News and Insights
Generative Artificial Intelligence and the Practice of Law
As the use of generative artificial intelligence (“AI”) grows across various industries, CSD Attorneys at Law P.S. is monitoring and evaluating how the use of AI may benefit the legal services that CSD provides to our clients.
2024 Super Lawyers List Announcement
Frank Chmelik, Jon Sitkin, and Seth Woolson selected to 2024 WA Super Lawyers List and Matt Paxton, Tim Schermetzler, and Aaron Haynes selected as honorees of the Rising Stars list.
CSD Attorneys at Law P.S. Welcomes Attorney Renee K. Larson
Renee is a recent graduate of the Seattle University School of Law, where she received the Pro Bono Pledge Service Award. During law school, Renee externed for the Honorable Evan P. Jones. Renee also served as
CSD Attorneys at Law and Snure Law Office are Associating
CSD Attorneys at Law and Snure Law Office are pleased to announce that attorney Brian Snure has become of counsel to CSD Attorneys at Law as part of a formal association of the two firms.
CSD Attorneys at Law Welcomes Attorney Megan D. Holmes
CSD Attorneys at Law Welcomes Attorney Megan D. Holmes Megan is a recent magna cum laude graduate of the Stetson University College of Law, where she received the William F. Blews Pro Bono Service Award. During law school, Megan externed for the Honorable Anthony E. Porcelli in [...]
2023 Super Lawyer Announcement
Frank Chmelik, Jon Sitkin, and Seth Woolson selected to 2023 WA Super Lawyers list and Matt Paxton selected as an honoree of the Rising Stars list. Over the past thirty-nine years, the lawyers of CSD Attorneys at Law P.S. have built a reputation for responsiveness, professionalism, [...]
An End of the Eviction Moratorium is Near But More New Rules are on the Horizon for Landlords
After more than a year of operating under the Governor’s Evictions and Related Housing Practices Proclamation 20—19 et seq. (the “Governor’s Proclamation”), which significantly restricted residential landlords’ ability to raise rent, enforce rules, remove tenants, and collect delinquent rent and fees, there is some light at the end of [...]
PHASE 3 UPDATE – Public Meetings May Increase Occupancy for In-Person Attendees
By Allison Beard of Chmelik Sitkin & Davis P.S. – April 2021 As of March 22, 2021, all Washington counties advanced to Phase 3 of Governor Inslee’s Healthy Washington: Roadmap to Recovery. Since then, guidance related to specific industries under Phase 3 have been released by the Governor’s [...]
PHASE 3 UPDATE – Expanded Occupancy for In-Person Public Meetings Likely
Governor Inslee announced that on March 22, 2021 the entire state will advance to Phase 3 of his Healthy Washington Roadmap to Recovery plan. The state’s recovery plan will revert to a county-by-county evaluation analysis and metrics will be reviewed by the state every three weeks. Governor Inslee’s March [...]
The Transition to In-Person Meetings under Washington’s Phase 2
Governor Inslee has advanced most of the State’s regions into Phase 2 under the Healthy Washington Roadmap to Recovery plan. What does this mean for public agencies and how does this affect Open Public Meetings Act (“OPMA”) requirements? The latest Proclamation regarding the OPMA is Proclamation 20-28.15, which extended [...]
Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination
Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination *Updated April 8, 2021 With COVID-19 vaccination becoming more widely available, employers have started asking whether they can require employees to be vaccinated. The answer is yes, with certain limitations. For example, the employer may need to provide reasonable accommodations in the case of a disability or [...]
BREAKING NEWS: SBA MODIFYING PPP RULES
On Monday, June 8, 2020, the Small Business Administration (SBA) issued a statement that they will be modifying the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to align with Congress’ amendments in the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act. Take away: The bottom line is that SBA will be issuing rules and guidance, a [...]
BREAKING NEWS: PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM LOAN FORGIVENESS APPLICATION IS OUT
On Friday, May 15, 2020, the Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the U.S. Department of Treasury, released the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application. The link to the form/instructions is provided below. Background: The PPP was created by the CARES Act to provide forgivable loans to eligible [...]
Checklist for Business Restart under Washington SafeStart Phase 1 and 2
All Washingtonians are anxious to “Re-start” our lives. Businesses small and large will be on the forefront of re-opening Washington subject to certain requirements imposed by the SafeStart order. SafeStart Washington Phase 1 begins on May 5, 2020 and allows the following businesses to operate: essential businesses already open, existing [...]
Paycheck Protection Program Rules Need Monitoring
Late last week the IRS issued a rule that no deduction is allowed under the Internal Revenue Code for an expense that is otherwise deductible if the payment of the expense results in forgiveness of a covered loan pursuant to section 1106(b) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security [...]
Business Interruption Insurance for COVID-19 Claims
So, your business has shut down because it does not fall into one of the “essential” categories described by the State of Washington as it relates to the COVID-19 outbreak. Your company has business interruption insurance but your broker has told you that it will not cover your lost business [...]
Federal Assistance Available to Businesses Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act
Many clients have asked about the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and how their business may access the benefits. This memorandum provides some basic direction. We have provided a series of “Observations” which are insights from our firm that you may find helpful. If you would like [...]
Employer Alert – Significant Restrictions on Noncompete Agreements to Take Effect January 1, 2020
ESHB 1450 was just signed into law in an effort to increase workforce mobility. This law significantly restricts the ability of employers to impose noncompetition restrictions on employees and independent contractors. It also restricts employer’s ability to prevent “moonlighting.” The law takes effect January 1, 2020, but it applies [...]
Paycheck Protection Program Rules Need Monitoring
Late last week the IRS issued a rule that no deduction is allowed under the Internal Revenue Code for an expense that is otherwise deductible if the payment of the expense results in forgiveness of a covered loan pursuant to section 1106(b) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security [...]
Proclamation 20-46: High-risk Employee – Workers’ Rights
On April 13, 2020, Gov. Jay Inslee issued Proclamation 20-46 giving high-risk employees’ rights and protections related to the COVID-19 disease. High-risk employees are those identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at higher risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19, including those over 65 years of [...]
Avoid Costly Reporting Mistakes with Workers’ Compensation
All Washington businesses insured by Workers’ Compensation administered by the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) pay premiums based on rates that vary by “risk classification.” L&I has identified over 300 risk classifications, which they use to reflect the estimated cost of insuring work in each particular class. Each year, [...]
Updates to FLSA Exemptions
Exempt employees are not entitled to receive overtime. Employers need to be aware of changes at both the state and federal level regarding exempt employees. To be exempt, an employee must meet a three part test: (1) the salary basis test – the employee must be paid a predetermined and [...]
Most Washington Employees Will Soon Be Eligible for Paid Family and Medical Leave
Effective January 1, 2020, most Washington employees will become eligible to receive benefits from Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (“PFML”) program, Title 50A RCW. The PFLM program is an insurance program administered by the Employment Security Department (the “ESD”) that gives a partial wage replacement and other benefits to [...]
Employer Alert – Significant Restrictions on Noncompete Agreements to Take Effect January 1, 2020
ESHB 1450 was just signed into law in an effort to increase workforce mobility. This law significantly restricts the ability of employers to impose noncompetition restrictions on employees and independent contractors. It also restricts employer’s ability to prevent “moonlighting.” The law takes effect January 1, 2020, but it applies [...]
January 2026 Knowing the Waters
January is the month to put resolutions into action and boost any neglected goals from the previous year to the top of your agency’s queue. This month’s column is an legal checklist of items that your port should review annually.
Building Performance Standards
Do you own buildings that are 20,000 square feet or larger? If so, between June 2026 and June 2028, you will likely have to comply with Building Performance Standards (“BPS”) in the Clean Building Act, Chapter 19.27A RCW, adopted by the legislature in 2019 and amended in 2022 and 2023.
December 2025 Knowing the Waters
The National Retail Federation forecasted that over one trillion dollars will be spent holiday shopping this season. Given the significant personal procurement occurring, it’s fitting that this month’s column discusses port procurement (which is not just limited to the holiday season).
November 2025 Knowing the Waters
Earlier this month ports around the state elected new commissioners. Congratulations to all newly elected commissioners.
September 2025 Knowing the Waters
A question was recently posed by the WPPA Marina Committee. They asked, “Can a port district charge differing moorage rates for customers...
August 2025 Knowing the Waters
At the end of July, I attended the Commissioner’s Conference at Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine. It was a nice change of pace to attend a conference near my home, not only because I could sleep in my own bed and avoid several hours of travel...
January 2026 Knowing the Waters
January is the month to put resolutions into action and boost any neglected goals from the previous year to the top of your agency’s queue. This month’s column is an legal checklist of items that your port should review annually.
Building Performance Standards
Do you own buildings that are 20,000 square feet or larger? If so, between June 2026 and June 2028, you will likely have to comply with Building Performance Standards (“BPS”) in the Clean Building Act, Chapter 19.27A RCW, adopted by the legislature in 2019 and amended in 2022 and 2023.
December 2025 Knowing the Waters
The National Retail Federation forecasted that over one trillion dollars will be spent holiday shopping this season. Given the significant personal procurement occurring, it’s fitting that this month’s column discusses port procurement (which is not just limited to the holiday season).
November 2025 Knowing the Waters
Earlier this month ports around the state elected new commissioners. Congratulations to all newly elected commissioners.
September 2025 Knowing the Waters
A question was recently posed by the WPPA Marina Committee. They asked, “Can a port district charge differing moorage rates for customers...
August 2025 Knowing the Waters
At the end of July, I attended the Commissioner’s Conference at Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine. It was a nice change of pace to attend a conference near my home, not only because I could sleep in my own bed and avoid several hours of travel...
More Changes in Store for Residential Landlord Tenant Laws July 2020
A year after the legislature overhauled the Washington Residential Landlord Tenant Act (RLTA), Chapter 59.18 RCW, the legislature has again imposed new regulations impacting Washington residential landlord tenant laws. [For a summary of the July 2019 changes, see Article: Important Changes to Washington Residential Landlord Tenant Law]. The new 2020 [...]
Update: What Construction Activity is Currently Allowed and What COVID-19 Safety Requirements Apply
On April 29, 2020, Governor Inslee authorized a “Limited Phase 1 Construction Restart.” This is the first phase of the construction restart, and not all construction activity is allowed under Phase 1. Only the following construction projects are authorized during Phase 1: Any of the “essential” construction activities that were [...]
Long Term View on Short Term Rentals
Short term internet-based vacation rentals, such as AirBNB, and VRBO, are more popular than ever. Given the growing popularity of these short-term rentals, communities in Washington State with active tourism markets have been addressing how to regulate this emerging industry. Earlier this year, Washington State legislature enacted Chapter 64.37 [...]
SELLER ALERT: New Penalties for Failing to Install Smoke Detectors Effective July 1, 2019
In May 2019, the Washington State Legislature enacted SSSB 5284, which substantially changes Fire Protection law and takes effect July 1, 2019. These changes apply to Sellers of all dwelling units. A Dwelling Unit is defined as a single unit providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more [...]
Important Changes to Washington Residential Landlord Tenant Law
Recently adopted Senate Bill 5600 substantially amends Washington residential landlord tenant law effective July 28, 2019.[1] These changes apply to all existing residential leases, regardless of the terms in those leases. This article briefly addresses the major changes and provides recommendations for landlords to consider. Overview of the New [...]
Knowing the Waters – Real Property Taxes, Real Property Tax Exemptions, Leasehold Excise Tax and Leasehold Excise Tax Exemptions
By Frank Chmelik of Chmelik Sitkin & Davis P.S. – June 2019 The mix of port district tenants is shifting from primarily industrial or commercial uses to a much wider range of uses. So, this month we look at real property taxes, real property tax exemptions, leasehold excise [...]