Kerry Lawrence
Of Counsel
Kerry is probably best known for his six-year effort as co-author of Washington’s lien law which went into effect in 1992, his work on the revisions to Washington’s public project retainage law, and our Contractor Registration Act. Kerry’s been AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell, Inc. since 1994, and was voted a “Super Lawyer” in 2005.
Kerry’s philosophy is simple: a bar license is more than a license to practice law. It truly means being an “advisor.” Often, clients need counseling on organizing their businesses and construction projects to operate most effectively, negotiating contracts, and dealing with disputes. Kerry talks frankly with clients about what litigation really entails, and Kerry approaches that as practically as possible. Litigation is stressful and expensive. The goal is to get “the best net result” after taking everything into account. Having graduated from West Point, he knows that there’s a time and place for a fight. Sometimes fighting to protect what is rightfully yours is necessary. But when it’s not, fighting on principle rarely makes sense. Kerry goes out of his way to clarify that to each client.
Part of Kerry’s perspective stems from his having grown up working in his family’s construction company and being an active mediator, arbitrator and dispute resolution board member. He has been an American Arbitration Association construction arbitrator for over 30 years.
Kerry also writes and speaks frequently about construction law topics for a variety of groups, including: construction industry associations, the American Bar Association Forum Committee on the Construction Industry, the ABA Section on Dispute Resolution, the ABA Public Contract Law Section, the Washington State Bar Association Construction Law Section, the American Arbitration Association and the Dispute Resolution Board Foundation.
Pillar Law is excited to have Kerry on board. It’s an honor.
PHONE
EDUCATION
University of Michigan Law School, J.D. 1978
West Point, The United States Military Academy, 1970, B.S.
COURTS IN WHICH KERRY IS LICENSED TO PRACTICE
Washington State Courts
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
American Bar Association, Forum Committee on the Construction Industry
Washington State Bar Association, Construction Law Section
American Arbitration Association
Associated General Contractors, Inland Northwest Chapter
Benton-Franklin County Bar Association
Home Builders Association of Tri-Cities
