In Washington, many employers use non-compete agreements to protect their businesses.  While Washington courts have always imposed limits on their validity, they are frequently enforced by the courts.  In Olympia, there are two bills currently under consideration that would impose further restrictions on the use of non-competes in Washington.

Holmquist & Gardiner, PLLC is pleased to announce the addition of Robert D. Maxwell as our new Associate Attorney. Robert earned his law degree from Seattle University School of Law and his undergraduate degree from University of Washington where he played for and captained its Ice Hockey Team. He will join our practice representing clients in civil litigation, real estate matters, construction law and business transactions. We are delighted to have Robert join our Team!

Hamilton H. Gardiner has joined the South Seattle College Foundation’s Board of Directors. The goal of South Seattle College is to provide students with scholarship opportunities to pursue quality academic and vocational education. As a board member, Hamilton will contribute his time and resources to enrich the lives and build hope of the students enrolled at South Seattle College.

Jason L. Bergevin has joined the Board of Trustees for ARCADE, a Seattle-based design publication whose mission is to reinforce the principle of thoughtful design at every scale of human endeavor improves our quality of life.

By vote of their peers, Imants F. Holmquist and Hamilton H. Gardiner have been named to the Rising Stars list for 2015. For Hamilton, this marks his fourth time being named to this list.

As landlords in Washington State are well aware, the Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18 et seq.) and Seattle Just-Cause Eviction Ordinance (SMC 22.206 et seq.) are heavily weighted in favor of tenants’ rights. These laws have created a daunting and oft confusing legal process for landlords to navigate when an eviction becomes necessary. The first step in evicting a tenant is to place the tenant on notice that they are in default of their lease.  The type of default and issues surrounding the tenancy will dictate the type of notice a landlord is required to serve.