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 may prove equally disruptive.
An aging workforce and diminished interest in the trades drive scarcity
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 may not offer the ironclad protection many expect.
While LOL clauses can shield design professionals
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 can better manage potential reporting obligations under the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) and
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 sunset in 2040, but some—like mobile home rent caps—are permanent.
Key Takeaways
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 30th Annual Oregon Construction Law Seminar, hosted by The Seminar Group, on Thursday, May 22,
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 executing a loan assumption isn’t simple. It requires close coordination with lenders, detailed contract language,
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 managing liability on today’s projects.
Key Legal Considerations Around AI Use in Construction:
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 since liens, as security interests, can significantly impact payment rights and property title. Ignoring lien
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 moderator for the Affordable Housing Panel. Hear from Margaret Salazar, CEO at REACH Community Development;
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 liability on the owner and prime contractor for unpaid employee wages – including fringe benefits
