News & Articles
Firm News
Barker Martin Blog Featured in Lexblog Q & A
Barker Martin attorney Daniel Zimberoff participated in a Q & A with LexBlog’s Lisa Kennelly about the success of the Northwest Condo & HOA Law Blog.
Barker Martin Argues on Behalf of Clients before Washington Supreme Court
On February 24, 2009, Barker Martin, P.S. partner Marlyn Hawkins argued before the Washington Supreme Court on behalf of two condominium association clients. The issue was whether arbitration clauses typically contained in condominium developers' sale documents are enforceable despite the Washington Condominium Act's enhanced consumer rights that provide for judicial enforcement or alternative dispute resolution processes specifically tailored for construction defect cases. The developers argued that, Federal Arbitration Act ("FAA") preempts the Washington Condominium Act as a matter of constitutional law. Ms. Hawkins argued that the FAA did not preempt the Washington statutes because they do not conflict and the documents containing the arbitration clauses do not affect interstate commerce. The court's decision is likely to impact many of the condominium construction defect cases in Washington. A decision is expected in early 2010. Click here to view the oral argument.
If you're thinking about buying a condo, do plenty of homework
Do plenty of research before buying a condo.
- From the Seattle Times, September 24, 2005Condo sales are few, but the are selling well
Local developers discuss current changes in condominium construction and insurance.
- From the Daily Journal of Commerce, July 21, 2004Liability law may stimulate more condo development
Washington Legislature passed a new law that defines the implied warranty of condominiums and the liability of builders
- From the Seattle Times, March 30, 2004Courtroom battles over building defects leave condo market reeling
Homeowners, builders and attorneys discuss their experiences with condominium development. They provide possible solutions to ensure that condominiums are constructed properly.
- From the Seattle Times, November 2, 2003Builders call condos too risky
Information on Senate Bill 5536
- From the Seattle Times, March 12, 2003
Written by Barker Martin
Association Disclosure and Board Action in a Down Market
From the WSCAI Community Associations Journal, March/April 2008
Written by Dan Zimberoff, Partner and AttorneyFlags, Signs and Associations
From the WSCAI Community Associations Journal, November/December 2007
Written by Marlyn Hawkins, Partner and AttorneyAssociations, Accessibility, and the Fair Housing Act
From inCommon, the ORCAI newsletter, October 2007
Written by Eric TenBrook, Partner and AttorneyWSCAI Volunteer Spotlight: Dan Zimberoff
From the WSCAI Community Associations Journal, July/August 2007
Written by Dan Zimberoff, Partner and AttorneyThe Pitfalls of Hiring your Brother-in-Law
From the WSCAI Community Associations Journal, July/August 2007
Written by Dan Zimberoff, Partner and Attorney