Alan R. Merkle
Experience
Alan Merkle is a partner and former Chairman of the Firm. His practice is focused
primarily in the areas of infrastructure, energy, construction and design, and
government contracts. He represents public and private owners, developers,
engineers, architects, contractors, manufacturers and suppliers in a wide array of
business matters. He is experienced in the drafting, negotiation and administration of
contracts. He also handles bid protests, claims, litigation, arbitration, mediation and
other alternative dispute resolution matters for a broad range of clients. In addition to
serving as an advocate, he regularly serves as a neutral on Dispute Review Boards and
as a mediator and arbitrator. He has been lead counsel for numerous complex projects
involving multiple public agencies and jurisdictions. A significant portion of Alan's
practice is acting as a "trusted advisor" to senior management of the companies we
represent.
Partner
Prior to practicing law, Alan spent 12 years with General Electric Company where he
Seattle, WA
managed the technical and business sides of major projects and business units. Alan is
(206) 386-7636 direct
also a former mayor and registered professional engineer.
(206) 386-7500 fax
Professional Honors and Activities
alan.merkle@stoel.com
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Listed in Best Lawyers in America© (currently: Construction Law, Energy Law,
Litigation-Construction), 2008-2016
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Education
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Northwestern School of Law of Lewis &
Selected as one of "America's Leading Lawyers for Business" (Nationwide) by
Clark College, J.D. 1982, cum laude
Chambers USA (currently: Projects: Renewables & Alternative Energy), 2013-2016
Cornelius Honor Society
Certificate of Environmental and
Listed in Washington Super Lawyers® (Construction Litigation: Business, Energy &
Natural Resources Law, 1982
Associate Editor, Environmental Law
Natural Resources, Alternative Dispute Resolution), 2003, 2005-2016
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Named one of Seattle's "Top 100 Lawyers" by Seattle Magazine
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University of Idaho, M.B.A., 1971
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Biography in Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who in America and Who's Who
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University of Idaho, B.S., Mechanical
in the World
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Distinguished Environmental Law Graduate Award, Northwestern School of Law of
Engineering, 1969
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Engineering, 1967
Lewis & Clark College, 2014
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Past Chair, Public Procurement and Private Construction Law Section, Washington
State Bar Association
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Past Board Member and Legal Affairs Committee Chair, Associated General
Contractors of Washington
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Member, WSBA Litigation Section, Oregon State Bar Association Construction Law
and Litigation Sections, American Bar Association Public Contract Law and
Litigation Sections, Federal Energy Bar Association
Boise State University, A.S., Civil
Admissions
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Washington
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Oregon
Alan R. Merkle
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Board Member and honorary AIA, Seattle chapter, American Institute of Architects
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Graduate, American Arbitration Association mediator training program
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Distinguished Citizen Award, City Council of Mercer Island, Washington
Presentations
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Moderator, "Financing and Investing in Offshore Wind: Financing the Development of Projects & Infrastructure: What are the
Options?" Turbines, Towers & Vessels 2011, Providence, Rhode Island, Sept. 2011
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Moderator, "Turbine Manufacturing and Supply Chain: Chicken or the Egg? Establishing a Manufacturing Supply Chain for
Turbines & Towers," Turbines, Towers & Vessels 2011, Providence, Rhode Island, Sept. 2011
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Frequent speaker and writer on subjects of turbine warranties, operating and maintenance agreements, and EPC agreements for
wind and biofuels industry
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Author and speaker, "Public Contracting in Washington"
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Chair, Public Works Symposium
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Author and speaker, "Advanced Construction Law," National Business Institute
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Author and speaker, "Washington Construction Law," Law Seminars International
Publications
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"Design, Engineering, Construction," The Law of Marine and Hydrokinetic Energy: A Guide to Business and Legal Issues, Stoel
Rives LLP, 2011 (formerly The Law of Ocean and Tidal Energy.)
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"Construction Liens" chapter for Washington State Bar Association
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"Damages" chapters and chair of Washington State Bar Association program "Architect and Engineer Liability"
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"Licensing and Registration" chapter, Construction Law, Oregon State Bar
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"Procurement and Construction" chapters for the wind, solar and geothermal editions of the Stoel Rives LLP "Law of" series
Civic Activities
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Former Mayor and Council Member, City of Mercer Island
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Chair, Washington Department of Transportation Expert Review Panel
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Executive Vice President, National Executive Committee, French-American Chamber of Commerce
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President, Board of Directors, French American Chamber of Commerce - Pacific Northwest
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Part-time adjunct lecturer, University of Washington School of Construction Management and Graduate School of Architecture
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Former Board Member, Vice Chairman, Cascade Water Alliance