Community and Compliance During Pride Month in June, many reflected on the important legal victories for LGBT rights achieved over the past few decades. But businesses must do their part to abide by the protections created by federal, state,…
Read MoreThe State of Washington imposes a real estate excise tax (REET) on the sale of real property. For many years, the REET was assessed at a flat rate of 1.28% at the state level, and local governments could also tax…
Read MoreOn May 8, 2019, Governor Inslee signed a new law that will transform the use of noncompete agreements in Washington. The new law takes effect on January 1, 2020 and will apply to all existing noncompete agreements with employees and…
Read MoreYou’re old enough. You’re wealthy enough. People depend on you. There’s no excuse for procrastinating! By Kaity Perez, JD, LLM and James Nevers, CFP A recent Caring.com survey found that nearly four in five millennials (78%) and 64 percent of…
Read MoreSome health care providers, including Swedish Hospital, are presenting patients with Advance Directives, also known as Health Care Directives or Living Wills, for their consideration and signature. A Health Care Directive (referred to herein as a “Directive”) is a document…
Read More529 plans are tax-advantaged savings plans that have traditionally been used by families to pay for their children’s college expenses. Contributions grow tax-deferred and may be withdrawn tax-free for qualifying expenses. These plans have always been a powerful planning tool…
Read MoreOwners and General Contractors generally have a duty to provide a safe workplace. But does that duty mean that an Owner or General Contractor is automatically liable for the actions of its Subcontractors when a Subcontractor’s employee suffers an injury…
Read MoreIf you are interested in making charitable contributions without the complexity of establishing a private foundation or a charitable trust, you may consider giving through a donor-advised fund (DAF). What is a Donor Advised Fund? Essentially, a DAF is an…
Read MoreFor family businesses organized as limited liability companies, an operating agreement is critical to maintaining ownership within the family, providing clear direction to management in the face of complicated family dynamics, and offering stability when individual family members wish to…
Read MoreA significant term in most commercial leases is the right or obligation of landlord or tenant to remodel the leased premises during the lease term. When negotiating and drafting such a lease provision, it is important to address: (a) which…
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