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.
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
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
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