L. Umberger Selected to USLAW NETWORK’s Executive Committee

Rodney L. Umberger

During the recent fall USLAW NETWORK Membership Meeting, the 2018-19 USLAW NETWORK Board of Directors was elected. As part of the election, William...

August 2018

Nine Williams Kastner Attorneys Named to 2019 Best Lawyers in America©

Stanbery Foster, Jr., S. Ward Greene, P. Arley Harrel, Douglas A. Hofmann, Heidi L. Mandt, Charles R. Markley, Jerome L. Rubin, Sheryl J. Willert

Williams Kastner is pleased to announce that 9 attorneys have been named to the 2019 Best Lawyers in America© . Receiving recognition are: Gary L...

July 2018

Williams Kastner Member Appointed to Superior Court Bench

The firm congratulates Williams Kastner Member, Marshall Ferguson, on his appointment by Governor Inslee to the King County Superior Court. Marsha...

June 2018

Fifteen Williams Kastner Attorneys Named to 2018 Super Lawyers & Rising Stars Lists

Daniel A. Brown, Blair I. Fassburg, S. Ward Greene, Donald H. Grim, P. Arley Harrel, Jessie L. Harris, Douglas A. Hofmann, Charles R. Markley, Jerome L. Rubin, Rodney L. Umberger, Sheryl J. Willert

June 2018

The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers Announces Sheryl J. Willert Inducted as Fellow

Sheryl J. Willert

WASHINGTON, DC (June 9, 2018) — The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers is proud to announce the election of Sheryl J. Willert of Williams Kast...

June 2018

WASHINGTON FEDERAL COURT FINDS NO BAD FAITH FOR INSURER’S FAILURE TO RESPOND TO ROOFER’S TENDER WHEN INSURED CANNOT SHOW HARM

by Eliot M. Harris

June 2018

WASHINGTON FEDERAL COURT REJECTS INSURANCE FAIR CONDUCT ACT CLAIM ABSENT EVIDENCE OF UNREASONABLE DENIAL OF COVERAGE

by Eliot M. Harris

June 2018

ALASKA SUPREME COURT FINDS MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT CLAIMANT WAS NOT “OCCUPYING” INSURED’S VEHICLE TO SEEK UIM COVERAGE UNDER INSURED’S POLICY

by Eliot M. Harris

May 2018

Enforcing The Surety’s Rights To The Defaulting Principal’s Contract Funds On Federal Projects: A Step-By-Step Guide to Navigating the FAR

by Paul K. Friedrich

April 2018

WASHINGTON SUPREME COURT FINDS THAT EXCLUSIVE MEANS OF SERVICE FOR AUTHORIZED FOREIGN INSURER IS THROUGH WASHINGTON STATE INSURANCE COMMISSIONER

by Eliot M. Harris

April 2018

WASHINGTON COURT FINDS NO BAD FAITH DESPITE PROLONGED CLAIM RECONCILIATION PERIOD

by Sean T. James

Quarterly Newsletter Spring 2018 An insurer’s excessively low claim settlement offer can give rise to a claim under Washington’s Insura...

April 2018

OREGON FEDERAL COURT FINDS NO BREACH OF DUTY OF GOOD FAITH DESPITE INSURER’S BREACH OF CONTRACT

by Jessica M. Cox

Quarterly Newsletter Spring 2018 In a recent decision, an Oregon Court rejected an insurer’s position that the terms “surface water” an...

April 2018

WASHINGTON/OREGON DOCTRINE OF EQUITABLE SUBROGATION: ARE INDEMNITY AGREEMENTS NECESSARY?

by Steven F. Cade, Paul K. Friedrich, Jeff H. Yusen

Surety Law Update Spring 2018 In recent years, some sureties have waived the need for a signed indemnity agreement usually for smaller,...

April 2018

WASHINGTON COURT OF APPEALS DISMISSES OREGON CONTRACTOR’S LAWSUIT FOR FAILURE TO SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLY WITH CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

by Paul K. Friedrich

April 2018

PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE WASHINGTON PUBLIC WORKS STATUTE

by William T. Hansen

Surety Law Update Spring 2018 In early 2018, Senate Bill 6428 and its counterpart, House Bill 2852, were introduced for consideration a...

January 2018

NEW TAX LAW IMPACTS CONFIDENTIAL SEXUAL HARASSMENT SETTLEMENTS

by Sheryl J. Willert

SEATTLE, WA (January 26, 2018) — On December 22, 2017, in a little known and almost completely unpublicized action, the United States Congress quie...

January 2018

NEW TAX LAW IMPACTS CONFIDENTIAL SEXUAL HARASSMENT SETTLEMENTS

by Sheryl J. Willert

SEATTLE, WA (January 26, 2018) — On December 22, 2017, in a little known and almost completely unpublicized action, the United States Congress quie...

January 2018

WASHINGTON PAID SICK LEAVE LAW EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2018

by Josephine B. Vestal

SEATTLE, WA (January 12, 2018) — Beginning January 1, 2018, all employers doing business in Washington are required to provide most of their employ...

December 2017

Williams Kastner Announces 2018 New Members

Meredith E. Dishaw, Paul K. Friedrich

December 29, 2017 ─ Williams Kastner is pleased to announce that three new Members will be admitted to the firm, effective January 1, 2018. Earning...

December 2017

FMCSA Form BMC-84 Bond Claims

by Jeff H. Yusen

Surety Law Update Winter 2017 In October 2013, Public Law 112-141 (commonly known as “Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act...

December 2017

WASHINGTON COURT FINDS NO BAD FAITH DESPITE INCORRECT ASSESSMENT BY INSURER ON COVERAGE ISSUES

by William T. Hansen

Quarterly Newsletter Winter 2017 Insurers and policyholders are often faced with a situation of whether depreciation may be recovered w...

December 2017

WASHINGTON COURT LIMITS DISCOVERY OF INSURER’S CLAIMS-HANDLING MANUALS AND GUIDELINES FOR UNRELATED LINES OF COVERAGE

by Eliot M. Harris

December 2017

The Responsibility of Corporate America Post 2016 Presidential Elections

by Sheryl J. Willert

The 2016 presidential campaigns and ultimate election of Donald Trump has caused a significant portion of the United States population to express d...

December 2017

Washington’s New Uniform Power of Attorney Act: Surety Underwriters Beware

by Paul K. Friedrich

Surety Law Update Winter 2017 A power of attorney is an incredibly powerful document that permits an individual (the “principal”) to ap...

December 2017

Judgment Lien May Survive A Chapter 7 Discharge

by Shawn B. Rediger

Surety Law Update Winter 2017 In general, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy results in a discharge of pre-petition debts owed by an individual deb...

October 2017

WASHINGTON COURT OF APPEALS REFUSES TO ALLOW PRODUCTION OF POST-LITIGATION COMMUNICATION BETWEEN INSURER AND COVERAGE COUNSEL IN DEFENSE OF UIM CLAIM

by Eliot M. Harris

August 2017

Miller, Spaulding v. Sawant

Detectives Miller and Spaulding have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community. Many people have sent messages with kind wo...

August 2017

Hunter Abell Named to the 40 Under 40 List

Hunter M. Abell

Williams Kastner is pleased to announce that Hunter Abell, a member in the Seattle office, has been chosen as a Puget Sound Business Journal 40 Und...

June 2017

Fifteen Williams Kastner Attorneys Named to 2017 Super Lawyers & Rising Stars Lists

Daniel A. Brown, S. Ward Greene, Donald H. Grim, P. Arley Harrel, Jessie L. Harris, Douglas A. Hofmann, Charles R. Markley, Rodney L. Umberger, Sheryl J. Willert

June 2017

USLAW Spring / Summer 2017 – THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS

by William T. Hansen, Eliot M. Harris

Parties to construction contracts have historically used indemnity clauses to shift the responsibility to pay damages from one party (the indemnite...

June 2017

WASHINGTON APPELLATE COURT FINDS INSURER NOT COLLATERALLY ESTOPPED FROM CONTESTING LIABILITY ISSUES IN DECLARATORY JUDGMENT ACTION

by Eliot M. Harris

June 2017

OREGON COURT OF APPEALS RENDERS IMPORTANT DECISION ON VARIOUS COVERAGE ISSUES ARISING OUT OF CONSTRUCTION DEFECT LAWSUIT

by Eliot M. Harris

June 2017

Amendments to Washington’s Retainage Statute Expose Sureties to Additional Risk

by William T. Hansen

Surety Law Update Summer 2017 In February 2017, the Surety Team at Williams, Kastner & Gibbs wrote an article regarding a proposed ...

June 2017

Washington Supreme Court Decision Exposes Sureties to Increased Risk for Disputing Claims

by William T. Hansen

SURETY LAW UPDATE SUMMER 2017 On July 6, 2017, the Washington State Supreme Court addressed two important issues for sureties in Washin...

June 2017

Washington State Court of Appeals Misstates Basic Surety Law Involving Release of Lien Bond Claim

by Paul K. Friedrich

Surety Law Update Summer 2017 Washington’s Release of Lien Bond statute, RCW 60.04.161, allows a property owner or contractor to “relea...

May 2017

Eliot Harris Appointed to Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation Board of Directors

Eliot M. Harris

Williams Kastner proudly announces that Seattle member Eliot Harris has been elected to the Board of Directors for the Washington Chapter of the In...

April 2017

ALASKA SUPREME COURT FINDS DUTY OWED BY LIABILITY INSURER TO THIRD-PARTY CLAIMANT

by Eliot M. Harris

Quarterly Newsletter Spring 2017 Over the years, policyholders and their attorneys have sought to assert tort claims directly against l...

April 2017

Washington Supreme Court Limits the Scope of the Insurance Fair Conduct Act

by Meredith E. Dishaw

Surety Law Update Spring 2017 Recently, the Washington Supreme Court narrowly interpreted the Insurance Fair Conduct Act (“IFCA”), limi...

April 2017

Washington State Legislative Alert: 2017 Regular Session

by Paul K. Friedrich

Surety Law Update Spring 2017 On January 17, 2017, the Senate introduced Bill No. 5222 for referral to the Committee on Commerce, Labor...

March 2017

Sheryl Willert and Jerry Rubin Participate in PSBJ Thought Leader Forum

Jerome L. Rubin, Sheryl J. Willert

Williams Kastner attorneys, Sheryl Willert and Jerry Rubin, recently participated in the Puget Sound Business Journal’s Thought Leader Forum on Imm...

March 2017

Regulatory Hurdles and Safety Considerations Remaining for Autonomous Trucks

by Blair I. Fassburg

Introduction In case you missed it, news of the advance of driverless transportation technology abounds. Amazon made its first drone delivery on De...

January 2017

Williams Kastner Welcomes Jerome Rubin to the Seattle Office

Jerome L. Rubin

January 1, 2017 (Seattle, WA) – Williams Kastner is pleased to announce the addition of leading labor and employment attorney Jerome Rubin to the S...

January 2017

Williams Kastner Adds Eleven Attorneys To Portland Office

S. Ward Greene, Charles R. Markley

Beginning on January 1, 2017, the lawyers of the Portland-based firm of Greene & Markley will join forces with the Pacific Northwest law firm o...

December 2016

Williams Kastner Announces 2017 New Members

Eliot M. Harris, Nicole R. MacKenzie, Shawn B. Rediger

December 1, 2016 ─ Williams Kastner is pleased to announce the new attorneys to be admitted to the firm’s membership, effective January 1, 2017. Ea...

November 2016

Williams Kastner Welcomes Steven Cade to the Portland Office

Steven F. Cade

November 1, 2016 (Portland, OR) – Williams Kastner is pleased to announce the addition of Steven Cade to the Portland office. Mr. Cade will join th...

October 2016

Defending Nighttime Trucking Accidents

by Blair I. Fassburg

A recent trend has emerged in which plaintiff lawyers attempt to turn every nighttime accident into a case of driver fatigue, poor maintenance, and...

October 2016

Arley Harrel Elected to University of Washington Alumni Association Board of Trustees

P. Arley Harrel

Arley Harrel, a member in the Seattle office and member of the firm’s Business Litigation Practice Group, was recently elected to the Board of Trus...

October 2016

Sheryl Willert Recognized in Puget Sound Business Journal

Sheryl J. Willert

Sheryl Willert, a member in Williams Kastner’s Seattle office and the firm’s former Managing Director, was recognized in Puget Sound Business Journ...

October 2016

WASHINGTON FEDERAL COURT FINDS NO “OCCURRENCE” UNDER HOMEOWNERS’ POLICY BASED ON INSURED’S VIOLATION OF CONDOMINIUM BYLAWS

by Eliot M. Harris

October 2016

IDAHO SUPREME COURT RULES ANTI-STACKING CLAUSE IN INSURANCE POLICY IS AMBIGUOUS

by Eliot M. Harris

Quarterly Newsletter Fall 2016 Insurers seeking to limit their liability may include so-called “anti-stacking” language in their polici...

October 2016

WASHINGTON COURT FINDS NO “COLLAPSE” COVERAGE DESPITE ENGINEER’S OPINION THAT BUILDING COULD NOT SUPPORT REQUIRED LOADS UNDER THE BUILDING CODE

by Eliot M. Harris

October 2016

WASHINGTON APPELLATE COURT EXPANDS APPLICATION OF IMPLIED WAIVER OF ATTORNEY-CLIENT COMMUNICATIONS DURING DISCOVERY FOR REASONABLENESS HEARING FOLLOWING A COVENANT JUDGMENT

by Jessica M. Cox, Eliot M. Harris

October 2016

ALASKA FEDERAL COURT REFUSES TO NARROWLY DEFINE CONTRACTOR IN INTERPRETING AN EXCLUSION

by Meredith E. Dishaw

Quarterly Newsletter Fall 2016 In a recent opinion, Judge John Sedwick of United States District Court for the District of Alaska refus...

October 2016

OREGON SUPREME COURT BARS INSURER FROM LITIGATING COVERAGE ISSUES IN SUBSEQUENT LAWSUIT FOLLOWING VERDICT IN UNDERLYING CONSTRUCTION DEFECT LAWSUIT

by Eliot M. Harris

September 2016

USLAW NETWORK Board of Directors Announced

Rodney L. Umberger, Sheryl J. Willert

CORAL SPRINGS, FL (Sept. 29, 2016) The 2016-17 USLAW Board of Directors was determined during the annual member meeting in Colorado Springs, Colora...

August 2016

Williams Kastner assists surety in defeating indemnitor’s bad faith and CPA counterclaims.

by Paul K. Friedrich

Surety Law Update Summer 2016 Williams Kastner’s Construction Litigation & Surety Practices Team is proud to announce that it recen...

August 2016

Bankruptcy and the Surety – Now What?

by Shawn B. Rediger

Surety Law Update Summer 2016 “We received notice that a bankruptcy was filed related to XYZ Project.” These words can cause fear and c...

July 2016

Sheryl Willert Quoted in The Seattle Times

Sheryl J. Willert

Sheryl Willert, a member in Williams Kastner’s Seattle office, was quoted in The Seattle Times article titled “How To Handle Inappropriate Remarks ...

June 2016

In Memoriam – Jerry Creim

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our colleague, mentor, and friend, Jerry Creim, on June 22, 2016. He was 59. Jerry sta...

June 2016

Ten Williams Kastner Attorneys Named to 2016 Super Lawyers & Rising Stars Lists

Hunter M. Abell, Daniel A. Brown, P. Arley Harrel, Jessie L. Harris, Dana C. Kopij, Rodney L. Umberger, Sheryl J. Willert

SEATTLE, WA (June 13, 2016) — Williams Kastner is pleased to announce that 10 attorneys have been named to Super Lawyers and Rising Stars for 2016....

June 2016

CD CLAIMS FROM THE PERSPECTIVES OF THE INSURER AND THE POLICYHOLDER

by Thomas A. Ped

Quarterly Newsletter Summer 2016 This article aims to provide a brief overview of common insurance-coverage issues in construction-defe...

June 2016

WASHINGTON COURT DENIES CLASS CERTIFICATION FOR PUNITIVE CLASS ACTION REGARDING COVERAGE FOR DIMINISHED VALUE

by Eliot M. Harris

June 2016

WASHINGTON COURT FINDS NO DUTY TO DEFEND FOR “BODILY INJURY” OR “PROPERTY DAMAGE” THAT HAS NOT YET OCCURRED DESPITE ALLEGATION THAT SUCH DAMAGES ARE LIKELY TO OCCUR IN THE FUTURE

by Eliot M. Harris

June 2016

WASHINGTON FEDERAL COURT DECLINES TO RULE ON WHETHER NEGLIGENT CLAIM HANDLING AND BAD FAITH CLAIMS ARE DISTINCT CAUSES OF ACTION UNDER WASHINGTON LAW

by Eliot M. Harris, Sean T. James

June 2016

MONTANA FEDERAL COURT FINDS NO COVERAGE FOR STAND-ALONE CLAIMS BY HEIRS OF DECEASED EMPLOYEE WHO WAS INJURED FROM EXCLUDED CAUSE OF LOSS

by Eliot M. Harris, Sean T. James

June 2016

WASHINGTON SUPREME COURT UNANIMOUSLY FINDS NO COVERAGE FOR WATER DAMAGE IN VACANT BUILDING UNDER ENDORSEMENT IN COMMERCIAL PROPERTY POLICY

by Eliot M. Harris, Sean T. James

June 2016

WASHINGTON FEDERAL COURT ALLOWS DECLARATORY JUDGMENT ACTION AGAINST EXCESS INSURER TO CONTINUE DESPITE LACK OF EXHAUSTION OF UNDERLYING POLICY LIMIT

by Eliot M. Harris

June 2016

WASHINGTON FEDERAL COURT REFUSES TO EXTEND COVERAGE TO SPOUSE OF NAMED INSURED WHEN NOT QUALIFIED AS AN “INSURED” UNDER PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY POLICY

by Eliot M. Harris

June 2016

WASHINGTON COURT DISMISSES BAD FAITH AND IFCA CLAIMS WHEN INSURED DID NOT PROPERLY OR TIMELY DISCLOSE ALLEGED DAMAGES TO UIM INSURER

by Eliot M. Harris

June 2016

WASHINGTON FEDERAL COURT DENIES INSURER’S ATTEMPT TO ESCAPE WASHINGTON COURTS, BUT FINDS THAT EXTRA-CONTRACTUAL CLAIMS ARE GOVERNED BY LAWS OF ANOTHER STATE

by Eliot M. Harris

May 2016

Adam Rosenberg Recognized With IMLA Amicus Service Award

Adam L. Rosenberg

On Friday, April 15th, 2016 at its Mid-Year Seminar in Washington, D.C., IMLA recognized Adam Rosenberg of Williams Kastner and Dan Lloyd from the ...

April 2016

Williams Kastner Adds Surety and Construction Attorneys

Alexander A. Friedrich, Paul K. Friedrich, Jeff H. Yusen

April 12, 2016 (Seattle, WA) – Williams Kastner is pleased to announce the addition of three highly-regarded local attorneys led by Alexander A. Fr...

April 2016

IT’S more OF A GUIDELINE THAN A CODE: WASHINGTON FEDERAL COURT DISMISSES BAD FAITH CLAIMS AGAINST INSURER THAT ENFORCED ITS LITIGATION MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES AGAINST DEFENSE COUNSEL

by Eliot M. Harris

April 2016

IN A QUESTION OF FIRST IMPRESSION, ALASKA SUPREME COURT FINDS THAT INSURERS CANNOT SEEK REIMBURSEMENT OF DEFENSE COSTS EVEN WHEN POLICY ALLOWS IT AND INSURER RESERVED RIGHTS TO LATER SEEK REIMBURSEMENT

by Eliot M. Harris

April 2016

WASHINGTON FEDERAL COURT OPENS DOOR FOR OTHERWISE TIME-BARRED BAD FAITH CLAIM UNDER WASHINGTON’S CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT

by Eliot M. Harris

April 2016

WASHINGTON SUPREME COURT FINDS THAT UIM POLICY COVERS INJURIES CAUSED BY DRIVE-BY SHOOTING CONSTITUTE “ACCIDENT ARISING OUT OF OWNERSHIP, USE OR OPERATION OF A MOTOR VEHICLE”

by Eliot M. Harris

April 2016

WASHINGTON FEDERAL COURT CLARIFIES DISCOVERY OF ATTORNEY-CLIENT COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN INSURERS AND COVERAGE COUNSEL UNDER CEDELL

by Eliot M. Harris

March 2016

Williams Kastner Expands Pacific Northwest Presence With Opening Of Office In Sitka, Alaska

Jessie L. Harris, John G. Young

March 30, 2016 (Seattle, WA) –Williams Kastner is pleased to announce the expansion of our Pacific Northwest footprint with the opening of our Sitk...

February 2016

Williams Kastner Welcomes Eliot Harris to the Seattle Office

Eliot M. Harris

February 22, 2016 (Seattle, WA) –Williams Kastner is pleased to announce the addition of Eliot Harris to the Seattle office. Mr. Harris will join t...

December 2015

Williams Kastner Announces 2016 New Members

Hunter M. Abell, Dana C. Kopij, Jacek R. Pawlicki

December 29, 2015 ─ Williams Kastner is pleased to announce that four new members will be admitted to the firm, effective January 1, 2016. Earning ...

September 2015

Williams Kastner Welcomes Adam Rosenberg to its Seattle Office

Adam L. Rosenberg

September 15, 2015 (Seattle, WA) – The law firm of Williams Kastner is pleased to announce the addition of Adam L. Rosenberg as a member in its Sea...

July 2015

Williams Kastner New Portland Office Location

July 1, 2015 (Portland, OR) – Williams Kastner is pleased to announce our new Portland office location. Effective July 1st our new address is: 1001...

June 2015

Twenty-One Williams Kastner Attorneys Named to 2015 Super Lawyers & Rising Stars Lists

Sheryl J. Willert, Daniel A. Brown, P. Arley Harrel, Jessie L. Harris, Dana C. Kopij, Rodney L. Umberger

SEATTLE, WA (June 15, 2015) — Williams Kastner is pleased to announce that 21 attorneys have been named to Super Lawyers and Rising Stars for 2015....

April 2015

Williams Kastner Expands Seattle Office

Dean G. von Kallenbach, John G. Young

April 1, 2015 (Seattle, WA) – Williams Kastner is pleased to announce the addition of four highly-regarded local attorneys led by John G. Young, fo...

March 2015

William Kastner Assists Surety in Defeating Major Bad Faith Claim

Meredith E. Dishaw

April 20, 2015 (Seattle) – On March 17, 2015, Todd Blischke and his associate Meredith Dishaw of Williams Kastner defeated what is believed to be t...

December 2014

Labor & Employment Alert – Title VII and Gender Identity Discrimination

by Jeffery M. Wells

Washington has always been on the cutting edge of employment law, expanding the boundaries of employee protections. For example, Washington has exp...

November 2014

Williams Kastner Named to 2015 Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms”

SEATTLE, WA (November 10, 2014) — Williams Kastner is pleased to announce that it has been named to the 2015 “Best Law Firms” list by U.S. News an...

November 2014

Portland Attorneys Bowl in Support of Opportunities for Law in Oregon (OLIO)

Thomas A. Ped

David Campbell and Tom Ped from the Williams Kastner Portland office participated in the annual BOWLIO event on November 1, 2014 at the AMF Pro 300...

November 2014

Construction Law Newsletter – Construction Requirements for Medical Marijuana Facilities

by Thomas A. Ped

Cardholders under the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program can obtain medical marijuana from registered facilities. Medical marijuana facilities are st...

September 2014

Rodney Umberger Elected to USLAW Network Board of Directors

Rodney L. Umberger

September 29, 2014 (Seattle, WA) – Rodney Umberger, a member in the Seattle office and chair of the firm’s Business Litigation Practice Group, was ...

August 2014

Eight Williams Kastner Attorneys Named to Best Lawyers for 2015

Stanbery Foster, Jr., P. Arley Harrel, Douglas A. Hofmann, Sheryl J. Willert

SEATTLE, WA (August 25, 2014) — Williams Kastner is pleased to announce that nine attorneys have been named to the list of 2015 Best Lawyers in Am...

August 2014

Sheryl Willert Quoted in The Recorder Article

Sheryl J. Willert

Sheryl Willert, a member in Williams Kastner’s Seattle office, was recently quoted in a The Recorder article titled “Yahoo Fights Fire With Fire in...

July 2014

Alphabet Soup – A Few Things You Need to Know: Developments in Federal Laws That May Have Applicability to Public Sector Employees

by Sheryl J. Willert

June 2014

Twenty-Seven Williams Kastner Attorneys Named to 2014 Super Lawyers & Rising Stars Lists

Daniel A. Brown, P. Arley Harrel, Jessie L. Harris, Douglas A. Hofmann, Rodney L. Umberger, Sheryl J. Willert

SEATTLE, WA (June 16, 2014) — Williams Kastner is pleased to announce that 27 attorneys have been named to Super Lawyers and Rising Stars for 2014....

May 2014

Williams Kastner Welcomes Todd Blischke to its Seattle Office

May 19, 2014 (Seattle, WA) – The law firm of Williams Kastner is pleased to announce the addition of Todd W. Blischke as a member in its Seattle of...

April 2014

USLAW Spring / Summer 2014 – The Duty to Defend: When Does it End?

by Thomas A. Ped

Insurers must often provide a defense to a policyholder on the barest of allegations, but at least in some jurisdictions, there can be rest for the...

March 2014

Sheryl Willert Honored with Most Powerful & Influential Women Award by Washington Diversity Council

Sheryl J. Willert

March 2014

Williams Kastner Case Highlighted in Recent Issue of ABA’s The Brief

Vision One, LLC v. Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Co., in which Williams Kastner represented the respondents, was recently quoted in the Spring 2...

February 2014

Rod Umberger Quoted in Law360 Article

Rodney L. Umberger

Rod Umberger, a Member in Williams Kastner’s Seattle office, was recently quoted in a Law360 article titled “5 Threats Keeping GCs of Midsize Compa...

February 2014

Sheryl Willert Quoted in Seattle Times Article

Sheryl J. Willert

Sheryl Willert, a member in Williams Kastner’s Seattle office, was recently quoted in a The Seattle Times article titled “Religious nonprofits can ...