Shawn Alexander
Shawn Alexander Attorney at Law
PO Box 359
Olga, WA 98279
Phone: (360) 376-6820
Email me at positivelaw@gmail.com
http://www.positivelaw.com
http://www.avvo.com/attorneys/98279-wa-shawn-alexander-29035.html
Can you answer this, “What will make you happy?”
- Legal Topic
Real Estate
Preferred New Clients
I will accept cases from those who need me and who I can help.
Sub-Categories
Commercial Real Estate
- Architectural & Engineering
- Building Codes
- Buying & Selling
- Condemnation
- Condominiums & Cooperatives
- Construction Contracts
- Construction Defects
- Construction Financing
- Conveyancing
- Eminent Domain
- Homeowners’ Associations
- Insurance
- Land Contracts
- Land Use & Zoning
- Mechanics’ Liens
- Mortgages
- Property Taxes
- Real Estate Loans
- Renting & Leasing
- Title Insurance
- Title Litigation
- Landlord
Residential Real Estate
- Architectural & Engineering
- Broker & Transaction Litigation
- Building Codes
- Buying & Selling
- Condemnation
- Condominiums & Cooperatives
- Construction Contracts
- Conveyancing
- Eminent Domain
- Homeowners’ Associations
- Insurance
- Land Contracts
- Land Use & Zoning
- Mechanics’ Liens
- Mortgages
- Property Taxes
- Real Estate Loans
- Renting & Leasing
- Title Insurance
- Title Litigation
- Landlord
Legal Topic
Business Law
Preferred New Clients
I will accept cases from those who need me and who I can help.
Sub-Categories
Business Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Banking & Finance
- Commercial Banks & Loans
- Commercial Leasing
- Mortgages & Foreclosures
Business Formation & Dissolution
- Business Successions
- Buying & Selling
- Closely Held Businesses
- Corporations
- Directors’ & Officers’ Liability
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
- Mergers, Acquisitions & Divestitures
- Partnerships
Commercial Law
- Breach of Contract
- Contract Disputes
- Contract Drafting & Review
- Employment Contracts
- Non-Compete Contracts
- Secured Transactions
- Uniform Commercial Code
- Warranties
Construction
- Commercial Construction Contracts
- Construction Disputes
- Dangerous Property
- Mechanics’ Liens
Entertainment Law
- Film
Consumer/Lemon Law
- Debt Collection/Relief/Harassment
Legal Topic
Government & Environment
Preferred New Clients
I will accept cases from those who need me and who I can help.
Sub-Categories
Administrative Law
- Hearings & Adjudication
- Investigations
- Regulatory Enforcement
- Rulemaking
Constitutional Law
- Freedom of Speech
Environmental Law
- Water Pollution
- Wetlands & Wild Lands
- Consultation
- Legal Issues Advising
- Lobbying Activities
Natural Resources Law
- Fisheries & Wildlife
- Logging & Timber
- Water & Riparian Rights
State, Local, & Municipal Law
- Land Use & Zoning
Bar Admissions
WA, Jun 2000
Other Court Admissions
Washington State Courts.
Lummi Tribal Bar
Association Memberships
The Washington Bar.
Continuing Education
I attend seminars in areas of law I hope will benefit my clients and cover areas of law that I find interesting.
Example Cases
I handled a successful appeal regarding a homeowner’s association that closed one of the access roads cutting off my clients during periodic flooding. We were successful in overturning the decision.
I have had a number of adverse possession cases on both sides. One case involved a family that wanted to start a daycare service. After researching the licensing requirements, they found they had to have a fenced yard. When they fenced their backyard, the next-door neighbor sued to prevent blocking a potential access to their own backyard across a shared driveway. The Court agreed with my clients and allowed the fence to remain and the new business to start.
Timber trespass is when someone cuts down a tree, or trees, that are not his or hers. I have handled a number of timber trespass cases. The facts of each case are always different, but usually a neighbor cuts down trees accidentally or on purpose and when the trespass is discovered, the dispute begins. I try to explain the situation to my client and the possible outcomes. Usually there is a settlement and or replacement trees, sometimes insurance is involved.
I regularly help business owners sell their businesses and help people buy businesses. The largest transaction was more than $15 million and took almost a year. Subsequent issues carried on after the sale for the new owners.
Small businesses and start-ups are something I deal with on a daily basis. I offer a substantial discount for new businesses.
I also counsel clients with day-to-day issues and help them find help if I am not able to address the issues.
Education
School:
Huxley College, Western Washington University
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
City:
Bellingham
State:
WA
Year:
1996
Honors:
Thomas Huxley Award.
Focus and Accomplishments:
Environmental Policy & Assessment
School:
Whatcom Community College
Degree:
Associate in Applied Science
City:
Bellingham
State:
WA
Year:
1994
School:
Seattle University School of Law
Degree:
Juris Doctor
City:
Seattle
State:
WA
Year:
1999
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Washington
Firm Focus and History
I started as a solo lawyer in 2000 and I am still surviving. Cases accepted in: Real Estate, Land Use, Environmental Law, Business, Commercial law, Contracts, and Collections.
Previous Employment Summary
I started in the Washington Army National Guard as a combat engineer, and then worked in the private sector as a heavy equipment operator. After receiving a degree in civil engineering, I continued in heavy construction until I was injured on the job. I then received my Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Policy and Assessment. During that time I worked as an intern for a local Port Authority in the environmental compliance section. During law school I worked as an intern in the County Prosecutor’s office in civil division working on Land Use and Environmental cases.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I enjoy speaking with clients who have taken the trouble to research and learn about the situation they are facing. It helps all of us because there is only so much time to devote to work. A well-prepared client is quicker to help and find a solution.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I prefer it that way. I can see their ideas and plans better and then just helping them conform to the convention of the law.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I like to help those who will help themselves, rather than try to tell the client what they need.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I was disabled in an accident and needed to approach the world from a new frame of mind. I visited one of my old job sites which was one of the most environmentally conscious projects I worked on and saw litter, waste, and a general mess.
I started working as an apprentice engineer on the hydro-electric project adjacent to a wilderness area and saw wildlife daily. When I came back years later, I saw abandoned vehicles and garbage because we left the roads open. Irresponsible people then overran the wilderness area. I knew then the law was the only way to change such projects because we followed the law and it still was a mess.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I have the ability to cut through the mess of detail, summarize a situation, and jump to the end of the story. I will only work for people who I think are honest and I have a good B.S. detector.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I refuse criminal, personal injury, and family law cases because I do not see a positive side and I will listen to any other type of issues. I focus on real estate and construction because it is a field I have practical experience in and I like to see my clients have successful projects.
What do you like best about your career?
I enjoy helping people find positive solutions to life’s issues and I have the best commute.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner, so I am what you get when you call or come and see me.
What are your strengths and style?
I like to summarize a situation and lay out the possible and probable outcome for my clients’ right at the beginning.
I have a lot of willpower, in fact, I have extra, and I am willing to tell other people what to do.
Personal Interests:
I like working on machinery, like boats and cars and I like playing with my dogs. I am trying to start a fish farm in my spare time.
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
I am generally available by telephone or e-mail. Bellingham office by appointment only.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
I always consult with clients by telephone or email at no cost to help them give me all the details of their case and new updates and developments as they occur.
Fees may be calculated using some or all of the following methods:
Flat fee: Single fee for a single issue (i.e., Wills $500 minimum, Deeds $500, Letter $250)
Hourly rate: Billed monthly for services. $250 per hour (HEARINGS $250 to $1,500)
Blended hourly rate: Specialty rate, standard or reduced rate
Flat fee plus hourly
Hourly plus contingency
Retainer: Complete fee paid in advance, held in trust as billable hours accumulate monthly, then transferred to my account
Retainer deposit against future services: Cost paid in advance, monthly statement
Unit fee: Per transaction or service (Real Estate sale $600 minimum)
$500 special trip without notice fee
$150 planned trip fee
$500 weekend trip fee
All clients shall sign a fee agreement and pay before work commences.
All fees are due when billed. If you have a court appearance, hearing or need a document drafted all fees must be paid prior to work commencing.
There is a monthly $25 rebilling fee on all remaining balances.
Payment arrangements in advance only.
Client service exchanges:
1. Services in furtherance of case, to reduce charges (client does preliminary casework).
2. Services instead of payment. Mutual agreement and valuation (example trade for car, boat, construction services, etc.).
BASIC FEES
1. $250 per hour or per page drafted
2. $250 minimum for meetings
3. $500 special trip fee (no notice)
4. $150 planned travel fee (one week notice)
5. $25 rebilling fee on any balance due over 30 days
MINIMUM LITIGATION FEES
1. $1,500 District Court Summons and Complaint
2. $2,500 Superior Court Summons and Complaint
3. $2,500 minimum deposit for interrogatories and answers thereto
4. $500 minimum deposition plus costs
5. $1,500 per day during litigation
6. $1,500 answer to a summons and complaint
7. $50 notice of appearance
8. $500 surcharge accepting case via withdrawal and substitution
9. $350 Contested Traffic hearing, (includes discovery)
TRANSACTIONAL FEES
1. $500 deeds for real property
2. $1,500 minimum LLC agreement, more for special provisions
3. $1,500 construction liens, (up to but not including foreclosure)
4. $250 per hour for negotiations
5. $500 minimum for purchase and sale agreements, contracts, and leases
6. $500 homeowners meetings (first two hours included)
7. $250 letters (includes redrafts)
Hourly Rates
$250.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes, for as long as it takes to hear the story.
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