2024 Legal Forum: WA State

Over the last few years, conflicting state and local laws have changed everything from lease renewals to rent payment enforcement. Contradictory and unclear language make it difficult to predict how case law will unfold over the coming years. This is your chance to hear three attorneys, currently practicing landlord-tenant, real estate and business law across Washington, discuss your most difficult questions. Experienced property management professional and housing provider rights advocate, Chris Benis will moderate questions and lead the discussion. 

_MODERATOR 
Chris Benis | Attorney and housing provider, RHAWA Legal Counsel
Chris practices law with First Avenue Law Group, PLLC in Seattle, WA representing property management firms, individual real estate investors, and others in the real estate industry. He attended University of Washington, where he received a B.A. in Political Science, a Master of Urban Planning and J.D. from its School of Law.  Chris led his own law firm for 28 years before joining First Avenue Law Group a few years ago. He represents property management firms, individual real estate investors, real estate brokerages, industry trade associations, design professionals, and construction companies. He advises his clients on practical and understandable solutions to their legal needs and concerns. Chris is a regular speaker and author, drawing from over 30 years' experience as a “second generation” real estate investor. He serves as Legal Counsel for RHAWA and is a past-President of the organization.

_PANELISTS
Craig Gourley | Real Estate and Tax Attorney 
Craig graduated with multiple degrees in law, accounting and business. Before opening his own firm, he contributed his talents to a prestigious Big 8 accounting firm in taxation and business, and then went on to join one of Washington’s top law firms in tax and real estate.  Craig represents clients from all over Washington and has been involved with several major development projects in Seattle and well as medical office and multi family projects in Kitsap, Chelan, Spokane, Yakima, Skagit, Whatcom and Thurston Counties, just to name a few.
Considered a leading authority on Section 1031 Tax Deferred Exchanges, Craig has been invited to speak on the topic to industry organizations throughout the US and has contributed articles to several national publications.

Synthia Melton | Attorney, founder and Managing Partner of Dimension Law Group
Synthia’s practice focuses on Business Law, Commercial and Residential Real Estate, and Estate Planning. As a lawyer, business owner, and real estate investor with a young family, Synthia helps other business owners and real estate investors plan properly, so they can protect what and who they love the most.
For the last six years, Synthia has been named a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers, an award given to less than 2.5% of lawyers in the state. She also regularly speaks and teaches classes in the community on real estate law and business law.