At the core of my representation, and this firm’s representation, is the development of long-term relationships with clients. Through these relationships we are able to add value by furthering client interests, helping when disputes arise, and seeking to minimize legal business risks.

My practice focuses on real estate, construction and finance matters. I routinely represent property owners, construction companies, developers, title insurance companies and lenders in disputes, transactions and general business matters.

My clients range from small and mid-sized businesses to publicly traded companies. I strive to develop long-term relationships with clients, centered on understanding their business and needs.

Much of my practice involves helping clients in disputes and litigation. I work closely with clients to develop an efficient and economical approach to resolving their dispute. Over the past 15 years, I have represented clients at all stages of litigation across the State of Washington, including trials, appeals, bankruptcies, mediations and arbitrations.

Personal & Professional

Magnus is fluent in Swedish, having grown up in Malmö, Sweden.  He came to the United States at the age of 19 with the dream of becoming an attorney.  Magnus now lives in Kirkland with his wife and three young daughters.  In his free time, Magnus enjoys spending time with his family.  He is also an avid golfer.

Honors & Awards

  • “AV” rated by Martindale-Hubbell*, the highest rating obtainable by members of the legal community.
  • Selected to 2006, 2009 & 2011 Washington Rising Stars
  • Clerk to Justice Richard B. Sanders, Washington Supreme Court, 2001-2002
  • Recognized by Best Lawyers in America® (Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation – Real Estate, Real Estate Law)

    *AV is a registered certification mark of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies.

Education & Admissions

  • J.D., Gonzaga University School of Law, summa cum laude, 2001
    • Articles Editor, Gonzaga Law Review
  • B.A., Lindenwood University (Political Science), 1997
  • Construction Contracting – Overview of Fundamentals of Construction Law (ESI International/George Washington University), 2002
  • Admitted to Washington (All State Courts)
  • Admitted to United States District Court, Western District of Washington
  • Admitted to United States District Court, Eastern District of Washington
  • Admitted to United States Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Washington
  • Admitted to Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

Articles & Presentations

Representative Matters

Trials and Arbitrations

Successfully defended seller and real estate broker against numerous claims by buyers of residential property.  Buyers asserted claims of breach of contract, negligent misrepresentation, fraudulent concealment, and Consumer Protection Act violations.  All claims against seller were dismissed on summary judgment and attorney fees awarded in favor of seller.  Remaining claims against broker were dismissed at trial.  Brantley v. Han, et al., King County Superior Court Cause No. 18-2-15166-0 SEA. 

Successfully represented homeowners association in lawsuit brought by unit owner over right to manage and maintain exterior decks associated with unit.  Owner’s claims were dismissed at trial, and judgment entered confirming association’s right to manage and maintain decks.  Close v. Yarrow Hill Homeowners Association, King County Superior Court Cause No. 18-2-00257-5 SEA.

Successfully represented homeowner in boundary dispute with neighbor.  At trial, judgment entered in favor of homeowner on claims for adverse possession and mutual recognition and acquiescence.  Easter v. Laster, King County Superior Court Cause No. 17-2-03235-2 SEA.

Successfully represented seller in dispute over ownership of patents and other property.  At trial, judgment entered in favor of seller declaring sale of patents void based on buyer’s failure to perform.  Also obtained attorney fee award in favor of seller.  Asemblon v. MCI Partners Group, LLC, et al., King County Superior Court Cause No. 18-2-02220-7 SEA.

Successfully represented general contractor against claims for additional compensation by subcontractor.  Arbitrator rejected subcontractor’s claim it performed extra work beyond scope of contract.  Northstar CG, LP v. Masonry Restoration Consulting, LLC (private arbitration).

Represented general contractor in arbitration and mediation with defaulted concrete subcontractor on apartment construction project.  Venture General Contracting, LLC v. Rushforth Construction Company, Inc., AAA Arbitration Cause No. 01-16-003-5488.

Successfully defended commercial lender against borrower’s claims deed of trust and nonjudicial foreclosure were void due to fraud.  Judgment entered in favor of lender following trial, with attorney fees awarded in favor of lender.  Smith v. JJPI Corporation, Snohomish County Superior Court Cause No. 03-2-06291-8.

Successfully represented homeowners against neighbor’s adverse possession claim.  All claims were dismissed on summary judgment based on laches defense.  Also obtained attorney fee award in favor of homeowners.  Brown v. Olson, King County Superior Court Cause No. 14-2-16152-2 SEA.

Obtained $240,000 summary judgment against guarantor of commercial lease for unpaid rent and damages to premises.  Langston Family Investments, LLC V. Stratieva, et al., Snohomish County Superior Court Cause No. 12-2-05307-1.

Successfully represented mortgage lender in priority dispute with hard money lender.  Obtained summary judgment requiring hard money lender to reconvey deed of trust.  PennyMac Loan Services, LLC v. Culver, King County Superior Court Cause No. 15-2-23379-3 KNT.

Obtained summary judgment dismissing wrongful foreclosure claims against commercial lender, as well as three related bankruptcy cases filed by borrowers.  Choi v. Intrust Funding II, LLC, et al., King County Superior Court Cause No. 16-2-23104-7 SEA.

Obtained summary judgment dismissing Truth in Lending (TILA) and usury claims against commercial lender. Also obtained judgment for attorney fees incurred by lender.  Alderson v. Interstate Financial, Inc., King County Superior Court Cause No. 09-2-13324-7 SEA.

Successfully represented community bank in adversary action against borrower.  At trial, judgment entered declaring debt non-dischargeable due to borrower’s fraudulent financial statements.  First Mutual Bank v. Wirkkala, Bankruptcy Appellate Panel, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, July 12, 2006 (BAP No. WW-05-1218).

Appeals

Successfully represented homeowner in lawsuit against contractor for defective EIFS siding.  1000 Virginia Ltd. Partnership v. Vertecs Corp., 158 Wn.2d 566, 146 P.3d 423 (2006).

Represented surety in defense of claim against AIA A-311 Performance Bond.  Colorado Structures, Inc. v. Insurance Company of the West, 161 Wn.2d 577, 167 P.3d 1125 (2007).

Successfully represented general contractor on grocery supermarket project in claim against subcontractor which had abandoned and filed lien claim against project.  Woodman Construction, Inc. v. Roy Rogers, Inc., 2008 WL 116280 (2008).

Represented developer of condominium conversion in defense of lien and breach of contract claim by painting contractor.  Chayer Enterprises v. Townhomes at Kirkland, LLC, 2008 WL 2132813 (2008).

Represented supplier of generators to construction project in defense of breach of contract claim by seller of generators.  Peterson Power Systems, Inc. v. Turner Logistics, LLC, 2007 WL 3245259 (2007).

Successfully represented title insurer against wrongful foreclosure and Consumer Protection Act claims.  Robertson v. GMAC Mortgage, LLC, et al., 702 Fed. Appx. 595 (9th Cir. 2017).

Successfully represented widow facing claims by deceased husband’s previous wife for unpaid spousal support.  All claims against widow were dismissed on summary judgment, which was affirmed on appeal.  Coyle v. Stroh-Coyle, 2005 WL 1090170, 2005 WL 1540992, 2006 WL 2873798 (2005, 2006).

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