Richard Skalbania has more than 30 years of experience helping clients prevent and resolve business and construction-related disputes. His practice includes representing general contractors, subcontractors, developers, HOAs, policyholders, and commercial landlords in matters involving construction defects, insurance coverage, contract issues, and complex litigation.
He has been involved in many high-profile disputes across the Pacific Northwest, including major sports venues, civic buildings, transit infrastructure, and large-scale public works projects.
In addition to his litigation practice, Richard frequently serves as a mediator and arbitrator. He is a long-time member of the American Arbitration Association’s Construction Industry Panel and is often retained by other law firms for his experience in insurance coverage and construction law.
He is a member of several industry organizations, including the Associated General Contractors and the National Electrical Contractors Association.
Education & Credentials
Education
University of Washington School of Law
J.D.University of Washington
B.A.Bar Admission
Acknowledgements
- Super Lawyer, 2005 – 2009, 2012, 2013 – 2024
- AV Rated by Martindale Hubbell
Prominent Assignments
- Resolved a $28 million construction defect claim against a general contractor client, including full reimbursement of attorneys’ fees.
- Achieved complete dismissal of a $25 million breach of contract claim brought by a developer against a contractor client.
- Successfully settled a personal injury claim exceeding $10 million against a developer/general contractor client, securing full release and recovery of nearly all attorneys’ fees.
- Resolved a $6 million construction defect claim related to a commercial renovation project.
- Secured a settlement exceeding $4 million on behalf of a homeowners’ association in a condominium dispute.
- Obtained an arbitration award of more than $4 million, including attorneys’ fees, for a subcontractor client on a public transit infrastructure project.
- Recovered all construction costs, anticipated profit, and litigation expenses through arbitration in a seven-figure dispute with an out-of-state developer, along with full dismissal of the opposing counterclaim.
- Defended and resolved a multi-million dollar claim brought by a homeowners’ association against a developer client.
- Settled a multi-million dollar claim on behalf of a client related to the construction of a large distribution facility.
- Reached favorable resolution in a multi-million dollar dispute involving the construction of a power plant for a West Coast energy provider.
- Secured settlement of a multi-million dollar claim against a public school district on behalf of a general contractor client.
- Obtained settlement of a substantial property damage claim stemming from a major pipeline explosion.
- Defended and resolved a multi-million dollar lease dispute brought by a regional retail chain against a client.
- Achieved a multi-million dollar judgment of lien foreclosure for a contractor client on a large mixed-use development project.
- Successfully settled a lien foreclosure claim in the multi-million dollar range for a subcontractor client involving a senior living community.
- Resolved a seven-figure claim arising out of the construction of a major municipal library facility.
Professional Involvement
- Associated General Contractors
- Construction Financial Management Association
- National Electrical Contractors Association