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Recent Articles from Karl Oles
OP-ED: A New Year’s resolution: more consideration of time limits
Be careful: even if the owner ignores notice requirements during the early stages of a project, it may decide to enforce them later as claims get bigger.
OP-ED: Every construction project comes with risk, but it can be managed
Consider these ideas about how contractors can manage risk through a construction contract. These ideas may be useful to owners as well.
OP-ED: Benefits and risks of involving a project’s contractor in the design
The roles of designers and contractors are being combined for more and more construction projects. This approach has benefits, but it also creates risks.
OP-ED: ‘Differing site conditions’ and Seattle tunnel project litigation
One major issue came up during a nine-week trial of claims arising from construction of the new State Route 99 tunnel under downtown Seattle.
OP-ED: Effective dialogue with an attorney can accomplish much
The interaction between business people and lawyers can be productive or frustrating, depending on whether there is good communication and a shared understanding. Consider this conversation between a business manager […]
OP-ED: When something goes wrong, remember the statute of limitations
Contract claims and negligence claims are subject to different statutes of limitations. In Washington, claims based on written contracts must be commenced within six years of the claimed breach of […]
OP-ED: Brushing up on Washington state contracting law
A classic joke about Washington law was that all court decisions in the state could be explained using three rules: 1, Washington is a lien theory state (for mortgage law); […]
OP-ED: Expect the best, prepare for the worst
When it comes to writing design and construction contracts, hope for the best even as you plan for the worst, advises attorney Karl Oles.
OP-ED: Design-build considerations for public projects
In recent years, the requirement that public owners use only the 鈥渄esign-bid-build鈥� method for project delivery has been relaxed. Instead of preparing a design and then selecting a low-bid contractor, […]
OP-ED: Lien rights of architects and engineers
Construction liens protect people who improve real property from the risk of nonpayment. The lien is a kind of security interest in the property improved. If other remedies fail, […]
Don’t start work until a contract is in place
After moving to my current law firm several years ago, one of my first assignments was to review a client’s high-rise building project. Although excavation had been completed and work […]
Stop notice may offer remedy — with limitations
When a subcontractor or supplier doesn’t receive pay for a private project, one possible remedy is for it to file a lien against the land or improvements. The lien remedy […]
News
- 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
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $10.6 million in top bidders | July 31, 2026
- Many Oregon counties struggling to maintain their fairgrounds
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
