Zachary Davis

Zachary Davis is an experienced construction and design attorney who advises clients in a broad spectrum of legal matters, with specific emphasis on resolving complex commercial disputes. Zachary employs a proactive approach in assisting clients in developing pre-litigation and litigation avoidance strategies. He has advocated on behalf of clients before a variety of adversarial tribunals including federal and state courts, arbitration panels and administrative bodies. Zachary’s clients have included corporations, business owners and entrepreneurs in the construction, real estate, technology, hospitality, telecommunications, financial services and insurance industries.

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Oregon Court of Appeals Broadens “Four Corners” Rule in Construction Defect Insurance Coverage Cases

In a recent Oregon Court of Appeals decision, the court likely eased the burden for contractors seeking a defense under insurance policies in which they have been named as an additional insured. In my latest article for the Daily Journal of Commerce, I examine the decision, which expands upon a 2016 Oregon Supreme Court ruling … Continue Reading

Oregon Supreme Court Rules That the Practice of Architecture Includes Development of Master Plans

By Zachary Davis on October 26, 2017 Posted in Design Professionals and Claims, Licensing, Uncategorized

In a rare opportunity to interpret Oregon’s statutory requirements for licensure of architects, the Oregon Supreme Court recently held that the development of master plans constitutes the “practice of architecture”—even if constructible drawings and specifications are not contemplated or produced. The case, Twist Architecture & Design, Inc. v. Oregon Board of Architect Examiners, 361 Or … Continue Reading

Important Lessons from Record-Setting Settlement in Building Collapse Case

By Zachary Davis on May 17, 2017 Posted in Construction Industry, Damages Claims, Indemnity, Risk Management, Safety/Personal Injury

Having lived in Philadelphia in 2013 when the four-story “Hoagie City” building collapsed during demolition and toppled the neighboring Salvation Army thrift store, killing seven people and injuring 12 others, I closely followed the recent civil trial that resulted in a $227 million settlement of the plaintiffs’ personal injury and wrongful death claims—a reported record … Continue Reading

Buyer Beware: Oregon Courts Will Enforce Anti-Assignment Provisions in Insurance Policies

By Zachary Davis on April 21, 2017 Posted in Developers v. Contractors, Insurance

An anti-assignment provision in an insurance policy may prohibit the insured from assigning its rights under the policy. In my latest DJC article, I discuss a recent decision by the Oregon Court of Appeals, in which a claimant learned the hard way that Oregon courts will not hesitate to enforce an anti-assignment provision in an … Continue Reading

On Guard: A Look at Subcontractor Default Insurance

By Zachary Davis on August 19, 2016 Posted in Bond Claim, Construction Claims, Construction Defects, Damages Claims, Insurance

Whether you call it SDI or SubGuard, subcontractor default insurance is yet another consideration for public and private project owners as they look at protection from subcontractor default. But what exactly is this relatively new option and when is it most appropriate? In my recent article for the Daily Journal of Commerce, I discuss SDI, … Continue Reading