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Geoffrey Palachuk

Partner
Seattle
About

Geoffrey (Geoff) Palachuk advises clients on commercial construction projects. In his advisory practice, Geoff guides clients through complex contract issues and risk mitigation strategies throughout the project lifecycle, from pre-development through closeout. He has experience across a range of delivery methods, including design-bid-build, design-build, general contractor/construction manager, and public-private partnerships. He also regularly works with industry-standard agreements, including those published by the American Institute of Architects and the Design-Build Institute of America.

In addition, Geoff counsels and represents clients in construction disputes and complex litigation. He is frequently engaged on significant matters for public and private owner, developer, and contractor clients. Geoff has secured favorable outcomes for clients across large-scale infrastructure and development projects through commercial negotiations, arbitration, and trial.

Areas of FocusInfrastructure, Construction and TransportReal EstateLitigation, Arbitration and Investigations
Bar admissionsWashington
CourtsUnited States Court of Appeals for the Ninth CircuitUnited States District Court for the Eastern District of WashingtonUnited States District Court for the Western District of Washington
Education
  • J.D., University of Notre Dame Law School
  • B.S., Philosophy and Sociology, University of Oregon
    with honors

EXPERIENCE

  • Pursued a general contractor's claims related to a private USD1.4 billion mixed-use development in Tacoma, Washington, which involved approximately USD19 million in dispute during a five-week arbitration and resulted in a favorable seven-figure judgment
  • Represented multiple owners and contractors in mixed-use projects, including the defense of a private developer on a USD100 million project in Bellevue, Washington, which involved a 10-week jury trial for claims exceeding USD25 million
  • Represented a Fortune 500 company in the development of a USD3 billion semiconductor manufacturing facility in Virginia
  • Pursued claims on behalf of a general contractor with grain silo and grain terminal projects throughout Washington, Montana, North Dakota, and Iowa
  • Advised various private developers and general contractors as construction counsel for hotel projects and renovations in the Pacific Northwest
  • Defended various design professionals and general contractors against multimillion-dollar claims involving condominium complexes and homeowners’ associations
  • Advised multiple campuses and universities in Washington, Oregon, and California on contracts for capital improvement projects and construction disputes
  • Advised multiple public owners on alternative public works projects under Chapter 39.10 of the Revised Code of Washington, including general contractor/construction manager and design-build initiatives

Pro Bono

  • Represented a coalition-based nonprofit organization focused on conservation and enhancement of the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area, serving as construction counsel on multiple improvement and public lands projects in Washington State.

Prior Experience

Prior to joining DLA Piper, Geoff was a partner in the Construction practice at an AmLaw 50 international law firm.

Additional News

  • Adjunct Professor, Construction Law, Seattle University School of Law, 2022 – present
  • Judge, Linden Cup Moot Court Tournament, Gonzaga University School of Law, 2016 – 2021
  • Fellow, Hispanic National Bar Association/Microsoft IP Law Institute, 2014 – 2021
  • Alumni Advisor, Delta Tau Delta, Gamma Rho Chapter, University of Oregon, 2016 – 2019
  • Pro Bono Volunteer, Catholic Charities, 2015 – 2017

Memberships and Affiliations

  • Member, Forum on Construction Law, American Bar Association
  • Member, Executive Committee, Washington State Bar Association, Construction Law Section
  • Member, Latino/a Bar Association of Washington
  • Member, Judiciary & Litigation Committee, King County Bar Association, 2016 – 2021
  • Member, American Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division, 2017 – 2021
  • Member, Executive Committee, Legal Foundation of Washington, Associates Campaign for Equal Justice, 2019 – 2020
  • Treasurer, King County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division, 2018 –2019
  • Board of Trustees, King County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division, 2017 – 2019
  • Board of Directors, Meals on Wheels, 2014 – 2016

My latest insights

News
Seattle

DLA Piper adds Geoffrey Palachuk to its Real Estate and Construction practice in Seattle

28 May 2026 .1 minute read

Connect

Phone

+1 206 839 4865
(Work, Seattle)
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