Firm News & Announcements

• Press Release: Ryan Swanson Hires Helen M. Hapner as Associate (March, 2019)
• Press Release: Ryan Swanson Elects Shannon J. Lawless and Marsha T. Mavunkel as Members (December, 2018)
• Press Release: Ryan Swanson Hires Cody Suzuko Nunn as Associate (August, 2018)
• Press Release: Ryan Swanson Hires Jeng-Ya (Jen) Chen as Associate (July, 2018)
• Press Release: Ryan Swanson Hires Danielle Flatt as Associate (June, 2018)
• Press Release: Ryan Swanson Elects Hans P. Juhl and Derek D. Crick as Members (December, 2017)
• Press Release: Ryan Swanson Elects Roger Mellem to Executive Committee (October, 2017)
• Press Release: Ryan Swanson Celebrates 120th Anniversary (May, 2017)
• Press Release: Ryan Swanson Hires Gregory Lutje as Of Counsel (October, 2016)
• Press Release: Ryan Swanson Hires Hans Juhl as Of Counsel (June, 2016)
• Press Release: Shannon Lawless Sworn in as President of Washington Women Lawyers (October, 2015)
• Press Release: Ryan Swanson Elects Dave Tift as its Eleventh Managing Director (September, 2015)
• Press Release: Ryan Swanson Hires Derek Crick as Of Counsel (September, 2015)
• Press Release: Ryan Swanson Hires Amy M. Royalty as Member (June, 2015)
• 11 Ryan Swanson Attorneys Named to 2015 Washington Super Lawyers, Rising Stars Lists (2015) - (June, 2015)
• Press Release: Ryan Swanson Lead Sponsor of 2015 CougsFirst! Show (January, 2015)
• Press Release: Ryan Swanson’s Legal Alliance Recognized as “Elite” in International Rankings (January, 2015)
• Press Release: Ryan Swanson Hires Marsha Mavunkel as Associate (January, 2015)
• 12 Ryan Swanson Attorneys Named to 2014 Washington Super Lawyers, Rising Stars Lists (January, 2014)
• Press Release: Ryan Swanson Announces Brian Lewis has Rejoined the Firm (January, 2014)
• Press Release: John R. Ruhl Appointed to King County Superior Court (January, 2014)
• Press Release: Ryan Swanson Announces Mick Fleming has Rejoined the Firm (January, 2014)
• Ryan Swanson Named Top Ranked Law Firm (May, 2013)
• Press Release: Ryan Swanson Wins AWB’s Better Workplace Award for Innovative Compensation & Benefits (May, 2013)
• Press Release: Ryan Swanson Wins AWB's Community Service Award for Helping People in Need (May, 2013)
• Ryan Swanson's Immigration Group Ranked Among Top Firms in Washington State by Chambers & Partners (May, 2012)
• Ryan Swanson Named One of Washington's Best Workplaces by Puget Sound Business Journal (May, 2012)
• Press Release: Tim Dore Appointed to United States Bankruptcy Court (May, 2011)
• Four Ryan Swanson Attorneys Named in the 2012 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America® (May, 2011)
• Ryan Swanson Receives PSALA Community Service Achievement Award (May, 2010)

Business Group

• Governor Inslee Signs New Law Restricting Noncompetition Agreements (April, 2019)
• Reminder: Paid Family and Medical Leave Deductions begin January 1, 2019 (December, 2018)
• Guide for Starting a New Business in Washington State (March, 2017)
• Limited Partnerships in Washington State (July, 2016)
• Guide for Businesses Using Testimonials and Endorsements (June, 2016)

Employment Rights Benefits & Labor Group

• Employer Alert: Include disclaimers for service charges or risk costly lawsuits and penalties (May, 2019)
• Governor Inslee Signs New Law Restricting Noncompetition Agreements (April, 2019)
• Snow Day! Should you Pay? (February, 2019)
• Increase in Penalties by U.S. Department of Labor Now Effective (January, 2019)
• Reminder: Paid Family and Medical Leave Deductions begin January 1, 2019 (December, 2018)
• 2019 Minimum Wage Increases Announced by the Seattle Office of Labor Standards (October, 2018)
• Ryan Swanson's 30th Annual Employment Seminar - Presentation Slides (September, 2018)
• Voluntary Plan Application for Paid Family and Medical Leave Now Available (September, 2018)
• Preparing for Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Act (April, 2018)
• Washington Fair Chance Act Signed Into Law (March, 2018)
• Washington Healthcare News: Final Regulations Issued for Washington's Paid Sick Leave Law, Effective January 1, 2018 (January, 2018)
• New Year, New Minimum Wage (January, 2018)
• New Proposed Amendments to Seattle Paid Sick and Safe Time and Minimum Wage (November, 2017)
• Final Regulations Issued for Washington’s Paid Sick Leave Law, effective January 1, 2018 (October, 2017)
• Ryan Swanson's Annual Employment Law Seminar - Presentation Slides & Webinar Recordings (September, 2017)
• Email Etiquette (August, 2017)
• Overview of Compliance With Seattle's Secure Scheduling Ordinance (July, 2017)
• Age Discrimination in the Workplace – Employment Law Q&A (May, 2017)
• Employment Law Alert: Washington State and Seattle Minimum Wage Increases Effective January 1, 2017 (January, 2017)
• Answers to 9 Frequently Asked Employer Questions (November, 2016)
• How to Properly Classify Independent Contractors and Employees in Washington (October, 2016)
• Washington's Minimum Wage to Increase January 1, 2017 (September, 2016)
• 5 Things You Should Know About the Enforceability of Noncompetition Agreements in Washington and Oregon (September, 2016)
• 3 Laws You Should Be Aware of to Help Prevent Discrimination and Harassment (July, 2016)
• What Employers Need to Know About the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) (July, 2016)
• Preventing Discrimination and Harassment in the Workplace - What Companies Need to Know (April, 2016)
• Beginning April 1, 2016, Employees May Bring Private Lawsuits for Violation of Seattle Labor Laws (March, 2016)
• Can Obesity Alone be Considered a Disability in Washington State? (March, 2016)
• Discrimination and Harassment - Title VII and Related State Laws (March, 2016)
• “Stay at Work” Program Offers Financial Incentives for Washington Employers with Injured Workers (November, 2015)
• 27th Annual Employment Law Seminar Presentation Materials (August, 2015)
• Are You Prepared for Revisions to Federal Regulations on Overtime? (June, 2015)
• Handling E-Discovery When a Lawsuit is Filed (June, 2015)
• How to Make Employee Reviews Meaningful - 8 Tips (May, 2015)
• Job Interview DO's and DON'Ts (April, 2015)
• Restrictive Language in Employment Confidentiality Agreements Can Lead to SEC Enforcement Action (April, 2015)
• Questions about Seattle's Minimum Wage Ordinance? Resources to Answer Your Questions and Help Ensure Compliance (March, 2015)
• Pregnancy Discrimination Laws (Chart) (September, 2014)
• Understanding Employee Paycheck Deductions (April, 2014)
• Answers to Nine Employer Questions about Marijuana (April, 2014)
• Do the Provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Now Affect Your Private Company? (April, 2014)
• Health Care Reform Update: Reporting Requirements Under the Affordable Care Act (September, 2013)
• The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: What's Next? - presentation slides from 25th Annual Employment Law Update Seminar (September, 2013)
• Should I Stay or Should I Go? FMLA Leave and Obligations - presentation slides from 25th Annual Employment Law Update Seminar (September, 2013)
• Health Care Reform Update: Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services to Recoup Overpayments (May, 2013)
• Health Care Reform Update: Important Current Case Law (May, 2013)
• Navigating Employee Privacy in the Hiring Process - presentation slides from 25th Annual Employment Law Update Seminar (May, 2013)
• Inquiring Minds Want to Know...10 Developments to Watch Out For - presentation slides from 25th Annual Employment Law Update Seminar (May, 2013)
• Recent Developments in Federal & State Law - presentation slides from 25th Annual Employment Law Update Seminar (May, 2013)
• New Seattle Law Limits Use of Criminal History in Hiring (May, 2013)
• Recent Court Decisions Set Boundaries for Arbitration Clauses (May, 2013)
• Creating a Document Retention Policy (May, 2013)
• Five Areas of Focus for Law Firms to Boost Employee Engagement (December, 2012)
• State Law Update (September, 2012)
• Federal Law Update (September, 2012)
• Handling E-Discovery (September, 2012)
• Best Practices with Electronic Records (September, 2012)
• Patient Protection and ACA: Now What? (September, 2012)
• Employers' Requirement to Post NLRA Notice Upheld (April, 2012)
• The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ("ACA") (September, 2011)
• 23rd Annual Employment Law Update - Presentation Slides (September, 2011)
• Eight Great Dealer FAQs About Employment Law (May, 2011)
• Federal Law Update (May, 2010)
• 22nd Annual Employment Law Update - Presentation Slides (May, 2010)
• Unraveling the Overlapping Employee Leave Laws (May, 2010)
• Winds of Change Seminar Presentation Slides (May, 2009)
• The Electronic Tsunami: Don't Get Caught In This Wave! (May, 2009)
• Laws that Apply to the Employment Relationship (May, 2009)
• Pre-Employment Screening Methods: How Much Do You Really Want To Know? (May, 2009)
• Generational Issues in the Workplace (May, 2008)
• THE STATE COURTS SPEAK (May, 2007)
• THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF: DEDUCTING FROM PAY, FMLA ISSUES (May, 2007)
• Religious Accommodation in the Workplace (May, 2007)
• WAGE AND HOUR ISSUES FOR EMPLOYERS IN THE 21ST CENTURY (May, 2006)
• ACCOMMODATING MILITARY LEAVE (May, 2006)

Estate Planning & Probate Group

• 5 Easiest Ways to Update Your Estate Plan to Incorporate Charitable Giving (July, 2017)
• Taking Care of Your Family with Estate Planning (May, 2016)
• Time May Be Running Out on Valuation Discounts for Gifts to Family Members (August, 2015)
• Ways to navigate tax on net investment income (April, 2015)
• Estate and Business Succession Planning in 2015: Are You Prepared? (April, 2015)
• Q&A: Why is it important to review the titling of my assets and my beneficiary designations? (April, 2015)
• Income and Estate Planning for the Inbound and Outbound Resident (April, 2013)
• Q&A: Should I name a charity as beneficiary of my traditional IRA or retirement plan? (April, 2013)
• What Action Did Congress Take That Impacts Estate and Gift Tax Planning? (January, 2013)
• Q&A: Do I need to be concerned about estate planning if my total assets are less than $5 million? (August, 2012)
• Q&A: I have heard the federal tax laws may be changing. Should I consider making gifts this year? (June, 2012)
• 9 Answers to Your Estate Planning & Tax Questions (May, 2012)
• Dos and Don'ts of Selecting Assets to Give as Gifts (April, 2012)
• Q&A: What is a GST Trust? Why should I create one in 2012? (February, 2012)
• Q&A: My spouse recently passed away. Even though a federal estate tax return is not required to be filed, should the estate file one anyway (June, 2011)
• Recent Changes to the Federal Estate and Gift Tax: What Does this Mean to You? (May, 2011)

Food and Beverage

• Employer Alert: Include disclaimers for service charges or risk costly lawsuits and penalties (May, 2019)
• CBD Edible Product Crackdown: What’s Next for Washington Retailers and Restaurants (February, 2019)

Franchise & Distribution Group

• Online Privacy Issues for Franchisors and Franchisees (June, 2015)
• U.S. Franchising Basics (April, 2012)

Healthcare

• Revised Washington State Uniform Power of Attorney Act Contains Critical Changes Important to Healthcare Providers (June, 2017)
• Health Care Organizations: Are You Prepared for an I-9 Audit? (September, 2016)
• Health Care Providers Are Subject to Civil Liability When Employees Fail to Report the Abuse of a Vulnerable Adult (June, 2016)

Immigration Group

• The First E-2 Visa Issued out of U.S. Embassy in New Zealand goes to Ryan Swanson Client (July, 2019)
• Significant Delays by USCIS in Processing and Issuance of Post-Completion OPT EADs for International Students (June, 2019)
• USCIS Announces Premium Processing Available for all Remaining FY 2020 H-1B Cap Petitions on June 10 (June, 2019)
• Nonimmigrant and Immigrant Visa Applicants Must Now Disclose Social Media Platform Information (May, 2019)
• Income and Estate Tax Planning on a Linear Basis for the Inbound and Outbound Resident (May, 2019)
• USCIS Announces Premium Processing Available for some FY 2020 H-1B Cap Petitions (March, 2019)
• Premium Processing to Resume for H-1B Petitions (March, 2019)
• New Form for Nonimmigrant Extension and Change of Status Application to be Required Soon (March, 2019)
• You Will Never Vote Until You Are Naturalized! (February, 2019)
• Proposed Rule for the Removal of the H-4 EAD Program Under Federal Review (February, 2019)
• USCIS Announces Partial Implementation of New H-1B Process (January, 2019)
• USCIS Resumes Premium Processing for FY 2019 H-1B Cap Petitions (January, 2019)
• Department of Labor Operations during the Government Shutdown (January, 2019)
• Time to Start Preparing H-1B Cap Petitions for FY 2020 (January, 2019)
• Reforms to H-1B Lottery Process Proposed (November, 2018)
• DHS Proposes new Rule on Public Charge and Inadmissibility (November, 2018)
• November Visa Bulletin – accepting applications based on filing dates (November, 2018)
• Proposed Rule for the Removal of the H-4 EAD Program May Be Published in November of 2018 (November, 2018)
• Employers May Face New H-1B Cap Lottery Process for FY2020 (November, 2018)
• Update to Validity Period of Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (October, 2018)
• REAL ID Driver's Licenses - Apply Now and Beat the Rush (October, 2018)
• Diversity Lottery (October, 2018)
• The Invisible Wall: Limits to Business Immigration Under the Current Administration (September, 2018)
• Premium Processing Fee Increase (September, 2018)
• September 2018 Visa Bulletin Update (September, 2018)
• Premium Processing for Most H-1B Petition Categories Suspended (August, 2018)
• Immigration Alert: Significant Procedural Policy Changes (August, 2018)
• Marijuana and Non-Citizens (August, 2018)
• Long Wait Times for Visa Appointments at U.S. Consulates in India (July, 2018)
• Supreme Court Rules 5-4 to Uphold Travel Ban (June, 2018)
• No Premium Processing for H-1B Cap Petitions until September 10, 2018 (March, 2018)
• Get Ready for H-1B Cap Filings on April 2, 2018 (January, 2018)
• Department of Homeland Security Considers Policy Change That Would Prevent H-1B Extensions (January, 2018)
• Supreme Court Upholds Travel Ban (December, 2017)
• Updates to USCIS Policies Impacting Employers and Temporary Visa Holders (November, 2017)
• FY-2019 Diversity Visa Lottery Registration Period Open Until November 22, 2017 (October, 2017)
• USCIS and SSA Working Together (October, 2017)
• Is Your Business Prepared for an I-9 Audit? (September, 2017)
• Policy Change Regarding Advance Parole for Adjustment of Status (AOS) Applicants (August, 2017)
• Number of H-2B Visas For Fiscal Year Ending 9/30/17 to Increase by 15,000 (July, 2017)
• New Version of Form I-9 Released Today, July 17 (July, 2017)
• Supreme Court Decision Upholds Limited Version of Travel Ban (June, 2017)
• Extreme Vetting: Plan Ahead and Prepare for Possible Delays in Visa Processing (June, 2017)
• New Executive Order Calls for H-1B Reform and Increased Enforcement (April, 2017)
• 5 Things You Should Know About the President's Executive Order on Immigration (March, 2017)
• Workplace Site Visits - What You Can Do To Prepare (February, 2017)
• Seattle Federal Judge Issues Preliminary Injunction Extending Nationwide Block of President's Executive Order on Immigration (February, 2017)
• 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Upholds TRO on Travel Ban (February, 2017)
• President's Immigration Ban Temporarily Suspended (February, 2017)
• Impact of Proposed White House Executive Order on Employment-Based Immigration (February, 2017)
• Employers Advised to File H-1B Petitions for Employees in TN Status (February, 2017)
• President's Executive Order Suspends Entry Into U.S. for Foreign Nationals from Seven Countries and Impacts Visa Processing (January, 2017)
• President's Executive Order Expected to Suspend Entry into U.S. for Foreign Nationals from Seven Countries (January, 2017)
• Department of Homeland Security Issues Final Rule - Expect Changes to Some Aspects of Employment-Based Visa Programs (November, 2016)
• USCIS Fees to Increase December 23, 2016 (October, 2016)
• Significantly Reduced Visa Wait Times at U.S. Consulates in India (October, 2016)
• Recent Changes Make Entry Into The U.S. Easier For International Travelers (October, 2016)
• Immigration Law Update: August 2016 Visa Bulletin (July, 2016)
• Visas Revoked Based on DUI Arrest (April, 2016)
• Important Information for Employers and Students on Implementation of the New 24-Month STEM OPT Regulation (April, 2016)
• The STEM OPT Extension Lawsuit and Its Impact on Employers and Employees (January, 2016)
• Proposed New Rule to Benefit Employees on Temporary Visas and in Employment-Based Green Card Process (January, 2016)
• Domestic Travel Identification Requirements to Change in Early 2016 (December, 2015)
• Department of State 2017 Diversity Immigrant Visa Program Ends November 3rd (October, 2015)
• USCIS Announces Revised Procedure for Determining Immigrant Visa Availability - Likely to Help Many File I-485 Applications (September, 2015)
• Acceptance of H-1B Premium Processing Cases Has Begun (April, 2015)
• The Moving Executive: Preserving Residency for Naturalization a/k/a "Perma-Shaving Naturalization” (February, 2015)
• Update: Future Employment for Certain H-4 Dependents (February, 2015)
• Immigration Law Update: November 2014 (November, 2014)
• Guidelines for Preparing and Presenting TN Applications by Prospective Employees of U.S. Employers (July, 2014)
• Immigration Law Update: Our Predictions for 2014 & H-1B Cap News (January, 2014)
• Immigration Law Update: October 2013 (October, 2013)
• Update: ICE Increases Inspections, Export Control Laws &USCIS New Tool Validation (June, 2013)
• 10 Things Every Employer Should Know About the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill Being Considered by Congress (June, 2013)
• Immigration Law Update: Summer 2013 (June, 2013)
• Income and Estate Planning for the Inbound and Outbound Resident (April, 2013)
• Immigration Law Update: New Form I-9 & Employer Handbook (March, 2013)
• Update: 2014 Diversity Visa Program, New Filing Option Announced by USCIS and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (October, 2012)
• Ryan Swanson's Immigration Group Currently Accepting “DREAM” Deferred Action Program Cases (August, 2012)
• Your Turn for a Form I-9 Audit is Coming...SOON (July, 2012)
• So You Thought Your Employee Was Terminated, Guess Again! (June, 2012)
• Naturalization and Citizenship Requirements (June, 2012)
• Update: H-1B Visa, India & China Retrogression and I-9 Inspections (April, 2012)
• Update: H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa (February, 2012)
• Tips for Completing the Form DS-156 (February, 2012)

Insurance Group

• Strong Majority of Decisions Now Hold the Insurance Fair Conduct Act Applies to First-Party and Third-Party Claims (May, 2018)
• An Erroneous Judicial Narrowing of Washington’s Insurance Fair Conduct Act (July, 2015)

Litigation Group

• Governor Inslee Signs Two New Landlord-Tenant Bills into Law (May, 2019)
• Copyright Registration Now Required to Recover Infringement Damages (April, 2019)
• Highlights of Key State Court Cases of Interest (February, 2017)
• Health Care Providers Are Subject to Civil Liability When Employees Fail to Report the Abuse of a Vulnerable Adult (June, 2016)
• Washington Supreme Court Holds Title Insurance Underwriter Liable for Regulatory Violations by Appointed Agent, Notwithstanding the Underwriter’s Lack of a Right to Control (April, 2013)
• Ninth Circuit Says Even Generally Applicable Contract Defenses are Displaced by the FAA if they have a Disproportionate Effect on Arbitration (April, 2013)

Real Estate Development Finance

• Governor Inslee Signs Two New Landlord-Tenant Bills into Law (May, 2019)

Trademarks & Intellectual Property Group

• New U.S. Trademark Rule Requires U.S.-Licensed Counsel for Foreign Applicants (July, 2019)
• How Do You Register and Enforce U.S. Trademarks? (April, 2019)
• Copyright Registration Now Required to Recover Infringement Damages (April, 2019)
• 7 Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Brand (February, 2017)
• Trademark Registration - When You Should Consider Registering With the State? (June, 2016)
• How to File Foreign Trademarks Properly in the United States (June, 2016)
• U.S. Trademark Basics - What They Are and the Value They Provide (June, 2015)
• Cease and Desist Letter for Trademark Infringement, Unfair Competition or Claim of Dilution (June, 2013)
• Licensor's Quality Control (May, 2013)
• Google's Use of Trademarked Keywords Not Immunized by Functionality Says Fourth Circuit (April, 2012)

Transportation

• Be Prepared for Claims of Retaliation Under the Federal Railroad Safety Act (April, 2014)