Practice Areas

We have a long tradition of Appellate Litigation as a particular focus of our practice, for which we are well known. This includes handling appeals in virtually all areas of civil and domestic practice, in both State and Federal appellate courts. It also includes consultation with counsel who would prefer to associate and remain involved in the appellate process, while receiving expert guidance from seasoned appellate practitioners. - Douglas W. Ahrens

We provide a wide variety of services to our business clients including preparation of agreements, sale and purchase of businesses, obtaining financing and funding for business operations, employee relations, and dissolution. - Fredric D. Reed, Douglas W. Ahrens, Claudia A. Gowan, Jason W. Burnett, Dominik Musafia.

Our firm also assists clients in formation and business planning and in deciding whether they want to operate as a closely held business, limited liability company, partnership, or corporation. We advise our clients about directors' and officers' liability, dissolution, franchising, reorganization, trade association membership and activity, joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, business successions, and shareholders' rights.- Fredric D. Reed, Douglas W. Ahrens, Michael J. Longyear, Jason W. Burnett.

The United States Constitution is the cornerstone of the relationship between the Federal and state governments and between individuals and those governments. We have experience in understanding and applying court decisions that interpret the Constitution and its Amendments in areas such as affirmative action and discrimination; freedoms of speech, press, and religion; search and seizure protections; eminent domain, voting rights; and freedom of information. We also have experience with issues arising under the Washington State Constitution. - Eric E. Brunstrom, Julie R. Sommer.

From negotiations to drafting to final review, each stage of contract development is crucial in obtaining the goals of the parties. We understand the nuances of language and apply them to our clients' advantage. Whether it be business contracts, health care employment contracts, or individual agreements, our attorneys have the experience to help our clients memorialize their transactions and eliminate any potential problems.- Fredric D. Reed, Douglas W. Ahrens, Michael C. Malnati, Michael J. Longyear, Eric E. Brunstrom, John R. Vaughey, Jason W. Burnett, Julie R. Sommer.

When collection is a necessity, turning to an experienced attorney can speed up the process. The collection process is driven by a maze of statutes and procedures that are confusing to both debtor and creditor. Sometimes a skilled negotiator can help expedite the process and help the parties reach an agreement, eliminating the need for a burdensome legal collection. We have worked for commercial and individual clients to reach a resolution when the parties cannot agree on payment terms. - Michael C. Malnati, Jason W. Burnett.

As the population grows older and lives longer, new legal challenges arise. Issues such as financial planning and long term care arrangements can prove to be daunting. The attorneys at Reed, Longyear, Malnati & Ahrens are skilled at reviewing every client's goals and assets to determine the best choices for each individual.- Michael J. Longyear, Eric E. Brunstrom, Julie R. Sommer.

Our firm handles a variety of estate planning matters, including planning for the distribution of an individual's property at his or her death and taking into account wills, taxes, insurance, property, and trusts so as to gain the maximum benefit of all laws, while, at the same time, carrying out the person's wishes. - Fredric D. Reed, Douglas W. Ahrens, Michael J. Longyear, Eric E. Brunstrom, Claudia A. Gowan, Julie R. Sommer.

We have extensive experience in family law and represent clients in the following areas: divorce, legal separation, paternity, step-parent adoptions, child custody, child support, arrearages, visitation, temporary orders, pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, domestic abuse, anti-harassment, mediation, arbitration, spousal support, post-secondary support, modifications, third-party custody, judgment enforcement, grandparent cases, and all other financial or property-related disputes. We also have extensive experience with appellate litigation of family law issues.- Christina L. Corwin, Dominik Musafia.

  • Guardianships

Sometimes our loved ones need help with their financial or personal matters. Whether it be due to age, incapacity, or some other circumstance, the courts can be asked to intervene to appoint a Guardian. The Guardian accepts responsibility for the financial and personal needs of the Ward. As a result, he or she must report regularly to the court on the status of the Ward's personal and financial status. Each state's guidelines for Guardianships are unique and can be difficult to maneuver. - Michael J. Longyear, Eric E. Brunstrom, Julie R. Sommer.

We represent and advise clients who are or might become involved in a lawsuit or appeal as a result of a dispute, including prevention and settlement, in such areas as commercial law, estate administration, contract disputes, and real estate issues. - Fredric D. Reed, Douglas W. Ahrens, Michael J. Longyear, Eric E. Brunstrom, John R. Vaughey, Jason W. Burnett, Julie R. Sommer.

Our firm represents individuals who have suffered personal injury or damage to their reputation or property resulting from events such as motor vehicle collisions, boating activities, premises incidents, workplace activities, and defective products. We also represent the estate and survivors of those who have perished in accidents. - John R. Vaughey, Gary L. Wolfstone.

Probate is the legal process by which a person's debts are paid and assets are distributed upon her or his death. Estate Administration includes the probate process as well as non-probate transfers of the deceased's assets. Individual state laws direct the probate court on how to distribute the deceased's estate. State laws and procedures vary greatly, so it is important to consult a firm with expertise in this area of the law to ensure that the deceased's assets are distributed correctly.- Fredric D. Reed, Michael J. Longyear, Eric E. Brunstrom, Claudia A. Gowan, Julie R. Sommer.

Our firm represents commercial clients and individuals in all proceedings and transactions that deal with real property land and the structures attached to it including purchase and sale, construction, mortgages and foreclosures, leases, zoning, title examinations, quiet title actions, closings, and management.- Fredric D. Reed, Douglas W. Ahrens, Michael C. Malnati, Jason W. Burnett, Dominik Musafia.

Our firm represents individuals and commercial clients in matters with tax implications, identifying and addressing state and federal tax issues, structuring transactions in such a way as to minimize taxes and avoid inherent tax problems.- Douglas W. Ahrens, Claudia A. Gowan

In order to establish a secure and regular income for loved ones left behind, many clients seek advice on Trust establishment and administration. This strategy can reduce a Beneficiary's tax and allow the Trust to grow through investment.- Michael J. Longyear, Eric E. Brunstrom, Claudia A. Gowan, Julie R. Sommer.

A Will is a person's declaration of how one wants their property dispersed after death. Because there are complex regulations regarding the validity of any Will, it is important to hire an attorney with knowledge and experience. - Michael J. Longyear, Douglas W. Ahrens, Fredric D. Reed, Eric E. Brunstrom, Claudia A. Gowan, Julie R. Sommer, Jason W. Burnett.