Ceslie focuses her practice on working with and representing general contractors, subcontractors, developers, design professionals, and suppliers in navigating the legal aspects of the construction industry, including resolving contract disputes, bid protests, CPARS disputes and appeals, lien and bond claims, L&I appeals, and contract drafting and review. Ceslie has successfully litigated multi-million-dollar disputes involving complex construction claims relating to delays, design errors, changes, and payment issues. Her experience also involves successfully resolving cases through settlement negotiations and mediation, mitigating her clients’ risk by avoiding arbitration or trial.
In addition to her legal practice, Ceslie enjoys spending time outdoors with her dog, Dakota, and attempts downhill skiing. Although originally from the Gulf Coast of Florida, Ceslie loves the Pacific Northwest and happily calls it home.
Honors and Recognitions
- Rising Stars, Washington State Super Lawyers Publication, 2018 – 2021
- Rising Stars, Washington State Super Lawyers Women’s Edition 2018 – 2021
Education
- JD, magna cum laude, Seattle University School of Law, 2016
- CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Legal Writing
- B.A., Political Science / Pre-Law Studies, University of West Florida, 2012
- Pi Sigma Alpha
Bar and Court Admissions
- State of Washington
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
Representative Cases
- Represented national general contractor in a 2 month jury trial in King County Superior Court involving delay and defect claims and past due payments. Received an 8-figure win in client’s favor.
- Represented drilling contractor in a bid protest for a public works project in Kitsap County. Successfully obtained preliminary injunction, which resulted in the award of the contract to client.
- Represented international contractor in a multi-million-dollar dispute with developer of a high-rise in downtown Seattle. Successfully mediated dispute resulting in the release of several million dollars in improperly withheld payments.
Publications
- Insurance Bad Faith And Consumer Protection Act Claims Against Individual Insurance Adjusters Deemed Valid, Construction Defect Journal, Construction Insurance News (Nov. 2018).
- Co-Author of the King County Bar Association Lawyers Practice Manual Construction Law Chapter (2017-2020); Content Editor (2018-2020)
- State Supreme Court refuses to review Brightwater case; contractors should be aware of increased liability risk, AGC Industry News (Sept. 2016)
- Termination for Convenience Clauses Are Not Illusory Promises and Not Limited By the Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing, Construction Law WSBA (Spring 2016)
- Design-Build Contracts—The Latest In Project Delivery Methods, Construction Savvy Magazine (Nov. 2015)
Professional Associations
- Washington State Bar Association (Construction Law and Litigation Sections)
- King County Bar Association
- Commercial Real Estate Women