One important legal doctrine in the land use arena, which helps to prevent improper bias or prejudice by a decision maker, is the Appearance of Fairness doctrine.

The Washington Supreme Court recently issued a decision further clarifying what constitutes a sufficient explanation of how an exemption under the Public Records Act (RCW 42.56) applies to a public record which is withheld from disclosure.

Local Whatcom County non-profit LAW Advocates has published a cookbook. The books are $25 each, and make great gifts. Information about ordering can be found at this link.

Typical boundary line issues include disputes about where exactly the boundary line is between two pieces of property and whether one owner is encroaching onto a neighbor’s property in some way.

Bryan Page, one of the partners at Carmichael Clark and a board member of LAW Advocates, spoke at a rental clinic for students along with other LAW Advocates attorneys.

Zender Thurston, P.S. is pleased to announce that its name is now Carmichael Clark, P.S.

While there is great focus upon compliance with the SEPA process, the process helps insure that the purposes and policy of the Act are met.

Timber trespass is serious in Washington. We love our trees here. As a result, harsh penalties are imposed on people committing timber trespass.

Washington law requires a person selling real estate to fill out what is commonly called the “Seller Disclosure Statement” and provide that statement to the buyer. The form requires the seller to answer questions on various topics such as defects in water sources and systems, sewer or septic systems, structural issues, electrical and heating systems,…

The Washington Real Estate Excise Tax (“REET”) is imposed on the transfer of an interest in real property (fee, easement, extraction rights, etc.) for value or “consideration”.