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Recent Articles from David Anderson
OP-ED: Improper liens can potentially be discharged quickly via statute
Improperly recorded liens created hardships, and the Oregon Legislature intervened to promptly address the misuse of the public recording system used to establish such liens.
OP-ED: Observe safety measures to restrict exposure to little-known law
Contractors should become aware of situations when they can be sued for a jobsite injury under Oregon鈥檚 Employer Liability Law (ELL).
OP-ED: Increased data on marijuana use crystallizes risk management
Oregon and Washington decriminalized marijuana use several years ago. Government agencies now have public health data related to that change in law. Several questions remain, but the data suggests that […]
OP-ED: Negotiation strength comes from recognizing its existence
Significantly more than 90 percent of disputes are resolved by a negotiated settlement rather than a court decision. Also, 100 percent of contracts are entered following some sort of negotiation […]
OP-ED: New communications still must fit old legal rules
With the construction season winding down, contractors are going to discover whether contractual details were communicated properly. Change orders could be deemed ambiguous or delivered improperly on the one hand […]
OP-ED: Federal contractors, litigate in Hawaii only by choice
A contractor performing work on a federal project in Oregon could be sued or forced to sue in Hawaii over disputes arising out of work on that federal project within […]
OP-ED: The novel laches limit in construction defect cases
An untested theory of laches may be a useful approach to turn the tables on a plaintiff who makes a statute of limitations argument in a construction defects case.
OP-ED: The importance of a balanced approach to writing
Most non-lawyers are well-steeped in two legal principles: possession is nine-tenths of the law and an agreement that is not reduced to writing never happened. Neither principle is entirely accurate, […]
OP-ED: When a handshake isn’t enough
A thoughtful written contract is essential to agreements between even the most ethical parties, because litigation is the product of ambiguity -- and money, cautions attorney/columnist David Anderson.
Planning for defaults can save time and relationships
Most construction contracts contain clauses describing what happens in the event of a default. Subcontractors are protected by many such clauses, which provide an opportunity to cure the default before […]
Compliance with public bidding rules requires planning
Contractors bidding on public works projects must be aware of specific bid requirements with respect to the federally mandated Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program or the minority-owned, women-owned and […]
鈥楧racula鈥� claims can be avoided
From a practical standpoint, formally confirming completion 鈥� by a written certificate of completion 鈥� allows the owner to request repairs that will solidify a relationship. But a certificate of completion also is important from a risk management perspective, because it prevents old claims from being asserted.
News
- $960,000 office renovation in Portland building permits | Aug. 10, 2026
- Two projects in historic districts in Portland land use review intakes | Aug. 10, 2026
- Multnomah County commits up to $101.6M for Moda Center
- Portland code changes to take effect in November
- Los Colibris project approved for Portland’s OMSI District
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $9.9 million in top bidders | Aug. 7, 2026
- Oregon opens infrastructure grant program
- Ex-TV host claps back at Detroit officials in blight case
- 31-unit multifamily project in Portland land use review intakes | Aug. 3, 2026
- $2.4 million office renovation in Portland building permits | Aug. 3, 2026
- Transportation commission weighs ODOT budget cuts
- Lam Research planning $1.7 billion investment in Tualatin
Commentary
- Beware of when the debt collector comes calling | Opinion
- Assembly of a future workforce begins with an invitation | Opinion
- Beware of overlooking legal requirements for remote workers | Opinion
- Become a critical thinker and transform a workplace | Opinion
- Managing construction risks with international suppliers | Opinion
- A rally with many engines: the lesson of 2026’s first half | Opinion
- Oregon housing challenges persist despite sound and fury | Opinion
- When does an employee’s bullying become harassment? | Opinion
- Ditch disorganization 鈥� the cost of deferred decisions | Opinion
- Consider 10 common risks for healthcare construction projects | Opinion
- Clarifying the reach of a law regarding prevailing wage | Opinion
- Adjust to legal changes now to ensure compliance later | Opinion
