Business and Corporate Law

• Corporate Law
  “I have used Cairncross & Hempelmann while a venture capitalist, operating a $60 million U.S. early stage fund, as our primary deal counsel and completed over 70 private equity debt and equity financing transactions with the firm. I have also dealt with highly complex senior management and board issues, litigation issues and complex transactions on a global basis with their support. The truly remarkable thing about the firm is that they are ethical, have high integrity and work with me then and now with utmost responsiveness. I have in my career unfortunately encountered some of the top firms in other major cities who do not perform with the integrity and responsiveness of this firm. I frankly can’t recommend them highly enough for corporate and securities law matters, particularly in the technology venture arena. I have dealt with major firms in Silicon Valley; Los Angeles; Washington, DC; Houston; Portland, Oregon; and international firms, and Cairncross & Hempelmann stands out from the crowd.”
• Mergers and Acquisitions
  Our Tax attorneys provide creative, expert, and responsive tax advice to our clients, helping them to avoid tax problems and to take advantage of opportunities. We focus on solutions, not impediments, and, when necessary, serve clients as vigorous advocates in tax controversies. Areas of emphasis include selecting the optimal form and location for business enterprises, structuring compensation programs to attract and retain key personnel, and developing creative strategies for mergers and acquisitions.
• Business Disputes
• Business Transactions
  Representing clients in all aspects of real estate development, land use and zoning, business transactions, litigation and bankruptcy and creditors’ rights.
• Trade Secrets
• Intellectual Property
  Cairncross collects and uses your Personal Information to deliver the services you have requested and/or communicate with you to respond to your inquiry, including recruitment-related communications you may send us.  Cairncross will also use your Personal Information to manage the business relationship between us, such as sending service-related communications and invoices.  Cairncross may also use your Personal Information to inform you of other products or services available from Cairncross, such as sending you client alerts, newsletters, event reminders, and/or other marketing materials.  Cairncross may also contact you via surveys to conduct research about your opinion of current services or of potential new services that may be offered.  Additionally, Cairncross may utilize your Personal Information to detect and/or prevent actual or potential fraud, illegal activities, including intellectual property infringement, as well as to defend our legal rights and comply with our internal policies and legal obligations.

Employment Law

• Employment Contract
  We advise clients with respect to performance management, terminations, workplace accommodations, leaves of absence, and employment contracts. In addition, we regularly create and help implement policies, procedures, and employee handbooks to ensure our clients are meeting regulatory requirements. We conduct regular employee and management training on these topics and issue regular Client Alerts on changes in employment law. Our attorneys also represent businesses in employment-related litigation and administrative proceedings, including those before state and national boards and organizations.
• Non-compete Agreement
  For decades, we have developed deep relationships with some of the Puget Sound region’s most sophisticated and innovative companies and individuals. We focus on the health and stability of their businesses and use pragmatic and strategic legal experience to help clients reach their goals. Our broad experience includes shareholder disputes, enforcement of non-compete agreements and protection of trade secrets, breach of contract and business tort cases, and litigation against state and local governments to protect the businesses of our clients.

Property Law

• Real Estate Litigation
  When a client faces barriers to development projects, we work hard to successfully negotiate and resolve the dispute, and if needed, litigate matters that cannot be resolved out of court.  Our negotiation skills help clients through critical proceedings and appeals before hearing examiners and local courts.
• Eminent Domain
  Our attorneys have demonstrated a strong commitment to shaping the Transit-Oriented Development (“TOD”) industry in the Puget Sound Region for decades.  We advise high-profile clients on cutting-edge projects that are geographically located close to transit stations and that will shape the region for future generations.  Our attorneys have the experience to navigate the many challenges involved with land acquisition and sale, land use permitting, and political challenges.  With this knowledge and key relationships, we help identify and initiate new TOD projects, maximize the value of property near future transit stations, and defend against potential eminent domain actions should they arise.
• Easement
• Land Use and Zoning
  CH& provides highly effective legal counsel and superior service to clients in all aspects of real estate development, land use and zoning, business transactions, litigation, and bankruptcy and creditors’ rights. Our teams use an efficient, collaborative approach to overcome legal challenges and help clients reach their goals. We are known for our ability to combine creative thinking, local partnerships and expert knowledge to achieve our clients’ success.
• Landlord-Tenant Disputes
  We support sophisticated landlord and tenant clients with their real estate leasing needs. Our team drafts and negotiates a wide variety of leases, subleases, ground leases and license agreements for clients throughout the Pacific Northwest. Our attorneys have deep experience assisting clients with complex, high-profile and high-value leases. Our clients benefit from our proven ability to foresee and address potential legal, operational, timing, and financial challenges that may arise.
• Condominium Law
  Condominiums are complex and heavily regulated in Washington. We assist clients throughout the process of creating, selling and managing the risks involved in commercial, mixed-use and residential condominium projects. Our experience includes a wide array of property types, including apartment to condominium conversions, luxury mixed-use developments in urban centers, and developments designed to meet the needs of transit-oriented developments throughout the region.

Trusts and Estates

• Estate Planning
  The Real Estate team at Cairncross & Hempelmann brings a wealth of experience and deep industry knowledge to every transaction, and clients benefit from our collaborative team approach. Clients seek our expertise related to real estate acquisition and disposition, debt and equity finance, leasing, land development, opportunity zones, and real estate litigation.

Finance Law

• Bankruptcy
• Foreclosure
  We have extensive experience in representing lenders with all phases of distressed commercial loans – from loan file and portfolio analysis to collateral recovery and disposition, and involving all types of assets, including retail operations, franchises, manufacturing, suburban land developments, and multi-family and high-rise office and residential buildings. We have represented numerous lenders in negotiated restructurings, forbearance agreements, bankruptcies and foreclosures of distressed investments.
• Tax Law
  Our attorneys have decades of experience resolving commercial and residential real estate disputes. We successfully represent clients involved in purchase and sale and lease disputes, land use litigation, and boundary, access, and easement disputes. Our experience also includes tenant unlawful detainer/evictions, private covenant enforcement, representation of property owners in condemnation proceedings, and property tax appeals.