Chris Reed is a commercial and general civil litigator with extensive experience in both state and federal trial and appellate courts. Mr. Reed's practice is heavily focused on landlord-tenant law, where he represents property managers, property owners, and landlords in all aspects of real property disputes and property management matters, including evictions, lease enforcement, habitability issues, rent collection, tenant compliance, and discrimination matters.
A significant portion of Mr. Reed's landlord-tenant practice involves eviction proceedings, easement disputes, and ejectment litigation. He provides comprehensive legal support to property management companies and individual landlords/owners, helping them navigate complex regulatory requirements while protecting their property rights and investment interests. Mr. Reed's approach emphasizes practical, cost-effective solutions that allow property owners to efficiently manage their portfolios while remaining compliant with evolving landlord-tenant laws. He has argued before the Washington State Supreme Court on important legal issues involving landlord-tenant law and advises on legislative issues pending before State and local legislative bodies.
As a general civil litigator, Mr. Reed also represents clients in a variety of other contexts, including trust and estate matters, construction disputes, business litigation, and insurance coverage issues. His practice emphasizes 'big picture' strategic considerations to achieve the best result for the client, whether that is a negotiated settlement, resolution through dispositive motions, or taking a matter to trial.
For trust and estate matters, Mr. Reed is experienced in breach of fiduciary duty claims, misappropriation, will interpretation, and challenges to the validity of documents granting agent authority. He also represents professional fiduciaries on annual reporting requirements for court supervised trusts and guardianships (and in the context of issues involving real property). In construction and business litigation, Mr. Reed represents contractors and businesses in breach of contract, trade secret misappropriation, and employee disputes.
Mr. Reed's insurance coverage practice focuses on individual and business policyholder issues, including life, long term care, disability, general liability, excess/umbrella, directors and officers, and employment practices liability coverage disputes.
Can you name any skills or personality traits that you think are needed in your kind of practice that might differ from other practices?
Being able to anticipate the opposing party's next move is critical for a civil litigator. To develop a long-term strategy which produces favorable results for the client, this skill requires not only an in-depth understanding of the actions which will force a reaction by the other side, but also an accurate analysis as to the likely reactions the opposing party will take.
Is it more important to maximize revenue or minimize risk?
I would not say one is more important than the other. However, commercial civil litigation is rarely effectively used as a tool to maximize revenue. As such, my job typically focuses on minimizing downside risk, whether that is the risk of an adverse judgment against one of my clients, the risk of obtaining an uncollectible judgment, or the risk of protracted litigation which distracts from the client's business opportunities.
Who is your favorite lawyer?
Justice Benjamin Cardozo, who is well-known for his unique writing style.
What attracted you to the idea of practicing law?
The opportunity to learn something new each day. Working with a diverse group of clients allows me to gain insight into an array of business and personal needs, goals, and issues. Moreover, the law and legal arguments are constantly evolving, so even known issues can take new forms over time. For me, the constant opportunity to learn is what makes practicing law so enjoyable.