Practice Description: I have focused my practice on the construction industry for over 25 years. Work for my current clients includes developing contracting procedures and forms, negotiating contract terms, resolving disputes, and representing clients in arbitration and litigation when necessary to protect my clients' rights.

Motivation: What I enjoy most is creatively resolving problems for my clients.

Teaching: I regularly develop and teach seminars for the Washington State Bar Association and various professional and trade associations to keep clients and myself current on legal issues facing the construction industry. I have taught courses on construction law for many years, and am a regular guest speaker for the University of Washington CM500/Arch 574 course "Design and Construction Law."

Legislation: I have worked to draft legislation and develop consensus on legislative issues facing the construction industry for over 20 years. I do not represent any particular client, industry or viewpoint in my legislative work. I do not accept any compensation for my legislative work. I actively participated in drafting amendments to the public project Retainage Trust Fund law (RCW 60.28) enacted in 1986. Attorney Jeff Smyth and I were the principal drafters of the complete re-write of Washington's mechanic's lien law which was enacted in 1992 (RCW 60.04). I was part of the group that drafted the amendments to the Contractor Registration Act (RCW 18.27) enacted in 2002.

Dispute Resolution: I actively support resolving disputes as an arbitrator, mediator and dispute resolution board member. The American Arbitration Association has designated me a "Master Construction Arbitrator," an honor received by fewer than 100 construction arbitrators in the United States. I was one of the organizers of the "Dispute Resolution Board Foundation," which provides education and training worldwide on resolution of construction disputes. I currently serve as Chairman of the Foundation's Education and Training Committee, and am a member of the Foundation's Board of Directors.

Background:
Named “Super Lawyer-2005”
By Washington Law & Politics magazine

AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell, Inc. since 1994

J. D., University of Michigan Law School, 1978

B. S., United States Military Academy, West Point, 1970