News

Mark Shepherd Negotiates $4 Million Settlement from State DOC

The Washington State Dept. of Corrections paid $4 million to Ryan Alwine, 26, who received permanent brain damage from an assault by a fellow inmate at the Shelton facility while corrections officers watched. Alwine was represented by Shepherd in the case.
Read the press release…

“Why founders may need a business ‘prenup’” by Kenneth Hart

Oct 2009 - In an article published in the Puget Sound Business Journal (Oct. 2-8, 2009), Ken Hart outlines why business partnerships need a prenuptial operating agreement.
Read the entire article here…

Kenneth Hart Succeeds in Freight Suit Against Sears Roebuck & Co.

Aug 2009 - LHS Partner Kenneth Hart represented Oak Harbor Freight Lines, Inc., in a U.S. District Court lawsuit against Sears Roebuck & Company to recover over $400,000 in unpaid freight charges.

Read The Judicial View…

Alert For General Construction and Specialty Subcontractors

The insurance industry has tightened up the underwriting requirements for general contractor liability insurance coverage. One result of this development is that many general contractors are now requiring each of their subcontractors sign a form called a Subcontractor Master Agreement. In our experience, these agreements, although similar in some respects, can be quite different from one another. Some tend to be reasonable and even-handed, while some definitely favor the general contractor and may include provisions that could put the subcontractor at a distinct disadvantage in the event of a contract dispute.

If you are asked to sign one of these agreements, don’t assume it is just a “standard contract” and you have nothing to worry about. Instead, we strongly recommend you consult with one of our business law attorneys.

- Kenneth W. Hart

Articles & Publications

Corporate Disregard and Successor Liability

These materials are intended as an overview of the key Washington cases concerning corporate disregard, often referred to as piercing the corporate veil, and the somewhat related concept of successor liability.
— Christopher L. Thayer

What To Do If You Are Involved In a Car Accident

If you have been involved in a auto accident, here are some general suggestions for what you should do.
— Christopher L. Thayer

The Essential Business Prenuptial

In many ways, a business partnership is like a marriage, and as anyone who has been there can tell you, when things aren’t working, it can be just as painful and fraught with peril as any marriage gone bad.
— Kenneth W. Hart

Law of Easements: Legal Issues, Practical Considerations, and Other Methods of Creating Easements

This article outlines common ways that easements are created in Washington (other than by express grant) through various judicial doctrines and in some cases by private condemnation.
— Kenneth W. Hart

Boundary Law Issues in Washington

Boundaries are closely tied to the progress of civilization. When land ownership or boundaries are disputed, progress is stifled, development slows, and investment stagnates.
— Kenneth W. Hart

Business Interests and Divorce

An already painful divorce can be made even more painful and messy when the spouses and their attorneys consider the valuation and division of business interests and assets. This article touches on some of the issues surrounding valuation and division that family lawyers should consider when dealing with business assets.
— Michael A. Larson

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“I am so grateful to Chris. Not only is he a good lawyer, but he’s so personable, honest, charismatic, and helpful. He listens and will do what it takes to help you. My son referred me to Chris, and I have recommended him to others as well.”
Shirley Reed-Boardman
Renton, WA