On April 4, 2016, Division I of the Washington Court of Appeals declared that a landowner may remove tree roots that encroach onto his or her property – even if it severely damages, or possibly even kills, the tree. This decision is surprising on a number of levels. The case is known as Mustoe v. […]
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New Gender Identity Discrimination Laws
Washington now has several new laws that further prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression.
Preventing Tax Scams
Despite its additional diligence, this year the IRS is predicting that we will see the highest rate of tax scams, from aggressive calls “from the IRS” asking for payment to third parties stealing your identity and filing tax returns in your name. Knowing what to look for and taking a few precautions will help you avoid these scams.
10 Questions to Ask your Commercial Lender Before Committing to a “Nonrecourse” Loan
Commercial property owners contemplating a refinance may find themselves being offered non-recourse financing through a loan that is being packaged as a Commercial Mortgage Backed Security (CMBS), otherwise known as a “securitized” loan. The financial terms are often attractive, as is the “non-recourse” feature.
And the Other Shoe Drops – Steve Sarkisian Sues USC for Disability Discrimination
This morning former USC football coach Steve Sarkisian filed suit in California, seeking $30.1 million in damages, alleging that his former employer failed to accommodate a disability recognized under California law, alcoholism.
Can I Still Fire Someone for Marijuana Use?
Employers frequently inquire as to whether they can discharge an employee for marijuana use in Washington, a state which allows for legal medical and recreational use of marijuana, and we affirm that they can do so if acting in accord with their stated policies and if applied in a non-discriminatory manner.
Social Media Marketing: Cool, Creative, and Confusing for Consumers
Earlier this year, somebody at the Food and Drug Administration was tasked with reviewing Kim Kardashian’s social media posts to determine whether they were false or misleading.
Update on Seattle’s Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance
In 2014, Seattle’s Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance (RRIO) was implemented, requiring landlords and property managers to register all rental housing units in Seattle with the City of Seattle.
Breaking Down the Charter School Decision
The Washington State Supreme Court has invalidated the Charter Schools Act because its funding provisions violate the Washington State Constitution. The Court found that the unconstitutional funding provisions of the Act cannot be segregated from the rest of the Act, so that the entire Act is invalid.
Supreme Court Says Pay them $15
Remember back in 2013, when the residents of the City of SeaTac voted to make the minimum wage for larger employers $15?