When Negotiation Isn't Enough, We're Ready.
Aggressive, strategic litigation for high-stakes civil disputes.
Book a Consultation →Most disputes don't start in a courtroom. But some have to end there.
Civil litigation is the legal process for resolving disputes between individuals, businesses, and organizations outside of criminal court. That includes broken contracts, business torts, partnership fallouts, collection disputes, and injunctive actions — the situations where the other side has stopped negotiating in good faith and you need a lawyer who can take the fight where it needs to go.
At Washington Law, our litigators don't treat the courtroom as a last resort they're reluctant to enter. We prepare every case as if it's going to trial — because that preparation is exactly what gives our clients the leverage to settle on favorable terms when the other side realizes we're serious.
We handle disputes at every level of Washington's court system, from King County Superior Court to the Court of Appeals, as well as private arbitration and mediation proceedings. Our litigation team has resolved hundreds of cases across commercial, contract, and business tort matters — and we bring that experience to every file, no matter the size.
PLAINTIFFS
When you've been wronged — by a business partner, a contractor, or a party who simply won't honor their obligations — we help you build the strongest possible case and pursue the result you're owed.
- • Breach of contract claims
- • Business tort & fraud claims
- • Injunctive relief & TROs
- • Partnership & shareholder disputes
- • Collections & judgment enforcement
- • Appellate representation
DEFENDANTS
Being sued is disruptive and expensive. We move quickly to assess exposure, identify defenses, and resolve cases as efficiently as possible — including motions to dismiss and summary judgment.
- • Commercial dispute defense
- • Contract dispute defense
- • Mediation & arbitration representation
- • Motion practice & dispositive motions
- • Business tort defense
- • Settlement negotiation & resolution
Our Services
Commercial Litigation
We provide comprehensive counsel regarding commercial litigation. Our attorneys bring deep experience to ensure your interests are protected at every stage of the process.
Contract Disputes
We provide comprehensive counsel regarding contract disputes. Our attorneys bring deep experience to ensure your interests are protected at every stage of the process.
Business Torts
We provide comprehensive counsel regarding business torts. Our attorneys bring deep experience to ensure your interests are protected at every stage of the process.
Mediation & Arbitration
We provide comprehensive counsel regarding mediation & arbitration. Our attorneys bring deep experience to ensure your interests are protected at every stage of the process.
Injunctive Relief
We provide comprehensive counsel regarding injunctive relief. Our attorneys bring deep experience to ensure your interests are protected at every stage of the process.
Appellate Practice
We provide comprehensive counsel regarding appellate practice. Our attorneys bring deep experience to ensure your interests are protected at every stage of the process.
Collections & Judgment Enforcement
We provide comprehensive counsel regarding collections & judgment enforcement. Our attorneys bring deep experience to ensure your interests are protected at every stage of the process.
Representative Result
"Summary judgment secured for a Seattle SaaS company in a $2.8M breach-of-contract claim. Full dismissal with prejudice. Client avoided a six-week jury trial."
Practice Lead
Nathan Pierce
Partner — Civil Litigation
Nathan is a litigator's litigator. He thrives in the courtroom but understands that the best litigation strategy often avoids trial altogether.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for civil claims in Washington state?
It depends on the claim. Breach of written contract: six years. Personal injury: three years. Fraud: three years from discovery. Defamation: two years. Missing the statute of limitations almost always bars your claim permanently, regardless of how strong it is. If you think you may have a civil claim, consult an attorney promptly.
How long does a civil lawsuit typically take in Washington state?
Simple cases may resolve in six to twelve months. Complex commercial disputes often take two to three years from filing to verdict, though many settle before trial. Washington Law employs strategic case management — assessing early settlement value alongside trial preparation — to pursue the best outcome for each client as efficiently as possible.
What is the difference between mediation and arbitration?
In mediation, a neutral third party helps the parties reach a voluntary settlement — you retain full control over the outcome and no decision is imposed. In arbitration, a neutral arbitrator hears evidence and issues a binding decision, functioning much like a private judge. Both are typically faster and less expensive than trial. Washington Law advises clients on which process best suits their dispute.
When should I consider litigating rather than settling?
Litigation makes sense when the opposing party refuses to negotiate in good faith, when the amount at stake justifies the cost and time, or when a favorable legal precedent matters to your ongoing business. Washington Law provides a candid assessment of litigation risk and case value before recommending a course of action — we won't push you toward trial if a settlement serves you better.
Have more questions? Washington Law offers free initial consultations. Call us at (206) 555-1847 or book online.