Ceslie A. Blass

Partner

Ceslie focuses her practice on working with and representing general contractors, developers, and public agencies in navigating the legal aspects of the construction industry, including resolving contract disputes, lien and bond claims, bid protests, and contract drafting and review. Her clients include several of the top ENR companies in the country.

Ceslie brings a client-focused approach to all of her cases that emphasizes responsiveness and proactive collaboration in the early stages of projects to ensure clients are protected under their agreements, reducing the potential for future litigation. By combining her keen attention to detail with a business-savvy approach to the law, she delivers results that further her clients’ business and litigation goals while mitigating risks. She has successfully represented clients on a wide-variety of construction disputes before judges and juries in various state and federal courts, as well as arbitrations across the United States.

REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE

Represented national general contractor in a 2-month jury trial in King County Superior Court involving delay and defect claims and past due payments. Received an 8-figure win in client’s favor, including recovery of attorneys’ fees and costs. Verdict affirmed by the Washington State Supreme Court. See Lake Hills Invs., LLC v. Rushforth Constr. Co., 198 Wn.2d 209, 494 P.3d 410 (2021), as amended (Sept. 14, 2021).
Represented subcontractor in a multi-million-dollar dispute against the general contractor. Successfully recovered full claim and attorneys’ fees and costs on behalf of subcontractor at a two-week mixed jury and bench trial in federal court.
Represented Seattle Convention Center in 2.5-month bench trial and successfully defeated a more than $85M subcontractor claim being passed through by the general contractor to the owner, as well as attorneys’ fees and cost.
Represented general contractor in an arbitration against a homeowner regarding owed payments for the construction of a $55M custom home. Successfully recovered the amounts owed to the general contractor, plus attorneys’ fees and costs.
Represented public owner in a dispute with general contractor. Fully defeated multi-million dollar claim on summary judgment.
Represented drilling contractor in a bid protest for a public works project in Kitsap County. Successfully obtained preliminary injunction, which resulted in the award of the contract to client.
Represented international contractor in a multi-million-dollar dispute with developer of a high-rise in downtown Seattle. Successfully mediated dispute resulting in the release of several million dollars in improperly withheld payments.
Represented national general contractor in a $25M dollar dispute with developer of a hotel in Seattle. Successfully negotiated favorable settlement for client.
Represented national general contractor in a multi-million-dollar dispute with a subcontractor on the construction of Climate Pledge Arena. Successfully negotiated favorable settlement for client.
Represented general contractor joint venture in a multi-million-dollar dispute with a subcontractor regarding the construction of an NFL Stadium. Successfully negotiated favorable settlement for client.
Represented national general contractor in a multi-million-dollar dispute with a subcontractor on the construction of a building at the Nike campus in Oregon. Successfully negotiated favorable settlement for client.
Represented national general contractor in a multi-million-dollar dispute with a subcontractor on a U.S. Navy project in Georgia. Successfully negotiated favorable settlement for client.

PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

Insurance Bad Faith and Consumer Protection Act Claims Against Individual Insurance Adjusters Deemed Valid, Construction Defect Journal, Construction Insurance News (Nov. 2018)
Co-Author of the King County Bar Association Lawyers Practice Manual Construction Law Chapter (2017-2020); Content Editor (2018-2020)
State Supreme Court Refuses to Review Brightwater Case: Contractors should be aware of increased liability risk, AGC Industry News (Sept. 2016)
Termination for Convenience Clauses Are Not Illusory Promises and Not Limited by the Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing, Construction Law WSBA (Spring 2016)