With over two decades of experience as a commercial litigator, Dave has established himself as a highly-skilled attorney and an unwavering advocate for his clients. He assists on a wide range of matters including contracts, construction, real estate, and business and insurance coverage matters. Dave’s clients come from a range of industries and businesses, and he has represented numerous residential and commercial owners, business owners, Homeowner Associations, developers, general contractors, subcontractors, and product suppliers.

 

A strong negotiator, Dave advocates for his clients on matters involving commercial litigation, professional liability, construction, product liability, breach of contract, real estate, insurance, extra-contractual issues, and general liability.

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Before joining Fifth Avenue Law Group, Dave has worked for both larger and boutique firms. He was drawn to the hands-on nature of a smaller practice, particularly the long-standing relationships he develops with his clients. When not practicing law, Dave enjoys sports and traveling. He lives on Bainbridge Island with his wife and young son.

 

Representative Matters/Engagements:

 

• Represented homeowner’s association in claims against the developer of the condominium that resulted in a settlement being reached totaling $4,700,000.

 

• Represented numerous owners, contractors and subcontractors in lien foreclosure actions and construction defect disputes.

 

• Represented owner/developer of a hotel in litigation against large window manufacturer arising out of defective windows resulting in a settlement of the claims valued in excess of $300,000.

 

• Negotiated contracts on behalf of the general contractor for condominium rehabilitation projects in excess of $2,000,000.

 

• Successfully defended residential homeowners against claims asserted by a general contractor for changed work and obtained an award for damages for the homeowners against the contractor.

 

• Represented general contractor in litigation against a Fire District arising out of unforeseen conditions on a public works job resulting in a $475,000 settlement for the contractor.

 

• Represented numerous business owners in negotiations and litigation arising out of partnership disputes.

 

• Represented large developer against engineering firm in a lawsuit arising out of design claims resulting in a settlement being reached in excess of $100,000.

 

• Represented large commercial and residential landlords in numerous landlord-tenant disputes.

 

• Successfully defended borrower against claims asserted by a large lender in trial court and prevailed against the lender on appeal to the United States District Court.

 

Bar Admissions/Admitted to Practice:

 

Washington State Bar, 1998

Oregon State Bar, 2011

U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit

U.S. District Court, Western and Eastern Districts of Washington 

 

Education:

 

J.D., cum laude, Seattle University, 1998

B.A., cum laude, University of Michigan, 1994

 

Professional Recognition and Honors:

 

Washington Law & Politics, Super Lawyer, 2015-2021

Washington Law & Politics, Rising Star, 2004-2012

 

Professional and Community Activities:

 

King County Bar Association, Construction Litigation & ADR Sections

Washington State Bar Association, Construction Law Section Selected

 

Publications and Speaking Engagements:

 

Co-Presenter—The Seminar Group, Condominiums: Opportunities and Pitfalls, 2006

 

Presenter—Lorman Education Services, AIA Contracts in Washington: AIA Contract Provisions Pertinent to Construction Defects, 2008

 

Presenter—The Seminar Group, Construction Defects: Update and Strategies The Contractor’s Perspective on Construction Defects, 2010, 2011

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