MPBA News & Press Releases
As a service to the visitors of MPBA.com, such as our clients and colleagues, MPBA will continually post articles, white papers authored by attorneys of the firm, press releases and news pertaining to the firm. If there is anything of related interest that you as a client or colleague would like to see posted, please contact MPBA.
Estate Planning Practice Group Publishes Bulletin on Changes to Federal Law and State Law
January 17, 2012 - In December 2010, Congress passed the Tax Relief Act establishing a top estate gift, and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax rate of thirty-five percent (35%), with an exemption amount of $5 million per individual. These provisions are the most taxpayer-friendly changes to the estate, gift, and GST taxes in history, but are scheduled to expire on December 31, 2012. To assist individuals in understanding how the new law can benefit them, the Estate Planning practice group of Montgomery Purdue Blankinship and Austin PLLC has authored an Estate Planning Update on the Tax Relief Act and other recent changes to federal and state law. Please contact George Akers , Ryan Montgomery or Kara Kalenius Novak for more information.
Labor and Employment Attorney Tamara L. Roe Authors Legal Update on Seattle's New Paid Sick Leave Ordinance
September 19, 2011 - On September 12, the Seattle City Council voted to approve mandatory paid sick and safe time for most employees that work in Seattle. In an update entitled, "Employment Law Update: Mandatory Paid Sick Leave," labor and employment attorney Tamara L. Roe outlines the terms of the ordinance, which goes into effect on September 1, 2012. In the update, Ms. Roe provides guidelines for employers on identifying how much paid sick time will be required by the ordinance. Employers will be required to provide specific amounts of paid sick time based on the number of full time employees. Ms. Roe also provides answers to questions about employee eligibility, use of paid sick leave, and other compliance guidelines. Ms. Roe's practice focuses on the area of labor and employment law. She possesses extensive experience advising employers regarding wage and hour issues. Ms. Roe also represents employees in matters such as workplace harassment, wrongful discharge, unpaid overtime and negotiation of severance packages.
Congratulations "40 Under 40" Recipient: Attorney Kristiana Farris O'Brien
September 14, 2011 - Montgomery Purdue Blankinship & Austin is pleased to announce the selection of lawyer Kristiana Farris O'Brien as a recipient of the Puget Sound Business Journal “40 Under 40” award for 2011. A leading Seattle business and health care attorney, Kristiana possesses extensive legal experience in business formation, governance and transactions, as well as health law compliance for medical providers. As a member of the executive committee, Kristiana's focus on innovative marketing strategies has won her recognition by this prestigious local award.
The annual “40 Under 40” award recognizes 40 professionals under the age of 40 who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in the business community. Kristiana was selected by an independent panel of judges from over 500 nominees based on her accomplishments in business, and contributions to her community and profession. Congratulations, Kristiana.
WA Supreme Court settles long-running debate on Certificate of Need regulations
September 23, 2010 - The Washington State Supreme Court issued its unanimous opinion in Overlake Hospital Association v. Swedish Health Services. This ruling settles a long-running debate in the Washington medical community about how the Washington State Department of Health applies its Certificate of Need regulations when considering an application by an ambulatory surgery center for a certificate. An ambulatory surgery center may operate without a certificate, but it is limited in that only physicians working in the group practice that owns the center are permitted to use the facilities. If the ambulatory surgery center desires to open its facilities to allow non-affiliated physicians and their patients to use its surgical facilities, the center must apply for and obtain a certificate from the Department of Health. Because a key client of the firm, Proliance Surgeons, had an interest in the outcome of this case, Montgomery Purdue Blankinship & Austin PLLC attorneys Kristi O'Brien, Scott Easter and Ben VandenBerghe filed an Amicus Curiae or “friend of the court” brief with the Supreme Court in support of the position taken by Swedish Hospital. Our firm's amicus brief was instrumental in the case, as the Supreme Court, in reaching its unanimous decision in favor of Swedish Hospital's, and our client's, position, adopted several of the key concepts and legal analyses identified only in our firm's brief.
Nine MPBA Attorneys Selected as Super Lawyers and Rising Stars for 2010
June 6, 2010 - Seattle Washington. The magazine Washington Law & Politics announced its Super Lawyers for 2010, and MPBA has nine reasons to celebrate. The following MPBA attorneys were named as Super Lawyers for 2010:
The following MPBA attorneys were named as Rising Stars for 2010:
This year's honorees represent decades of experience in various practice areas ranging from Employment, Litigation, Corporate Transactions, Estate Planning and Business Law. We applaud our outstanding Super Lawyers and Rising Stars!
MPBA Attorney success in WA Supreme Court case on health law issues
March 18, 2010 - The Washington Supreme Court recently handed down a unanimous decision in favor of the legal arguments advocated in MPBA attorney, Kristiana Farris O'Brien's, amicus curie brief submitted on behalf of the American Medical Association, the Washington State Medical Association, and approximately twenty other medical societies in the Columbia Physical Therapy v. Benton Franklin Orthopedic Associates, et al case.
In the case, Columbia Physical Therapy argued that it was unlawful for a physician group practice to employ physical therapists and offer physical therapy services to its patients under the corporate practice of medicine doctrine, the Washington Professional Service Corporation Act (WPSCA), and the Washington Anti-Rebate Statute, and that such practice violated the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). The Washington Supreme Court disagreed, holding that physical therapy is within the physicians' authorized scope of practice of medicine and therefore a physician group practice's offering of physical therapy services is not a violation of the corporate practice of medicine doctrine or the WPSCA.
The Court further found that, under the exemption for charging and collecting for professional services provided by one's own partners and employees set forth in RCW 19.68.040, a physician group practice's provision of physical therapy services through its employed physical therapists did not violate the Anti-Rebate Statute.
Finally, the Court held that any possible deception triggering a CPA violation was a question of fact to be determined by a jury. A copy of the decision can be found at the following link: http://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/pdf/817341.opn.pdf.
Kristiana Farris O'Brien is an experienced attorney providing business transactions and health law advice to MPBA clients.
MPBA attorneys were successful in a decision handed down by the Washington Supreme Court
March 18, 2010 - Scott B. Easter began representing American Best Foods after they lost their Superior Court case involving insurance coverage. Mr. Easter secured a reversal at Division I of the Court of Appeals. The insurer appealed to the Supreme Court who reaffirmed the Court of Appeals and expanded to heighten the duties of insurers to offer a defense to their insureds. Benjamin I. VandenBerghe did the briefing at the Supreme Court level and Mr. Easter argued the case in the Court of Appeals and before the Supreme Court. To read more about this case, click here.
Congratulations to the talented team at MPBA.
Jonathan Moore Becomes a Member of the Order of the Coif
September 2009 - Seattle, Washington. Jonathan Moore, a recent addition to the associate attorney staff at MPBA, has been elected as a member of the Order of the Coif by virtue of graduating in the top 10% of his class at the University of Washington School of Law. Congratulations, Jonathan.
Dana Reid Passes the California Bar
June 2009 - Dana M. Reid, who has been practicing law in Washington State for more than fifteen years, has passed the California Bar Exam, which was administered in February 2009. She was sworn in to the California Bar on June 1, 2009. Ms. Reid took the California bar exam to be able to better serve her clients who maintain assets in both Washington and California. Though Ms. Reid will maintain her primary practice in Seattle, she will also accept new clients with a California domicile.
Seven MPBA Attorneys Selected as Super Lawyers and Rising Stars for 2009
June 2009 - Seattle Washington. The magazine Washington State Law & Politics announced its Super Lawyers and Rising Stars for 2009.
The following MPBA attorneys were named as Super Lawyers for 2009:
The following MPBA attorneys were named as Rising Stars for 2009:
This year's honorees represent decades of experience in various practice areas ranging from Litigation, Corporate Transactions, Estate Planning, Real Estate and Business Law. We applaud our outstanding Super Lawyers and Rising Stars!
Wayne M. Blair Honored with Norm Maleng Leadership Award
July 26, 2008 - Seattle Washington. Each year the Washington State Bar Association recognizes outstanding attorneys for their professionalism, community service efforts, and impact upon the legal community. These select lawyers are celebrated at the WSBA Annual Awards Dinner. This year the WSBA created a new honor memorializing the late King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng. Norm passed away in May of 2007, but his legacy continues to inspire lawyers throughout Washington State.
MPBA is humbled that the WSBA selected M. Wayne Blair as the first recipient of the Norm Maleng Leadership Award. This was a special occasion for Wayne as he was a good friend of Norm.
Wayne commented: “Norm Maleng was a special person in my life. We served together as advisers in the residence halls at the University of Washington in 1965. He was my boss and we became good friends. Whether he intended to or not, Norm influenced me in leaving the electrical engineering profession and deciding to attend law school. I am truly honor ed and touched to be named the first recipient of an award in his name.”
Wayne adds this prestigious honor to his President’s Award and Lifetime Service Award earned in previous years. Congratulations, Wayne.
Kristi O'Brien Attends South Asian Bar Association of Washington's Annual Dinner
October 12, 2007 - Seattle, Washington. SABA held the annual event at the W Hotel in downtown Seattle. SABA is committed to advocating issues important to the South Asian community and sponsors several grants and scholarships. This year's keynote speaker, Pramila Jaypal, Director of Hate Free Zone, delivered a rousing speech entitled, "Celebrating Our Achievements, Facing Our Challenges." MPBA member, Kristi O'Brien attended at the invitation of a founding member of SABA and law school classmate, Sandip Soli.
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year®
June 22, 2007 - Seattle, Washington. MPBA would like to congratulate David Fitzgerald of Proliance Surgeons, Inc., P.S. for being selected as a finalist for the 2007 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Award for the Health Sciences category. Attorneys, Tammy Roe and Kristi Farris O’Brien, attended the gala held at the Seattle Sheraton Grand Ballroom on June 22. Ironically, Tammy’s husband, EY’s Michael Kucha, presented the award for the Health Sciences category. MPBA thanks Proliance for a wonderful evening and looks forward another successful year.