Author: J Patrick Diener

For small and mid-sized businesses, contracts shape nearly every relationship that matters. They govern how companies buy, sell, hire, lease, partner, and grow. When those agreements break down, business owners are often surprised by how quickly a disagreement becomes a lawsuit—and by how Washington courts approach contract disputes. From the perspective of a Washington litigator,… Read More

Many business owners assume the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) applies only to disputes involving individual consumers. After all, the name says it plainly. In reality, Washington courts have repeatedly held that business-to-business conduct can trigger CPA liability—sometimes with severe financial consequences. Understanding when a commercial dispute crosses into CPA territory is critical. The difference between a… Read More

In the competitive business environment of the Pacific Northwest, disputes are almost inevitable. Whether involving partners, employees, customers, or competitors, litigation often becomes a defining—and expensive—moment for a company. While no business can eliminate legal risk entirely, many of the most costly litigation outcomes stem from avoidable mistakes made long before a lawsuit is filed.… Read More

A contract of adhesion is one that is prepared by one party to the transaction and presented to the other on a take it or leave it basis.  These are most likely to arise in relationships between businesses and consumers (as opposed to relationships between two individuals or relationships between businesses).  Adhesion contracts are most… Read More

One might think that the “handshake deal” is a thing of the past but it continues to thrive in the construction industry.  After representing many contractors in various lawsuits with owners and other contractors, I have concluded that almost everything comes down to the quality of the contract between parties.  Surprisingly, as often as not,… Read More