JASON T. PISKEL
member
Jason T. Piskel is a founding member of the multi-practice law firm Piskel Yahne Kovarik, PLLC. Jason represents companies in the construction industry, including general contractors, engineers, architects, and sureties. He has represented companies varying in size from small contractors and design firms to ENR Top 500 Firms in mediations, litigations, and arbitrations with claims ranging from under $100,000 to over $15,000,000.
Jason has represented clients on projects in every sector of the construction industry, including heavy civil (interstate highways, dams, local highways and streets), industrial (manufacturing facilities, wastewater treatment plants, and pump stations), commercial (mixed-use developments, mid-rise office towers, and retail developments), health care (hospitals and elder care facilities), education (universities, colleges, and primary schools), and residential (condominium construction and conversion, planned communities, and single-family homes).
He frequently counsels clients on insurance issues, including coverage questions, risk management, and contract requirements. Jason has counseled general contractors, designers, sureties, and industry trade groups across the country on insurance coverage questions for all major insurance products.
While very familiar with all construction disputes, Jason also assists commercial clients in all types of civil disputes, including sale of goods issues and foreclosure of security rights-along with employment disputes arising from agreements or trade secret laws. He also has enjoyed representing litigants involved in estate litigation arising from will contests or beneficiary disputes about the distribution of inheritance.
During 2018-2019, Jason served as chair of the Washington State Bar Association's Construction Law Section, and sat on the Spokane County Volunteer Lawyers Program Standing Advisory Committee for three years. He is a cum laude graduate of Gonzaga University School of Law and earned his bachelor degree in economics at Western Washington University. He can be reached at 509.321.5930.
Education
Gonzaga University School of Law, J.D. cum laude, 2004 • Western Washington University, B.A. in Economics, 2001
Achievements
Recognized in Washington Super Lawyers Magazine as a “Super Lawyer” 2015 - Present and as a “Rising Star” in 2010 - 2014 • Spokane Coeur d’Alene Living – Best Lawyer in Construction Litigation • Rated “10.0” by AVVO
Associations
WSBA Construction Law Section Trustee (2012 to Present) • Trustee for the Spokane County Bar Association (2011-2012) • Member of the Education Committee at the Inland Northwest Chapter of the Association of General Contractors • Spokane Art School, Vice President, 2006-2008 • Spokane Club - Handball Committee Member • Gonzaga University Alumni Mentor Program (2010-Present) • Member of the State Bar of Washington • Member of the State Bar of Idaho • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington • U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho
REPRESENTATION EXPERIENCE
Represented general contractor against a manufacturer for the construction of the manufacturing and office plant for nonpayment. Filed a 1.3 million dollar lien, initiated a lien foreclosure proceeding. Defendant manufacturer filed a counterclaim for 16 million. Completed a two-week arbitration where contractor client was determined to be the prevailing party and awarded in excess of $1.4 million.
Represented general contractor and multiple subcontractors on lien foreclosure action involving a public/private project to operate a racing facility. Lien foreclosure action involved complex issues involving liens on public projects and achieved full compensation to contractors through negotiations with the public agency.
Represented owners/developers in complex real estate litigation involving development of several development projects. Successfully negotiated settlement of multiple projects involving fraudulent conveyances and real estate transactions.
Represented a general contractor in lawsuit against a window installer. Settled the matter against the window installer for a covenant judgment and assignment against the installer’s insurance carrier. Successfully negotiated a settlement of the coverage dispute with the insurance carrier.
Represented a general contractor in claims against a condominium developer in a lien foreclosure and subsequent bond action for a claim of 2.3 million dollars. Resolved the matter in a mediation involving the surety, developer, and multiple subcontractors.
Defended a bank in a negligent misrepresentation, consumer protection act, and securities violations matter brought by a limited liability company and its members who were personal guarantors to the defaulted loan.
Represented personal representative in claims against putative beneficiaries of an estate and farming business.
Represented general contractor in an action to hold a subcontractor to its bid. Resolved after summary judgment ruling in the general contractor’s favor.
Defended roofing subcontractor in a personal injury lawsuit for a slip and fall. The action was dismissed on summary judgment.
Represented commercial property owner in an out parcel and covenant, condition and restriction dispute with a fortune 500 grocery operation. Action resolved in client’s favor at mediation.
Represented several private property owners in eminent domain actions arising out of the Spokane North South Freeway project achieving favorable settlements prior to trial.