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Construction Law Updates, Public Works Issues, and Judicial Perspectives on Litigation in an Evolving Courtroom

On June 10, I will be co-chairing and my colleague Colm Nelson will be a panelist during the annual mid-year WSBA Construction Law Section CLE.  This program is a full-day webinar presented by the WSBA in partnership with Stoel Rives and will cover construction law updates, public works issues, and judicial perspectives on litigation in an … Continue Reading

Three Tips for Owners and Contractors to Improve Their Odds of Success in 2021

While all of us begin 2021 still confronting the challenge of COVID-19, construction project owners face particular pandemic-related issues in their industry, including the need to maintain strict best practices for projects and manage scheduling and labor challenges for existing and new projects. In my latest article for the Daily Journal of Commerce, I provide … Continue Reading

Jane (or John) Hancock 2.0: Utilizing E-Signatures in the Construction Industry

In our increasingly electronic age, parties signing a construction contract, invoice, change order or other documents are as likely to do so by clicking on an “I agree” checkbox or inserting a digital signature, or e-signature, as they are to put pen to paper. In my first article for the Daily Journal of Commerce, I … Continue Reading

I’m a Developer and My Contractor Refuses to Perform Work Without a Change Order. What Are My Options?

Over the duration of a construction project, changes to its scope are inevitable, and the easiest way to address such changes, and their potential impacts on scheduling and contract price, is for the project owner and the contractor to mutually execute a change order prior to implementing a change. However, for a variety of reasons, … Continue Reading

Three “Basic Best Practices” New Year Resolution Tips for Construction Projects

Ultimately, improving our companies, like improving ourselves, is up to us and our own diligence and persistence in identifying and implementing improvements on an ongoing basis. A strong market as we start 2019 means a great opportunity to review for and ensure solid implementation of legal compliance and financial goals for your construction projects – … Continue Reading

Oregon Women In Construction Conference

Stoel Rives is proud to have co-created and been the leading sponsor in the first annual “Oregon Women In Construction Conference” hosted by the University of Oregon last Thursday, April 27.  The event was emceed by City of Portland construction attorney Molly Washington (who led all aspects of the event including topics, speakers, locale, etc.) … Continue Reading

Brokers Beware: Acting as a Dual Agent Means Expanded Fiduciary Duties in California

It is well known that under California law a real estate broker may act as a “dual agent” for both the seller and the buyer in a property transaction, provided both parties consent to the arrangement after full disclosure. In such representation, a dual agent owes fiduciary duties to both buyer and seller.  Pursuant to … Continue Reading

Choice of Law Provisions Cannot Bypass California’s Prohibition on Jury Waivers

Last week, the California Court of Appeal ruled that a property owner was entitled to a jury trial in a dispute with a lender despite the fact that the loan agreement contained a jury waiver provision and a New York choice-of-law provision. The case involved the San Francisco apartment complex known as the Rincon Towers. … Continue Reading

New Year Brings New Obligations for Employers

In addition to streamers and fireworks, the new year is occasioned by another tradition:  new laws.  Several new laws affecting Oregon contractors and developers took effect on January 1, 2016. Paid sick leave:  Most Oregon construction employers must now provide employees with one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked.  Employees must … Continue Reading

Ahead of Schedule Blog Launches New Responsive Design and Enhanced Reader Features

Dear Ahead of Schedule blog readers. We have enjoyed keeping you informed with construction law and project development news and tips since early 2009. While our commitment to keep you informed hasn’t changed, technology certainly has. Back when we first started posting, it was still a desktop- and RSS-dominated world. Today, more and more of … Continue Reading
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