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Ellie

Ellie Perka

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Ellie Perka is a problem solver and skilled litigator who helps clients navigate complicated contracting issues, claims, and disputes.

Her extensive experience includes resolution of multimillion-dollar complex disputes on many of the Pacific Northwest’s most notable construction projects including the SR 99 Tunnel / “Big Bertha” project, the Seattle Seawall, the Washington State Convention Center expansion, and the largest ever high-rise hotel in the region. She understands construction contracts — how to draft them and how to effectively and efficiently resolve disputes related to them.

In addition to her construction practice, she has litigated contentious business and employment matters in both Washington state and federal court. She has represented clients in settlement negotiations, mediations, arbitrations, and trials throughout the U.S., and has argued cases in Washington, Oregon, Texas, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C.

Clients describe Ellie as a tough but thoughtful advocate — clients have said of Ellie, “I have never felt more seen and protected as the owner of a small woman-owned business than I did when Ellie was at [our] side. She is relentlessly brilliant at what she does”. Ellie’s high-profile work has attracted national media attention including coverage in the Washington Post, CNN, Bloomberg, and Reuters.

Ellie is also a strong advocate for women's and children's rights, including women's advancement in the construction industry. She serves on the Board of Construction for Change and frequently represents women and minority-owned DBE/MBE/WBE firms.

Professional Experience

Ahlers Cressman & Sleight (2013-2021)

Danielson Harrigan Leyh & Tollefson (2007-2013)

Washington State Court of Appeals, Division II, Law Clerk to the Honorable Joel M. Penoyar (2005-2007)

Community Involvement

Construction for Change, Board of Directors (2020-Present)

King County Bar Association

Washington Women Lawyers, Board Member (2008)
Construction and Litigation Sections, Member (2013-Present)

American Bar Association, Forum on Construction Law (2018-Present)

National Association of Women in Construction, Member (2013-Present)

Design Build Institute of America, Member (2017-Present)

William L. Dwyer Inn of Court, Barrister Member

MAMA Seattle

Board of Directors
Sponsorship Chair

Thought Leadership

September 3, 2021Publication
In Rare Construction Law Ruling, Washington Supreme Court Affirms $9 Million Jury Verdict and Provides Guidance on the ‘Spearin Doctrine’
Construction Legal Update
June 11, 2021Publication
Washington State Convention Center’s Massive Addition 'Topping Out'
Lane Powell Live | Podcast
January 25, 2021News
Perka Joins Commercial Litigation and Construction Teams
Firm Announcement
August 2018Event / CLE
Integrated Project Delivery Overview
The Seminar Group Annual Washington Construction Law Seminar | Seattle
May 2018Event / CLE
Contract Termination
The Seminar Group Bidding Public Works and Construction Contracts Seminar | Seattle
November 2017-2019Event / CLE
Employment Law Principals and Updates
National Association of Electrical Contractors, Superintendents Course | University of Washington, Seattle
September 2017Event / CLE
Employment Updates in the Construction Setting: Hot Topics and Emerging Issues
The Seminar Group Annual Washington Construction Law Seminar | Seattle
2017Publication
Alternative Delivery Systems
Washington State Bar Association Construction Law Deskbook
2017Publication
Damages
Washington State Bar Association Construction Law Deskbook
May 2015Event / CLE
M/W/DBE Certification Overview and Updates
Washington State Bar Association Construction Law Section Annual Seminar | Seattle
November 2015-2017Publication
Employment Law Basics
National Electrical Contractors Association
December 2014Event / CLE
Proposed Changes to the Disadvantaged Enterprise Program in Washington State
National Association of Women in Construction | Seattle
September 2014Event / CLE
The Pros and Cons of SDI Policies
The Seminar Group | Seattle
September 2014Event / CLE
The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program in Washington State
National Association of Women in Construction | Seattle
February 2014Event / CLE
WSDOT’s Drastic Move to Exclude Women-Owned Businesses from DBE Program
National Association of Women in Construction Puget Sound Chapter | Seattle & Tacoma, Washington
2014Publication
Construction Law
King County Bar Washington Lawyers Practice Manual
October 2013Event / CLE
Contracts for General Contractors
Department of Labor & Industries | Spokane, Washington
October 2013Event / CLE
Contracting on Public Projects
Department of Labor & Industries | Spokane, Washington
September 2013Event / CLE
Expert Witness Skills Workshop
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Practices & Industries

Commercial Litigation
Construction
Government Law

Education

Seattle University School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2005
University of Washington, B.A., Honors Geography Program, 1999

Admissions

Washington
Oregon
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
U.S. Civilian Board of Contract Appeals
U.S. Court of Claims

Honors

America's Top 100 High Stakes Litigators® for Washington (2020)

“Washington Rising Star,” Thomson Reuters, Construction Litigation (2014-2015)

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