Geoffrey Palachuk
Geoffrey Palachuk practices commercial construction law, representing public owners and private developers in all phases of project delivery, from predesign through project closeout.
As part of Perkins Coie's nationally recognized Construction practice, Geoff manages clients' litigation strategies and efficiently resolves disputes. He has successfully handled cases before judges and juries in courts around the country, including several of the largest projects in the Pacific Northwest. His practice also includes complex transactions and issues related to claims, warranties, liens, bonds, and insurance. Beyond resolving project disputes, he regularly navigates matters involving various project delivery methods, including design-bid-build (DBB), general contractor/construction manager (GCCM), public-private partnerships (PPP), design-build (DB), delegated design, hybrid delivery, and integrated project delivery (IPD). He has experience with many common contract forms, including modified American Institute of Architects (AIA) agreements, Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) contracts, international construction agreements, and others.
Geoff often presents and publishes articles on topics involving construction law throughout Washington and the United States. He remains an avid community volunteer and holds multiple professional leadership positions related to construction law. Starting in 2022, Geoff became the adjunct professor of construction law at Seattle University School of Law.
Areas of focus
Services
Education & Credentials
Education
- University of Notre Dame Law School, J.D.
- University of Oregon, B.S., Philosophy and Sociology, with honors
Bar and Court Admissions
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Washington
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington
Related Employment
- Seattle University School of Law, Adjunct Professor of Construction Law, 2022-present
- Lane Powell PC, Seattle, WA, Senior Associate
- Jameson Babbitt Stites & Lombard PLLC, Seattle, WA, Associate
- Paine Hamblen LLP, Spokane, WA, Associate
- Washington State Court of Appeals, Division III, Spokane, WA, Extern
Professional Recognition
Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for Commercial Litigation Law, 2023-2024
Washington Super Lawyers, Construction Litigation, Rising Star, 2017-2024
Martindale Hubbell, Distinguished, 2017-2024
American Bar Association, Forum on Construction Law, Diversity Scholar, 2020
Leadership Counsel on Legal Diversity, Pathfinder, 2020
NAIOP Washington, Emerging Leaders, 2018
Spokane-Coeur d’Alene Living Magazine, Best Lawyers, 2016
Impact
Professional Leadership
- American Bar Association, Forum on Construction Law
- Washington State Bar Association, Construction Law Section, Executive Committee
- Latino/a Bar Association of Washington
- Leadership Counsel on Legal Diversity, Pathfinder
Community Involvement
- King County Bar Association Litigation & Judiciary Committee, 2016-2021
- Linden Cup Moot Court Tournament, Gonzaga Law School, Judge, 2016, 2021
- Hispanic National Bar Association & Microsoft IP Law Society, Fellow, 2014-2021
- American Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division, 2017-2021
- Legal Foundation of Washington, Associates Campaign for Equal Justice, Executive Committee, 2019-2020
- King County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division, Treasurer, 2018-2019
- Board of Trustees, King County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division, 2017-2019
- Delta Tau Delta, Gamma Rho Chapter, Oregon, Alumni Advisor, 2016-2019
- Pro Bono Volunteer, Catholic Charities, 2015-2017
- Board of Directors, Meals on Wheels, 2014-2016
Insights
Professional Experience
Construction Transactions—Private
Mixed-Use Developments
Pursued general contractor’s claims related to private $1.4 billion mixed-use development in Tacoma, Washington, which involved approximately $19 million in dispute during a five-week arbitration and resulted in a favorable seven-figure judgment.
Separately represented multiple owners and contractors in mixed-use projects, including defense of private developer on a $100 million-plus project in Bellevue, Washington, involving a 10-week jury trial for claims exceeding $25 million.
Semiconductor Plants
Represented a Fortune 500 company in the development of a $3 billion semiconductor manufacturing facility in Virginia.
Grain Silos and Terminals
Pursued claims on behalf of a general contractor in connection with grain silos and grain terminal projects throughout Washington, Montana, North Dakota, and Iowa.
Fulfillment Centers
Acted as construction counsel for a Fortune 50 company on a 1.15-million-square-foot facility in Maryland.
Energy Projects
Advised general contractor through multiple sustainable energy projects, including solar and wind farm construction throughout the Pacific Northwest.
EPC Projects
Drafted and negotiated multiple Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) agreements for major corporations, and advised several large energy project stakeholders throughout the delivery of multiple EPC and renewable energy projects in Washington, Oregon, and California.
Professional Sports
Represented professional teams with stadium capital projects and construction.
Hotels
Advised various private developers and general contractors as construction counsel for hotel projects and renovations in the Pacific Northwest.
Apartments
Represented numerous private developers and general contractors for luxury and high-rise apartment construction in Washington state, including multiple trials involving general contractors and design professionals.
Condominiums
Defended various design professionals and general contractors against multimillion-dollar claims involving condominium complexes and homeowners' associations.
Luxury Homes
Represented owners of luxury homes in connection with $10 million-plus new home construction and renovation projects throughout Washington.
Construction Transactions—Public
Public Facilities Districts and Agencies
Advised and defended numerous public facilities districts and regional agencies involved in capital projects ranging from $100 million to $3 billion across the Puget Sound region, with claims ranging from $10 million to $250 million.
Municipalities
Represented multiple cities and counties in connection with highway and capital projects, including defense of an approximately $12 million claim on a complex highway expansion.
Separately briefed the supreme court on behalf of the Washington State Association of Municipal Attorneys.
Universities
Advised multiple campuses and universities in Washington, Oregon, and California regarding contracts for capital improvement projects and construction disputes.
Public School Districts
Served as counsel to multiple school districts across Washington state in connection with capital projects programs exceeding $100 million. Successfully defended numerous claims arising from public school construction on the West Coast.
Alternative Public Works
Advised multiple public owners in relation to RCW 39.10 alternative public works projects, encompassing both general contractor/construction manager, and design-build initiatives.
Pro Bono Matters
Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust
Represented Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust as construction counsel in connection with multiple improvement projects and enhancement of public lands in Washington state.