Seattle News And Articles, Ryan, Swanson & Cleveland, PLLC

Firm News & Announcements

14 Ryan Swanson Attorneys Named to 2013 Washington Super Lawyers, Rising Stars Lists (2013) - Ryan Swanson attorneys Kevin Bay, Dan Caine, Janet Cheetham, Rick Hyatt, Jerry Kindinger, Roger Kindley, Joel Paget, John Petrie, John Ruhl and Jim Shaker were all recently named as "2013 Super Lawyers" in the Washington legal community. Attorneys Kari Brotherton, Bryan Graff, Britenae Pierce and Gulliver Swenson were named as "2013 Rising Stars." Super Lawyers and Rising Stars are selected based upon peer recognition and professional achievement.
Press Release: Ryan Swanson Wins AWB's Community Service Award for Helping People in Need (2013) The Association of Washington Business (AWB) recognized 11 businesses and organizations on Tuesday, May 7 that have established strong, ongoing ways of improving and giving back to their communities. The 14th annual presentation of the Community Service Awards was part of AWB's Spring Meeting in Spokane, Washington.
Press Release: Ryan Swanson Hires Marsha T. Mavunkel as Of Counsel (2013) - Ryan Swanson announces it has hired Marsha T. Mavunkel as Of Counsel in the firm’s Immigration Group.
Press Release: Ryan Swanson’s Legal Alliance TAGLaw Awarded “Elite” Ranking in Chambers Global 2013 (2013) - TAGLaw®, a worldwide network of law firms with whom Ryan Swanson has a legal alliance, has been recognized as “Elite” in the Chambers Global 2013 rankings guide for legal networks.
Press Release: Ryan Swanson Wins AWB’s Better Workplace Award for Innovative Compensation & Benefits (2013) - The annual Better Workplace Awards recognize Washington companies that demonstrate exceptional commitment to workplace safety, and that invest in employees through innovative job training, advancement and benefit programs. All 8,000-plus AWB member companies are eligible to submit nominations, which are reviewed by a panel of workplace benefits and safety managers.
Ryan Swanson Named Top Ranked Law Firm (2013) - Ryan Swanson was recently named a Top Ranked Law Firm by LexisNexis® Martindale-Hubbell®. In naming firms, the company researched their database of over 1.2 million lawyers and identified U.S. law firms of 10 or more attorneys, where at least one out of three of their lawyers achieved the AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating. This rating indicates the rated lawyer has been deemed by his or her peers to have demonstrated the highest level of ethical standards and legal ability.

Press Release: Ryan Swanson Elects Kari Brotherton as Member (2013) - Ryan Swanson announces its newest member to the firm, Kari Brotherton.
Ryan Swanson Named One of Washington's Best Workplaces by Puget Sound Business Journal (2012) - Ryan Swanson was recently named as one of the 2012 finalists for Washington's Best Workplaces by the Puget Sound Business Journal. The program recognizes best practices in the hiring and retention of great people. Washington's Best Workplaces uses an extensive and rigorous process that examines various employee benefit offerings, leadership culture and work/life balance philosophies.
Ryan Swanson's Immigration Group Ranked Among Top Firms in Washington State by Chambers & Partners (2012) - Ryan Swanson's Immigration Group was recently named as one of "America's Leading Lawyers for Business" by Chambers & Partners USA 2012 Washington Rankings. Chambers is a highly regarded directory that ranks lawyers and practice groups by industry. Ryan Swanson's Immigration Group is comprised of two lawyers, Janet Cheetham and Joel Paget. Together, they have more than 50 years of experience advising businesses and individuals on immigration issues.
Press Release: Ryan Swanson Elects John R. Ruhl, Bryan C. Graff and Gulliver A. Swenson as Members (2012) - Ryan Swanson announces its newest members to the firm, John R. Ruhl, Bryan C. Graff and Gulliver A. Swenson.
Four Ryan Swanson Attorneys Named in the 2012 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America® (2011) - Ryan Swanson attorneys Janet H. Cheetham, Joel H. Paget, James M. Shaker and John T. Petrie were all recently selected for inclusion in the 2012 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. Selection to Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive and rigorous peer-review survey comprising more than 3.9 million confidential evaluations by the top attorneys in the country.
Press Release: Ryan Swanson Hires Shannon J. Lawless as Associate (2011) - Ryan Swanson hired Shannon J. Lawless as an associate in the firm's Litigation Group.
Press Release: Tim Dore Appointed to United States Bankruptcy Court (2011) - Ryan Swanson member Timothy W. Dore has been appointed to the Bench of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Washington.
Press Release: Britenae M. Pierce Named Member (2011) - Ryan Swanson named Britenae M. Pierce to the membership of the firm.
Ryan Swanson Receives 2010 PSALA Community Service Achievement Award (2010) - Ryan Swanson Managing Director Bob Curran recently accepted the 2010 Community Service Achievement award from the Puget Sound Association of Legal Administrators. The award recognizes the significant charitable giving and volunteer efforts of the firm's attorneys and staff, and their dedication to making our community a better place.
Press Release: Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. Found Liable for Sale of Municipal Opportunity Fund to Seattle Area Investors (2010) - FINRA awards Bellevue, Wash. couple nearly $500,000 following arbitration.
Press Release: Former King County Bar Association President John R. Ruhl Joins Ryan Swanson (2010) - Ruhl's commercial litigation practice will emphasize transportation, banking and employment matters.

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Business Group

Guide for Starting a New Business in Washington State (2012)
FTC Guides on Testimonials, Endorsements (2010)
All Washington State Limited Partnerships Change in 2010 (2010) -
7 Significant Changes on the Way for Limited Partnerships in Washington

Gift Cards in the U.S. (2006)
New Entity Solicitations Alert (2006)
Qualification to do Business in Washington (2006)

Employment Rights, Benefits & Labor Group

Health Care Reform Update: Important Current Case Law (May 2013)
Answers to Nine Employer Questions about Marijuana (May 2013)
Handling E-Discovery When A Lawsuit is Filed (May 2013)
Health Care Reform Update: Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services to Recoup Overpayments (May 2013)
Enforceability of Noncompetition Agreements (May 2013)
Health Care Reform Update: Reporting Requirements Under the Affordable Care Act (April 2013)
Properly Classifying Independent Contractors and Employees: Have You Passed Washington’s Tests? (March 2013)
Disability Accommodation: A Practical Approach (February 2013)
Creating a Document Retention Policy (January 2013)
5 Areas of Focus for Law Firms to Boost Employee Engagement (December 2012)
Ten Tips for Avoiding Problems with Employees (December 2012)
Patient Protection and ACA: Now What? (September 2012)

Social Media Policies: Dos and Don'ts for Employees on the Web (September 2012)
Best Practices with Electronic Records (September 2012)
Handling E-Discovery (September 2012)
Email Etiquette (September 2012)
Federal Law Update (September 2012)
State Law Update (September 2012)
Employers' Requirement to Post NLRA Notice Upheld (April 2012)
For Retailers: Service Animal Definition Has Been Updated - New definition makes it easier to determine what qualifies as a service animal. (December 2011)
23rd Annual Employment Law Update - Presentation Slides (September 2011)
City of Seattle Sick-Safe Leave Ordinance (September 2011)
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (September 2011)
Interview DO's and DON'Ts (September 2011)
Eight Great Dealer FAQs About Employment Law (September 2011)
NLRB Requires New Workplace Postings on Employees' Rights to Organize (September 2011)
Employee Fired Over Facebook Posts Backed by NLRB (March 2011)
Recent Ruling States that Employers Not Required to Enforce
Employee Breaks (2010)
22nd Annual Employment Law Update - Presentation Slides (2010)
Unraveling the Overlapping Employee Leave Laws (2010)
Washington State Law Update (2010)
Federal Law Update (2010)
Federal Law Update (2009)
Laws that Apply to the Employment Relationship (2009)
Pre-Employment Screening Methods (2009)
The Electric Tsunami-Don't Get Caught in this Wave (2009)
Winds of Change Seminar Presentation Slides (2009)
Federal Law Update (2007)
Religious Accommodation in the Workplace (2007)
The Nuts and Bolts of Deducting From Pay FMLA Issues (2007)
The State Courts Speak (2007)
Accommodating Military Leave (2006)
Wage and Hour Issues for Employers in the 21st Century (2006)

Estate Planning & Probate Group

Income and Estate Planning for the Inbound and Outbound Resident (presentation slides), Swedish Consulate Seminar, Seattle, WA (2013)
What Action Did Congress Take That Impacts Estate and Gift Tax Planning? (January 2013)
Q&A: Should I name a charity as beneficiary of my traditional IRA or retirement plan? (January 2013)
Dos and Don’ts of Selecting Assets to Give as Gifts (December 2012)
Q&A: Why is it important to review the titling of my assets and
my beneficiary designations? (November 2012)

Q&A: What can we expect in 2013? (October 2012)
Q&A: Isn’t estate and gift planning just for the ultra-wealthy? (September 2012)
Q&A: How do retirement assets fit into my estate plan? (August 2012)
Q&A: My spouse died in 2011 or 2012. Even though a federal estate tax return is not required to be filed, should the estate file one anyway? (July 2012)
Q&A: Do I need to be concerned about estate planning if my total assets are less than $5 million? (June 2012)
Q&A: Why is it important to review my gift and estate plan right now? (May 2012)
Q&A: I have heard the federal tax laws may be changing. Should I consider making gifts this year? (April 2012)
9 Answers to Your Estate Planning & Tax Questions (March 2012)
Q&A: What is a GST Trust? Why should I create one in 2012? (February 2012)
Recent Changes to the Estate and Gift Tax: What Does this Mean to You? (May 2011)

Franchise & Distribution Group

Schedule of Fees 2013 - U.S. Franchise (2013)
U.S. Franchising Basics (2012)
Comparative International Perspectives of Arbitration in the Franchising Context (March 2012)
Press Release: John A. Bender Achieves Certified Franchise Executive Designation (February 2011) - Bender recognized as a Certified Franchise Executive by the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives

Can Franchisors Be Barred From Cyberspace (Internet encroachment on franchise territories (2001)

On-Line Privacy Issues for Franchisors and Franchisees (2000)

Immigration Group

10 Things Every Employer Should Know About the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill Being Considered by Congress (June 2013)
New Form I-9 & Employer Handbook (March 2013)
Update: Approaching H-1B Cap for 2014 (February 2013)
Income and Estate Planning for the Inbound and Outbound Resident (presentation slides), Swedish Consulate Seminar, Seattle, WA (2013)
Update: 9 Things Every Employer Should Know for the Coming Year (January 2013)
Update: 2014 Diversity Visa Program, New Filing Option Announced by USCIS and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) (October 2012)
Naturalization and Citizenship Requirements (2012)

So You Thought You're Employee Was Terminated, Guess Again! (2012)
Income and Estate Tax Planning on a Linear Basis for the Inbound and Outbound Resident (September 2012)
Ryan Swanson's Immigration Group Currently Accepting “DREAM” Deferred Action Program Cases (August 2012) - Ryan Swanson's Immigration attorneys are currently accepting cases for students interested in the “DREAM” Deferred Action Program. USCIS has finally released the forms for an August 15, 2012 filing. Young people who may be looking for an immigration lawyer for their deferred action issues, or who are seeking information for DACA (“Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals”), can click here to set up a complimentary consultation with one of our experienced immigration attorneys.
Your Turn for a Form I-9 Audit is Coming...SOON (July 2012)
Update: H-1B Visa, India & China Retrogression and I-9 Inspections (April 2012)
Update: H-1B Visa, Nonresident Alien Tax Publication 515 & Best Practices During Worksite Audits (February 2012)
Article: Tips for Completing the Form DS-156 (February 2012)
Update: Our Predictions for the Coming Year, 2013 Diversity Visa Program Registration & 1-9 Inspections (October 2011)
Update: ICE Increases Inspections, Export Control Laws &USCIS New Tool Validation (March 2011)
Update: H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa (February 2011)
Update: USCIS Final Rule Adjusting Fees for Immigration Benefits Announced & 2012 Diversity Visa Lottery Program (October 2010)
ImmigrationWorks Northwest Summit (August 2010)
Update: USCIS Proposed Substantial Fee Increase, H-1B Cap Count & Comprehensive Immigration Reform (July 2010)
Article: You Will Never Vote Until You Are Naturalized! (2010) - Act now to vote in November
Update: Opening Day for Specialty Occupations & Eligibility for Citizenship (February 2010)

Licensing & Technology Group

Licensing & Technology: Frequently Asked Questions (2009) - Frequently Asked Questions As Featured in the Puget Sound Business Journal's Monthly "Ask A Legal Professional" Section

Trademarks & Intellectual Property Group

Schedule of Fees 2013 - U.S. Copyrights (2013)
Schedule of Fees 2013 - U.S. Trademarks (2013)

U.S. Trademark Basics (2012)
Google’s Use of Trademarked Keywords Not Immunized by Functionality Says Fourth Circuit (April 2012)
Recent Changes to Domain Names: How Does This Affect You? (July 2011)

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