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SFF Headshots_ Garth A Schlemlein

Garth A. Schlemlein

Equity Partner

Legal Assistant

Laurel Barton

Direct

206.268.2507

Mr. Schlemlein's practice has focused on construction law, and includes the representation of prime contractors, subcontractors, design professionals, fabricators, suppliers, and owners, sureties, and lending institutions.

Professional Overview

Mr. Schlemlein obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction in 1979. Prior to obtaining his law degree, Mr. Schlemlein worked in the construction industry and owned his own construction firm. Mr. Schlemlein's practice has focused on construction law, and includes the representation of prime contractors, subcontractors, design professionals, fabricators, suppliers, and owners, sureties and lending institutions. Mr. Schlemlein also represents parties in real estate transactions, as well as general commercial litigation. Mr. Schlemlein's 38 years in the construction industry allow him to quickly analyze and effectively resolve disputes as well as assist in preventative planning to avoid such disputes.

He has also acted as owner’s representative in acquiring real property and developing the same by assisting in obtaining the entitlements, selection and retention of the design team and contractor, and review of financing documentation. This work has resulted in the construction of three trade schools, substantial expansion of the only privately owned cruise ship destination port and a large work loft / storage facility all which came in on time and on budget.

Mr. Schlemlein also acts as a mediator and arbitrator in construction, business, and real estate related disputes. Mr. Schlemlein’s understanding of the law, industry norms and ability to effectively communicate has resulted in many successful mediations.

Mr. Schlemlein was selected by Washington Law and Politics for inclusion in its 2009 Washington Super Lawyers and received the Thurgood Marshall 2014 Excellence in Law award.

Speakers & Lecturers

  • Association of General Contractors of Washington
  • American Arbitration Association
  • Washington State Association of Homebuilders
  • Washington Council of School Attorneys
  • Washington Risk Management Association
  • Multiple CLE's
  • Licensed Courts

    Alaska

    U.S. District Court, District of Alaska

    Idaho 

    U.S. District Court, District of Idaho

    Washington 

    U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington

    U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington

    U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit

    U.S. Court of Federal Claims

  • Education

    University of Puget Sound School of Law, 1983, J.D.

    University of Washington, 1979, B.S.

  • Honors & Awards

    Washington Super Lawyers, 2008-2009, 2019-2024

    Thurgood Marshall 2014 Excellence in Law

  • Professional Memberships

    Washington State Bar Association (Public Procurement and Construction Law Sections)

    American Bar Association (Construction Industry)