Association General Counsel

A condominium or homeowner association is, in many ways, like any other small or mid-sized corporation. And like most corporations, associations contract with vendors, prepare budgets, set reserves, manage revenue, and elect officers and directors to run the corporation. In addition, associations deal with everyday issues such as parking disputes, building maintenance and enforcement of various covenants and rules.

Every time an association makes a decision, it is interpreting and applying various statutes and the association’s own governing documents—the declaration of CC&Rs, bylaws and house rules. These documents can be inconsistent or vague, and often fail to address the specific questions or needs of the association or homeowners.

As general counsel for associations, Barker Martin helps the association’s board of directors navigate the wide range of unique issues and challenges faced by associations. Our general counsel attorneys are well versed in the intricacies of association law of Washington and Oregon because that is what they do, day-to-day. While all of our attorneys provide associations with advice on a regular basis, we have two attorneys dedicated solely to providing general counsel services. Our attorneys are at the forefront of the industry, regularly speaking at association industry seminars, legal seminars and committee meetings. We are often asked to give input to the legislature to improve the laws that affect associations.

Our dedication to this area of the law means our attorneys are uniquely qualified to provide clients with up-to-date advice and clear direction. Below are just some of the services we offer to our general counsel clients:

  • Governing Document Review
  • Declaration, CC&R & Bylaw Amendments
  • Rule Drafting
  • Vendor Contract Review
  • Declaration & CC&R Interpretation
  • Assistance with Turnover of Control from Developer
  • Collection Services Program
  • Corporate Governance, Including Resolution Drafting and Meeting & Voting Advice
  • New Board Member Education
  • General Real Property Legal Counsel

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