Q & A with Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt
Q: Why does Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt stand out?
A: With more than 165 attorneys in seven offices, Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt is among the largest law firms in the Pacific Northwest. Our clients count on us for full-spectrum legal services to help them achieve goals throughout their business lives. Schwabe’s understanding of six key ‎industry sectors—real estate and construction; healthcare; manufacturing, retail, and distribution; natural resources; technology; and transportation, ports, and maritime—allows us to help clients achieve success through ideas, advice, and exceptional ‎legal counsel.Â
Schwabe follows an innovative real estate and construction industry focused approach to serving our clients. With the organization of ‎our ‎attorneys into industry groups, we are a one-stop shop for legal expertise in all facets of the ‎construction ‎industry. From payment and defect claims, to employment and tax issues, our Construction ‎Service Team ‎offers full-service representation. Our clients can be assured that over time, our team will ‎get to know all ‎aspects of their organizations, which will enable more comprehensive, timely legal advice.‎
Q: What is the overall mission of Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt?
A: Our clients are working fast to respond to an evolving marketplace and changing economy, and our job is to listen to them and adapt to their needs. Clients are telling us they want more than high-quality legal support; they want partners with deep experience in their industry. Our attorneys are empowered to become masters of their clients’ industries, and our firm culture supports this focus. Schwabe attorneys get out of the office to meet clients where they are, in their industries.
Q: What is Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt’s key focus this year?
A: Schwabe launched an industry-focused approach in June 2016 to demonstrate the immersive mind-set of our team. In continuing this shift over the next year, our goal is to become even more ingrained in our clients’ businesses, knowing we must have a comprehensive understanding of the industries we serve. With the real estate and construction business, Schwabe is devoted to learning about our clients and finding new, innovative ways to provide value.
This year, Schwabe aims to expand our participation in industry associations where our clients focus their time and efforts. We are working to continuously educate ourselves on industry trends and forecasts. We will continue to offer resources and education in areas where we have extensive experience.
Q: Why does Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt find its’ relationship with AGC valuable?
A: Our firm has a long-standing relationship with AGC, and our attorneys have served in several different leadership roles over the years. This relationship has been, and continues to be, valuable. AGC is the leading source for construction industry knowledge in our region, and is consistently up to speed on the most pressing issues facing contractors. AGC provides an opportunity for our attorneys to learn how best to serve our clients by connecting with leaders in the industry.
Q: Do you have a key team that work with AGC members?
A: By representing general contractors, specialty contractors, design professionals, and other members of the construction industry, Schwabe’s Construction Service Team has a 360-degree understanding of the construction industry and what it takes to successfully complete projects. The team drafts and negotiates contract documents and represents construction industry clients in a wide range of disputes. Leaders in their fields, the shareholders on the Construction Service Team specialize in all areas of law applicable to the construction industry.
Construction Service Team
Stephanie Holmberg
Stephanie strives to make sure her clients are strategically positioned for success at every stage.‎ As former ‎in-house counsel to a national electric utility contractor, Stephanie has extensive knowledge of ‎the ‎construction industry and the unique issues contractors face. Her industry ‎experience enables Stephanie to ‎see matters from the client’s perspective and provide legal advice that ‎incorporates business objectives ‎and priorities. ‎Stephanie serves as leader of the Construction Service Team.
Darien Loiselle
Respected throughout the industry, Darien has served as general counsel to AGC’s Oregon-Columbia Chapter and a member of its Foundation Board, chair of the Maritime Commerce Club, counsel to Associated Builders and Contractors, and chair of the Construction and Maritime Sections of the Oregon State Bar. Darien is a sought-after presenter on construction-related issues, and his clients include owners, general contractors, designers and engineers, specialty contractors, insurers, and maritime interests.
Dave Bartz
Dave helps construction businesses throughout the Pacific Northwest resolve disputes, gain approvals and keep projects moving forward. An accomplished trial lawyer, Dave has extensive experience representing clients in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Washington Department of Ecology, and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. Dave also served as general counsel for the Oregon-Columbia Chapter.
Noah Jarrett
Noah assists owners, design professionals and suppliers with all phases of construction projects, claims, and litigation, even those that arise after a project is complete. His start-to-finish experience allows him to understand diverse perspectives and craft strategies that keep projects moving forward. With more than a dozen years of experience representing clients in construction, he has the insight to provide practical advice and the technical skill to try his clients’ best case.
Bill Ohle
Bill has more than 20 years of experience representing clients in construction defect and housing accessibility claims, with an emphasis on claims involving design defects by architects and engineers. He defends design professionals against professional malpractice claims, and he drafts professional service contracts to minimize the risk of construction disputes and meet the needs of specific design disciplines and projects. Bill has litigated nearly two dozen Fair Housing Act and Americans with Disabilities Act claims in federal and state courts and agencies.
Amanda Gamblin
Amanda offers practical advice for the unique employment issues that arise in the construction industry. Her advice integrates complex and often contradictory legal requirements with the business realities facing a workforce that may be deployed for extended periods, seasonal or transitory, safety-conscious, or demanding of unprecedented flexibility. She also has extensive experience litigating all types of employment-related claims.
Q: Does the Construction Service Team Offer any key services?
A: Our Construction Service Team offers a two-hour “lunch-and-learn” seminar on the ins and outs of construction contracts, especially as they relate to project management and administration. This seminar takes place at the client’s place of business and is customized to the client’s particular line of business and needs. Have questions on how to best negotiate contract terms or navigate contract requirements to achieve greater project efficiency? Everyone from senior management to administrative staff can benefit from this convenient and educational session. Please reach out to Stephanie Holmberg for information and to schedule a seminar for your organization.