Latest News

Most firms expect to give raises, bonuses, study says

70 percent of attorneys surveyed say associates to be better compensated

June 2, 2011

As business conditions improve and the employment market rebounds, compensation is re-emerging as a crucial retention strategy for many employers in the legal field, a new Robert Half Legal survey indicates.Seventy percent of lawyers polled say

Lee & Hayes is tabbed as tops in U.S. in patent quality

Also, Spokane firm opens office in Portland area, its sixth location overall

June 2, 2011

For the second consecutive year, Lee & Hayes PLLC, of Spokane, has been ranked No. 1 in the U.S. in patent quality, and No. 1 in the information technology industry, by Intellectual Asset Management Magazine and Ocean Tomo Patent Ratings.Patent

Franchisee-friendly statutes dominate here

Washington among 12 states in which franchises must register

June 2, 2011

Linn Parish

Entrepreneurs who are considering a franchise opportunity, take note. According to franchise-law experts here, Washington state has some of the most franchisee-friendly statutes in the U.S. For companies that want to expand through franchising a

Solo attorneys unite

More lawyers practicing alone, facing challenges in networking, mentoring

June 2, 2011

Chey Scott

A newly formed section within the Spokane County Bar Association aims to support a growing number of solo and small-practice attorneys.The group's formation underscores an emerging trend in which many law-school graduates are striking out on own

State accountants group to meet here June 16-18

June 2, 2011

The Washington Association of Accountants' annual convention is slated for June 16-18 at the Red Lion Hotel at the Park, at 303 W. North River Drive, near downtown Spokane. The WAA's Spokane chapter will host this year's event.Jane Kantor, WAA's

Charitable gifts increased by 6.6 percent in '10, study says

Year-to-year gain offsets unprecedented decline during previous year

June 2, 2011

Charitable giving in the U.S. totaled $323.9 billion in 2010, up 6.6 percent from 2009, says a newly released report from the Atlas of Giving. The 2010 figure is particularly meaningful given the fact that 2009 saw an unprecedented decline in to

Opportunity remains in muni bond market

Investors should look for strong ratings, sales that fund essential services

June 2, 2011

Andrew Leckey

Pay close attention to the quality of the municipal bonds and municipal bond funds that you own or are considering buying.That's the best advice for investors in this panicky 2011 in which fleeing the muni bond market is a national obsession. to

State Bank CEO takes ICBA term

June 2, 2011

Gregory S. Deckard

Gregory S. Deckard, chairman, president, and CEO of Spokane Valley-based State Bank Northwest, has been elected to a second term on the board of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA).Deckard says the position "gives me a chance to

Hart Capital boosts INW stock coverage

Company now provides more frequent updates on 15 companies it tracks

June 2, 2011

Treva Lind

Spokane-based investment company Hart Capital Management Inc. has increased the frequency of investment information it compiles and provides regarding the 15 largest publicly traded Inland Northwest companies.Hart Capital says it now publishes a

Investment bank co-founder stays grounded in Spokane

Cascadia Capital exec says startup environment here is maturing, active

June 2, 2011

Treva Lind

Most investment bankers end up based in New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco.Cascadia Capital Holdings LLC co-founder Kevin Cable keeps centered in Spokane while focusing on fast-growing companies that need to negotiate acquisition deals or a