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OUR SERVICES

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Emploment Law

Employment Law/HR Advice and Counseling

Whether you need to know if you can lawfully hire someone as an independent contractor, what questions you may ask during the hiring process, whether you may include a non-compete provision in your employment agreement, whether you are paying your employees fairly and equitably, or how to administer employee leave, we are here to support you and your business by applying our extensive knowledge of employment laws to answer your questions.

 

We help employers design policies and procedures that reflect their company's culture and values and draft contracts and policies that govern the employment relationship and protect the business's valuable assets and information, including:

 

  • hiring and background check policies

  • offer letters and other employment agreements

  • compensation, bonus, and commission plans

  • remote work policies and agreements

  • COVID-19 vaccination and health and safety policies

  • confidentiality agreements

  • non-compete and non-solicitation agreements

  • employee policies and handbooks

  • termination and severance agreements

  • independent contractor agreements

 

We support business owners and HR departments as outside general counsel and help our clients keep up with ever-changing employment laws and regulations.

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Business Startup

Business Startup and Expansion

​Starting a business involves a variety of considerations, including whether to create a legal entity and choosing the right entity type, thinking through and taking steps to address potential disputes between new business partners, and what steps need to be taken before hiring your first employee.

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Once the business is up and running, business owners may begin thinking about where to obtain a business loan, what things to look into before purchasing another business, or how to expand the business into or hire employees in other states.

 

We help first-time entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners:

 

  • choose the right entity type

  • think through the terms of their business partnership agreement

  • file the required paperwork with the Secretary of State

  • apply for business licenses (including liquor licenses and other specialty trade licenses), tax IDs, and employer accounts

  • serve as the business's registered agent

  • set up payroll, draft new hire agreements, gather required employee notices and postings, and prepare for new hire reporting

  • obtain a small business or real estate loan

  • negotiate and work with manufacturers and distributors

  • buy or sell a business or its assets

  • expand their business by registering in and hiring employees in additional states

Contract Drafting

Contract Drafting and Negotiation

Whether you are entering into a business contract for the first time or the 50th time, it can be helpful to have a legal professional on your side. You know your business best, but we can explain contract terms that can have significant consequences to your business later on, such as indemnification, limitation of liability, IT security and audit rights, insurance requirements, modification, and termination provisions.

 

We help business owners create their own contract templates or review and negotiate contracts presented by the other side, including:

 

  • non-disclosure agreements

  • client and customer agreements

  • service agreements

  • manufacturing and distribution agreements

  • loan agreements and promissory notes

  • business purchase and sale agreements

Audits, Investgations

Audits, Investigations, and Complaints

Legal issues can get out of control if not handled promptly. As experienced litigators and purposeful, creative problem solvers, we are there for our clients when unexpected problems arise. We have the experience and determination to help business owners work through their toughest challenges, including:

 

  • investigate workplace complaints or conduct a pay equity audit

  • enforce employment agreements, including confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements

  • respond to or send demand letters and cease and desist letters when there is a breach of contract or other disagreement

  • respond to agency audits and investigations from:

    • Equal Employment Opportunity Commission​

    • Department of Labor

    • Internal Revenue Service

    • Washington Department of Labor and Industries, Employment Security Department, and Human Rights Commission

    • Seattle Office of Labor Standards and Office of Civil Rights

    • California Department of Labor Standards Enforcement

  • file theft of trade secrets and non-compete lawsuits

  • defend wage and hour disputes, discrimination claims, and wrongful termination actions filed by employees

Audits, Investgations
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Estate Planning and Probate

We assist individuals and families in navigating the complex legal matters related to estate planning and probate. We understand the importance of prompt and comprehensive handling of these issues to ensure our clients' interests are protected. With our expertise in estate law, we provide effective solutions tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of our clients which include:

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  • Estate Planning: We work closely with clients to develop personalized estate plans that encompass their wishes and goals. This includes drafting wills, establishing trusts, and implementing strategies for minimizing taxes and protecting assets.

  • Probate Administration: Our team guides clients through the probate process, providing knowledgeable support and representation. We assist with asset valuation, distribution, creditor claims, and other aspects of probate administration.

  • Trust Administration: We help trustees fulfill their fiduciary duties by providing guidance on trust administration, asset management, and beneficiary distributions. Our goal is to ensure the smooth and efficient management of trusts while protecting the interests of beneficiaries.

 

With our compassionate approach and deep understanding of estate planning and probate law, we are committed to guiding our clients through these intricate legal processes and ensuring their peace of mind during challenging times.

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Nonprofit and Exempt Organizations

We provide comprehensive legal support to nonprofit and exempt organizations. We understand the unique challenges and legal considerations faced by these entities and are committed to helping them navigate through complex issues promptly and effectively. As experienced advocates and strategic problem solvers, we are there for our clients when unexpected legal matters arise. Our services include:

 

  • Formation and Governance: We assist nonprofit organizations in establishing their legal structures, obtaining tax-exempt status, and complying with state and federal regulations. We provide guidance on governance issues, board responsibilities, and bylaws to ensure proper organizational structure and compliance.

  • Tax Compliance: Our team is well-versed in the intricacies of nonprofit tax law. We help organizations understand and navigate the complex tax requirements, including IRS Form 990 filings, charitable giving regulations, and unrelated business income tax (UBIT) issues.

  • Regulatory Compliance: We assist nonprofits in meeting their legal obligations by advising on compliance with state and federal regulations. This includes navigating laws related to fundraising, lobbying, conflicts of interest, and charitable solicitation registration.

  • Contracts and Agreements: We provide comprehensive legal support in drafting and reviewing contracts and agreements specific to nonprofit organizations. This includes employment agreements, grant agreements, vendor contracts, and collaboration agreements with other organizations.

 

We understand the importance of their missions and are committed to helping them navigate the legal landscape while advancing their charitable objectives.

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