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CH& Litigation

Cairncross & Hempelmann’s Litigation attorneys have unique and extensive backgrounds in litigation, trial work, risk management, and business consulting. The team’s record of success in prosecuting and defending civil lawsuits in state and federal courts reflects the highest levels of skill and strategic thinking. Our clients include private and public company officers, directors, founders, and investors; real estate entrepreneurs; development and finance professionals; commercial and residential property owners; and technology and manufacturing entrepreneurs.

Our experience and confidence allow us to efficiently pursue those goals in the courtroom or through alternative dispute resolution. We practice effective, open, and ongoing communication with our clients so we can quickly reach their objectives. At every stage of a dispute, we apply our strong business judgment to assess the costs and benefits of different strategies and make sound recommendations to our clients. We are inspired by our clients and driven by our obligation to advocate for and protect their rights.

Construction

Our clients include engineers, architects, geotechnical consultants, owners of projects under construction, contractors, and environmental professionals. We work on some of the largest, most sophisticated and complex cases in our region. Our extensive involvement in this field translates into in-depth understanding of the legal, technical, and strategic issues involved in resolving disputes.

Real Estate Litigation

Our attorneys have decades of experience resolving commercial and residential real estate disputes. We successfully represent clients involved in purchase and sale and lease disputes, land use litigation, and boundary, access, and easement disputes. Our experience also includes tenant unlawful detainer/evictions, private covenant enforcement, representation of property owners in condemnation proceedings, and property tax appeals.

Business Disputes and Complex Contracts

For decades, we have developed deep relationships with some of the Puget Sound region’s most sophisticated and innovative companies and individuals. We focus on the health and stability of their businesses and use pragmatic and strategic legal experience to help clients reach their goals. Our broad experience includes shareholder disputes, enforcement of non-compete agreements and protection of trade secrets, breach of contract and business tort cases, and litigation against state and local governments to protect the businesses of our clients.

Policy Holders’ Insurance Coverage

We represent policy holders in disputes with insurance companies. Our clients include companies of all sizes and individuals whose insurers have denied them the benefits promised under their insurance policies. Combined with our deep knowledge of insurance coverage law and decades of experience dealing with insurers, our practical approach helps assure our clients that they are maximizing the value of their policies.

Local Counsel

We regularly provide local counsel services throughout Washington State and are available to scale to meet the needs of a particular case. Our Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights group also provides local counsel representation. Our extensive experience in Federal and State Courts in Eastern and Western Washington makes our attorneys uniquely suited to advise on local practice and procedures. Our team also has significant class action defense experience, and we regularly serve as local counsel in high-value class actions. We can assist with all aspects of civil trial practice, including preparing and filing pleadings, substantive motions practice, discovery, attendance at hearings and trial, and any work related to arbitrations and mediations.