The City of Seattle issued an emergency order placing a moratorium on both residential and small business commercial evictions until May 3, 2020 (as modified by City Council). It requests the King County Sheriff not enforce writs of restitution and it…

Overview of COVID-19 CARES Act SBA Paycheck Protection Program

Overview of COVID-19 Bankruptcy Relief for Small Businesses and Individuals

As COVID-19 continues to present challenges and change our daily way of life in unprecedented ways, we are here to advise you on how best to approach issues raised by this public health crisis. It is our goal to help you navigate not only through the…

1.Do You Have to Sign a Personal Guarantee? If you are a brand new business or have not done business with the landlord before, the landlord will most likely have you sign some form of personal guarantee in which you will be personally liable for…

At the end of last month, managing member, Christopher Thayer's wife, Feibi, gave birth to two adorable and healthy baby twins - one boy and one girl. As many of Chris' clients know, he was out on paternity leave for much of February, but has returned to…

February is a month for celebrating national African American history by honoring the contributions African Americans have made to the history of this country in their struggles for freedom and equality. February is also the month of love. We hope you…

Late last year, Mike Larson announced his plan to retire on October 31, 2019. By now, Mike’s clients should have received a letter from Mike announcing his retirement and introducing other attorneys at the firm who will continue to meet the needs of all…

Case Law Update: Supreme Court Says General Contractors Have Duties to Provide a Safe Workplace for All

Five frequently asked questions about Starting Your Own Business

Happy New Year from Pivotal Law Group

This blog focuses on a new domestic LLC being set up, not a foreign one looking to do business in Washington.

Seattle businesses with at least twenty employees must allow employee to make pre-tax deduction for transit and vanpool expenses per new commuter ordinance

Effective January 1, 2020 the Seattle Minimum Wage Ordinance requires the following minimum wage be paid to all employees working in Seattle, regardless of the location of the employer: Large Employers (501 or more employees): $16.39/hour Small Employers…

In Rai-Choudhury v. Inslee (78696-2-1, 10/21/19, Division I), the daughter of a decedent challenged her mother’s updated Last Will and Testament, contending her mother was suffering from an “insane delusion” which materially affected her mother’s…

Although there are many pieces to the construction contract, contractors should pay attention to the below five provisions during the negotiation and drafting stages of the contract. Even if not in the negotiation phase, every contractor should have…

In a recent procedurally complex case involving foreclosure of a lien by a condominium association for unpaid dues, the Court of Appeals (Division 1) in Eastlake Lofts Condominium Association v. Hoover (No. 78266-5-1) recently addressed the doctrine of…

Legal Update for Business Owners

The Washington Court of Appeals Division III recently addressed a case involving the tort of Outrage, also known as Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress in Spicer v. Patnode, No. 36065-2-III, June 25, 2019. Claims for Outrage are fairly rare as…

Residents of Seattle have become accustomed to the presence of Lime Bikes, the colorful green and yellow bicycles for rent via an app on your smart phone. An increasing number of these bikes are electric, and soon Lime (and perhaps others) will be adding…