Law Firm Overview

For most of my career, I have worked with individual and institutional investors, shopping center owners, retailers, franchisors and franchisees.  I've helped them to expand their businesses and realize their dreams.  It's always been a challenge, and most always been personally satisfying. 

Earlier in my legal career, I served as in-house counsel for two local corporations, working in areas such as franchising, real estate, brand building, shopping center development and retail leasing.  Since returning to private practice I have assisted individuals with buying and selling homes and investment properties, and advising entrepreneurs with opening new businesses, restaurants and retail stores.

Whether your inquiry involves establishing a business, buying or selling a business or business interest, negotiating or interpreting important legal documents, business vendor relations, you are invited to call to examine meaningful alternatives that could help you survive and thrive in the current business environment.  Some general examples of my practice include:

  Commercial Real Estate

I have over 25 years of experience in top tier commercial real estate development, sales, property management and lease negotiation, and have represented local and national brands, regional mall developers, and private and institutional landlords.  I have represented both tenants and landlords on creative lease and rental strategies to keep properties occupied and businesses in operation.  I can assist you with

* all types of transactions and dispute resolution for commercial and residential real estate, including purchase & sale, options, title, financing, leasing, unlawful detainer, liens, settlements, easements, foreclosures and workouts; and

* evaluating claims and liability resulting from lack of proper disclosure or failure to furnish private placement memorandums, puffery, misrepresentation in commercial investment property sales, the impact of vacancies on current valuation and financing, property management practices and malpractice, and minority interest-holder oppression and dilution.

  Business Law

I provide counsel in establishing, drafting, revising or amending corporation documents, partnerships, and limited liability company (LLC) agreements.  My experience includes business sales by owner or broker-listed, annual corporate compliance check-ups, franchise evaluation, vendor disputes, payment terms & workouts, product licensing & distribution agreements, contract negotiation and renegotiation, disputes and collections.

  Franchise Law

For over 17 years I have worked with franchisors and franchisees in negotiating and documenting franchise transactions and updating franchise disclosure documents (formally the uniform franchise offering circular or UFOC).  I have assisted brand to expand regionally and nationally.  I have also assisted franchisees terminate agreements for causes such as misrepresentation, bad faith, negligent management.  If you are considering buying or selling a franchise, or establishing a franchise system of your own, I can assist you with the process.

  Consumer-Personal Legal Needs

Another very important part of my practice is working with families and individuals on real estate related matters.  I often assist buyers and sellers in for sale by owner (FSBO) transactions; quit title, family property transfers.  I offer a low flat fee service for review of real estate purchase agreement that have been prepared by individuals or real estate agents.  I advise and assist with investment property and landlord-tenant issues as well. 

I am available on a per-engagement or longer term -- monthly fixed or flat rate -- retainer basis.  And I will work with you to determine the best possible fee schedule that takes into consideration your current economic situation.

Areas of Practice

• Real Property
• Business Organizations
• Business & Commercial Law
• Franchising
• Construction
• Foreclosure

Pro Bono Activities

• Business Advisory Panel
• Washington Attorneys Assisting Community Organizations
• Neighborhood Legal Clinic
• Volunteer Legal Service

West Practice Categories

Mergers, Acquisitions & Divestitures, Foreclosure & Alternatives, Foreclosures, Business & Commercial Law, Commercial Leasing, Contracts, Franchising, Joint Ventures, Transactions, Business Organizations, Business Successions, Closely Held Businesses, Formation & Business Planning, Limited Liability Companies, Partnerships, Shareholders' Rights, Construction Law, Construction Contracts, Construction Liens, Real Estate Law, Commercial Real Estate, Condemnation, Condominiums & Cooperatives, Conveyancing