In construction disputes, whether in court or arbitration, exchanging documents like project files and emails is crucial for resolving the case fairly. The story behind most disputes is told through these communications, which is why it’s important for contractors, owners, and designers to understand their legal duty to preserve documents, especially in the digital age
Latest from Ahead of Schedule
Webinar: Terner Center for Housing Innovation and the Land Economics Society (LAI) – Addressing Construction Defect Liability to Expand Homeownership
Join me on October 8, 2024, for a webinar hosted by Terner Center for Housing Innovation and the Land Economics Society (LAI) that will explore the intersection of construction defect liability and homeownership. This webinar will delve into the challenges posed by construction defect liability laws on the development of condominiums in California, which have
What Landlords Should Know When Restaurant Tenants Go Under
The article by Patrick Abell and Andrew Solomon provides guidance for landlords dealing with restaurant tenants who have gone out of business. It emphasizes the need for landlords to quickly regain control of the premises, either through a negotiated surrender of the space or formal eviction. Landlords should then promptly seek to re-let the space,
Upcoming Event: Bisnow’s Portland State of the Market
On September 12, 2024, join me at the Hyatt Regency Portland for Bisnow’s Portland State of the Market. Stoel Rives is a proud sponsor of the event, which will focus on Portland’s development outlook, including how companies are driving projects to completion, as well as real-estate issues related to living and working in downtown Portland.
From Lien to Clean: Addressing an Expired Lien in the Chain of Title
Expired construction liens can create unexpected headaches for property owners, even after they are no longer enforceable. These liens, while initially protecting contractors and suppliers, can linger in the property records and complicate transactions like sales or refinancing. Different states have varying processes for clearing these expired liens from the chain of title, ranging from
Upcoming Event: 29th Annual Oregon Construction Law Seminar
Are you a construction industry professional seeking to stay informed on the latest legal and industry developments? Join me and my Stoel colleagues Mario Nicholas and Zachary Davis who will be presenting at the 29th Annual Oregon Construction Law Seminar on Thursday, September 12, 2024. Hosted by The Seminar Group, this one-day event at Stoel
New Law Requires Timely Payment of Undisputed Change Order Claims
The new RCW 39.04.360, effective June 6, 2024, outlines protections and payment assurances for contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers involved in public and private construction projects in Washington. This statute mandates timely issuance of change orders for undisputed additional work, imposes interest on delays, and clarifies the rights of aggrieved parties to seek appropriate relief, including
What to Consider When Analyzing Dispute Resolution Provisions for a Construction Project
Construction project owners, contractors, and design professionals sometimes fall into the trap of not giving careful consideration to the risks specific to a given project and will wait until an actual dispute arises before closely analyzing the dispute resolution provisions in a design or construction agreement. In my latest article in the Daily Journal of
Basic Information About the Court System
Here are some useful basics if you have a dispute that may be headed to court for resolution.
United States Supreme Court Lifts Restrictions on Public Camping Laws in the Ninth Circuit
Policymakers have several tools for addressing the rising issue of homelessness in their communities. In City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson, No. 23-175603 (June 28, 2024), the U.S. Supreme Court (“Court”) had its first opportunity to address whether one of these tools, generally applicable laws that restrict camping on public property, constitutes “cruel and