Richard H. Skalbania

I was born and raised in Seattle. I have been married for over 30 years and have four children. I have practiced at Ashbaugh Beal my entire career and have been a lawyer at the firm since its formation in 1987.

I focus my practice on the prevention and resolution of business disputes including construction and construction defect claims. My clients include General Contractors, Subcontractors, Developers, HOAs, Business Owners, Policyholders and Landlords. I work with clients in all aspects of their businesses including drafting and reviewing contracts, assisting them in getting the full benefit of their insurance policies, employee issues and all aspects of dispute resolution.

During my career I have successfully represented clients in some of the most high profile construction disputes in the Pacific Northwest including Seahawks stadium, Safeco field, Key Arena, the Seattle downtown library, the Sound Transit Rainier Valley light rail project, the Seattle Bored Tunnel project, and the I-405 Tolling project.

I have used by knowledge of insurance law to obtain many multi-million dollar recoveries for my clients.

I also have a thriving mediation practice and have successfully mediated scores of disputes for other law firms. I have been on the American Arbitration Construction Industry panel of arbitrators for over 15 years. I have also been retained by other law firms to assist on insurance coverage and construction law issues.

I am active in my community. I have had the pleasure of coaching youth basketball, soccer and baseball for over 20 years. I am a member of the Associated General Contractors and the National Electrical Contractors Association.

After practicing law for over 30 years, there’s still nothing as professionally satisfying as working together with a client to avoid or resolve a major problem whether through negotiation, arbitration or trial.