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ABOUT

PEOPLE

SERVICES

MAP

CONTACT

ABOUT

PEOPLE

SERVICES

APPEALS

Our attorneys can assist you during and after trial, including appellate matters in both Washington and Idaho. This includes filing an appeal, motions for discretionary review, appellant or respondent’s briefs, and effective oral argument. Our lawyers have attended matters at the Washington State Court of Appeals, Superior Court of Washington, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. With over 200 years of combined experience, our attorneys have the background and expertise you will require to defend against or commence an appeal action in many practice areas of law.

COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS

Are you thinking of buying or selling a business, or maybe it is time to transition your company? Our attorneys can assist you from the beginning stages of making a proposal, or reviewing an offer received, through to completion of the purchase/sale or merger transaction. With thoroughness, care, and attention to detail, our legal guidance in commercial transactions can prevent and solve issues that may arise associated with both simple and complex business transactions.

Specific practice areas within the commercial transaction area are:

• Commercial Agreements
• Creditor Advice Concerning Uniform Commercial Code
• Financing Transactions
• Loan Documentation
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Purchase and Sale Forms
• Real and Personal Property Foreclosures
• Real Estate Transactions
• Sales Transactions
• Secured Financing
• Secured Transactions
• Succession Planning
• Takeover Defenses

CORPORATE ORGANIZATION

Whether you are a family owned business or a large corporation, no organization is too big or too small to need competent and accessible legal advice. Because of our location in the heart of the Inland Northwest, we are able to serve and represent our corporate clients throughout Washington and Idaho. Specific practice areas within the corporate organization area are:

• Business Formation and Structuring
• Commercial Litigation
• Contract Law
• Corporate Governance
• Corporate Tax
• Creditors' Rights
• Employee Benefit Plans
• Franchise
• Resolutions
• Registered Agent Service
• Regulatory Affairs

DISCRIMINATION

If you have been the victim of discrimination, we can help. Our attorneys have represented and successfully defended all types of discrimination matters. Common reasons for discrimination include the following:

• Age
• Race/Color
• National Origin
• Creed
• Pregnancy and/or Breast Feeding
• Sexual Orientation and/or Gender Identity
• Marital Status
• Veteran/Military Status
• Service Animal Use
• Disabilities due to Sensory, Mental, or Physical Impairment
• Perceived Disability
• Whistleblowers

CONTRACT DISPUTES

Our attorneys are experienced in multiple types of contract disputes, including:

• Business Contracts
• Construction Contracts
• Employment Contracts
• Private Vehicle Sales
• Real Estate Contracts
• Vendor Contracts

Familiarity with contract formation and litigation can help you protect your rights – our years of litigation experience give us an advantage when disputes arise in this area.

FORECLOSURE

Our attorneys handle all aspects of Judicial and Non-Judicial Foreclosures for creditor’s, banking and financial institutions, as well as private lenders. Please contact us today to learn what remedies are available to you.

LANDLORD / TENANT

Our attorneys are experienced in handling all aspects of the eviction process and have solutions for your problem tenants. We assist property owners, landlords, and property management companies in recovering lost rent and damages, as well as preparing Unlawful Detainer actions. Contact us today to determine what your rights and options are, as well as the most efficient and cost effective way to restore possession of your property. Let our attorneys prepare your next Lease or Rental Agreement to avoid potential problem areas in the future.

PROBATE

The loss of a loved one is an emotional and stressful time for any family. Whether you are the surviving spouse, or an appointed executor (also known as Personal Representative), our attorneys can help you navigate the legal and probate processes. A myriad of issues can arise following the death of your family member or loved one; from small estates to large taxable estates, our attorneys are here to help guide you through this difficult time. Specific practice areas within probate are:

• Adjudication of Testacy and Heirship
• Affidavits in Support of Community Property Agreements
• Affidavits of Surviving Spouse
• Intestacy (without a Will)
• Life Insurance Claims
• No Probate Affidavits
• Probate and Probate litigation
• Property Transfers
• Small Estate Affidavits
• Taxation
• Testamentary Trust formation
• Transfer Upon Death Instruments
• Trustee Guidance and Compliance
• Will Contest

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Because our clients include both employer and employee, we have the experience and knowledge to help you work through a sexual harassment claim. Whether you are the plaintiff or defendant, we can assist you. Both employees and employers deserve to be protected from claims of sexual harassment. Each individual’s circumstance is unique and our attorneys will handle your matter with confidentiality, care, integrity, and concern.

TAXATION

Our experience and expertise can help guide you and provide needed advice from matters concerning the IRS. Whether you owe money or have been issued a tax assessment you feel is inaccurate, contact us today to discover what your options are. Specific practice areas within taxation are:

• Audits
• Unfiled Tax Returns (Individual and Corporate)
• IRS Collection Actions
• IRS Assessments
• Levy
• Tax Controversy
• Financial Hardship
• Payment Options

BANKRUPTCY / COLLECTIONS

Contact us when a company or person who owes you money files a bankruptcy case. Often, a creditor must take prompt action to protect its rights in bankruptcy cases. We can help you if:

• The debtor owes you money and you must file a claim to be paid
• You have started a foreclosure, repossession, or eviction that has been stopped by a bankruptcy filing
• The debtor keeps your collateral without paying for it
• The trustee or debtor attempts to avoid a lien you hold against the debtor’s property
• The trustee or debtor attempts to recover money or property from you
• The debtor has filed a Chapter 9, 11, 12, or 13 plan
• The debtor has defrauded you
• The debtor has injured you
• The debtor owes you rent or lease payments
• You have questions about the bankruptcy process

Bankruptcy law is a specialized area of practice. Frequently there are limited time periods within which to act to protect your rights or your property. Attempting to collect money or take possession of collateral after a bankruptcy has been filed can be a violation of the law if proper procedures are not followed.

Call us to help you defend claims and actions against you by the trustee or debtor; to require the debtor to pay you after a bankruptcy case is filed or completed; to file a claim in a bankruptcy case; to evaluate how a Chapter 9, 11, 12, or 13 plan may alter your rights; to obtain permission from the Bankruptcy Court to recover your collateral or to evict non-paying tenants; or to discuss other issues relating to a bankruptcy case.

BUSINESS FORMATIONS

We have the knowledge and experience to help you select the best organizational structure to meet your business objectives. Once your business is formed, we can provide you with the legal advice necessary to meet compliance requirements. Our goal is to develop a strong relationship with you and your business, in order to address future legal needs.

COLLABORATIVE LAW

The Collaborative Law Process is based on a commitment from all parties involved (including the attorneys) to resolve any given civil dispute with face-to-face negotiations, in a confidential manner, and without court intervention. The Collaborative Law Process is highly suited for family law and probate law cases. It encourages parties to focus their time and energy on healthy and productive communication aimed at problem solving, which can decrease the overall stress and trauma experienced by parties in conflict. Clients who utilize this process are given the tools to voice their concerns, identify their goals, and generate their own solutions. Additionally, the solutions developed through this process are durable and are specifically suited to each client’s needs. As a result, clients often experience increased satisfaction with the results they obtain.

CONSTRUCTION LAW

When construction problems and disputes become a problem, we can help you resolve them. Claims involving breach of contract, negligence, contractor’s bonds, insurance and other construction related issues are part of our practice.

CREDITOR RIGHTS

We are able to take your collection claim to judgment and thereafter efficiently and effectively use all available means to collect the judgment, including garnishment of wages or bank accounts, personal property executions, real property executions, employment subpoenas (Washington) and debtor’s exams.

CRIMINAL LAW

We have attorneys who are experienced with DUI, Domestic Violence, driving offenses, misdemeanors and felonies. If you need help with a case in Municipal, District, or Superior court we can improve the outcome of your case.

EMPLOYMENT LAW

Our clients include both employers and employees. We can help with employment contracts, wrongful termination, discrimination, sexual harassment, wage claims, non-compete issues, trade secret claims, and many other employment related matters. It does not matter if you are a plaintiff or a defendant, we are here to serve you.

ESTATE PLANNING

Our attorneys can assist you to develop an estate plan that meets your personalized needs and eliminates uncertainties regarding the care of your minor children and the disposition of your assets. We can work with you to develop documents that protect your interests in the event that you are unable to make medical and financial decisions on your own behalf. Additionally, we can help you with the probate, administration and distribution of assets belonging to a deceased loved one.

INSURANCE COVERAGE DISPUTES

“It is a special and unique feature of insurance that money be made promptly available to prevent bad situations from getting worse. A significant purpose of an insurance contract is frustrated if, in order to gain the benefits of the contract, the insured is forced to engage in costly and time consuming litigation.” Colorado Structures, Inc. v. Ins. Co. of the West, 161 Wash. 2d 577, 604, 167 P3d 1125, 1139 (2007)

We believe that fast and fair resolution to insurance disputes are almost always in the best interest of our clients. If possible, we will resolve your insurance dispute quickly and inexpensively. However, we will vigorously pursue your rights when the insurance company refuses to honor its obligations.
PLMS has represented clients in virtually all lines of insurance:

• Property and Casualty
• Health
• Disability
• Life
• Commercial
• Professional Liability
• Aviation
• Creditors Insurance
• Surplus Lines and Boutique Coverages

We can provide you with competent advice and advocacy in any insurance matter.

NON-COMPETITION DISPUTES

Our attorneys are experienced with non-compete agreements and the disputes that arise from them. If you are writing a non-competition agreement or entering into one, our familiarity with these agreements can help you protect your rights. Likewise, our experience with court cases in this area gives us an advantage when disputes arise in this area.

PERSONAL INJURY

Unlike some law firms, PLMS does not rely on high volume and quick turnover of personal injury claims. We will handle every aspect of your claim to ensure the best result possible. When choosing a personal injury attorney, be sure to ask these important questions:

• Does the law firm fully investigate the liability aspects of your claim?
• Will the law firm work to ensure the medical expenses are paid in advance of settlement of your claim? Generally, the liability insurer will not pay your medical bills in advance of settlement. Therefore, it is important to coordinate insurance benefits to ensure that you are not left with unpaid medical expenses or disruption of your treatment.
• Is the law firm familiar with Medicare/Medicaid liens and other reimbursement obligations?
• Is the law firm willing and able to take your case to trial if necessary?
• What expertise does the law firm have in evaluating your claim and negotiating with the insurance company?
• Will you be charged extra for these services?

PRODUCT LIABILITY

Unfortunately it is not uncommon for people to be injured by tools, household items, equipment and other products. Our firm can handle the claims that arise when products injure someone or damage property.

REAL ESTATE

If you own, buy or sell property problems can arise unexpectedly. Our attorneys work on cases involving mortgages, boundary disputes, easements, nuisance, misrepresentation and many other real estate issues. We are also experienced with homeowner association disputes, covenants and zoning problems. If you have a problem involving property, we can help you.

WORKERS COMPENSATION

The members of our firm have represented both employees and employers in workers compensation matters. We have battled with the Department of Labor and Industries on behalf of our clients and we have handled many hearings in the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals. Let us help you get the benefits you are entitled to receive.

CIVIL LITIGATION

Disputes resulting in lawsuits can arise from a myriad of personal or business activities. If you have been sued, or feel you need to sue another person or entity, it is important to obtain a competent civil litigation attorney. Our attorneys have vast experience in all areas of civil litigation, including arbitration proceedings, alternative dispute resolution and jury trials.