Free Newsletter
Recent Articles from Jacob Zahniser
Tenant improvements’ lien rights: a cross-jurisdictional perspective | OP-ED
When liens arise out of tenant improvement work, the question is always: Does the lien attach to the owner/landlord鈥檚 ownership interest in the property, or does the lien attach solely to the tenant鈥檚 leasehold estate?
OP-ED: Preparing for coronavirus’ long-term impact on projects
Now is the appropriate time for all parties involved in the construction industry to reassess their risks of supply-chain disruptions, labor shortages and governmental restrictions on their projects.
OP-ED: So you think you have a delay claim? Prove it
Compensation for lost productivity depends on proper documentation.
OP-ED: Effective enforcement of pre-suit mediation clauses
Pre-suit mediation as a condition precedent to litigation or arbitration is increasingly common. For example, AIA Document A201-2007 requires pre-suit mediation of 鈥渁ny claims, disputes or other matters in controversy […]
OP-ED: The ABCs of a successful project: ‘Always Be Closing’
In this month's Dirt Law column, attorney Jacob Zahniser takes 91视频 readers through the ABCs of successful construction projects, starting with a thorough understanding of contract deliverables.
OP-ED: Duty to defend reaffirmed by Oregon Supreme Court
The duty to defend and the duty to indemnify are separate duties, with the duty to defend being broader and, given the cost of litigation, many times more valuable than […]
OP-ED: Avoiding compliance pitfalls of prevailing wage laws
Prevailing wage laws require construction workers employed by private contractors or subcontractors on public projects be paid wages and benefits at least equal to the 鈥減revailing鈥� wage for similar work […]
OP-ED: Top tips for a successful design-build project
Design-build is a project delivery system in which one entity 鈥� the design-build team 鈥� works under a single contract to provide design and construction services for the owner. The […]
OP-ED: Restrictive endorsements can discharge disputes
A restrictive endorsement controls the use of a financial instrument 鈥� typically a check. The most recognized form of restrictive endorsement is 鈥淔or Deposit Only,鈥� which limits the ability to […]
OP-ED: The importance of contract review
Every construction project starts with the contract: It is the cornerstone of the project and is for all purposes the rulebook. A good contract defines the scope of the work, […]
News
- Portland’s Centennial Mills on the verge of demolition
- $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
Commentary
- Expecting a big bang but witnessing only a whimper | Opinion
- 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
