News & Updates

Whitny L. Norton and Benjamin J. McDonnell become Equity Partners in Piskel Yahne Kovarik PLLC

April 16, 2024

Spokane-based law firm Piskel Yahne Kovarik PLLC is pleased to announce that principal attorneys Whitny Norton and Benjamin McDonnell have joined Jason Piskel, Ryan Yahne, and Nicholas Kovarik as equity members. This achievement affirms the contributions of Norton and McDonnell to the firm and its clients, and demonstrates PYK’s commitment to sustainable growth and longevity of the firm.

Norton joined the firm shortly after its inception in 2013 and currently practices in the areas of real estate, landlord-tenant, business, and employment-related disputes. She started as a law clerk, followed by an advancement to associate attorney after passing the bar, and finally a promotion to principal attorney in 2020. She represents many of the region’s premier residential property managers and owners and regularly presents educational seminars for property and business managers and owners. Norton is licensed to practice in Washington and Idaho.

Ryan Yahne, co-founder and member, says of Norton, “Whitny has distinguished herself as not only an excellent attorney, dedicating herself to helping clients solve their business issues and relentlessly advocating on their behalf to better their situation, but she has also proven to be a successful leader and fantastic mentor of young attorneys in our office.”

McDonnell joined the firm in 2014 after practicing in a litigation and bankruptcy law firm. He continues to excel in his practice, particularly in construction, commercial, and bankruptcy litigation. He is also an active leader in the community, having served as President of the AGC, Construction Leadership Council (CLC), currently serving as the President Elect of the Bankruptcy Bar Association of the Eastern District of Washington and as a member of the Gonzaga Law School Board of Advisors. Recognizing his value to the firm, he received promotions from associate to senior associate, principal, and now member. McDonnell holds licenses to practice law in Washington and Oregon.

Of McDonnell, Yahne says, “Ben is a dynamic lawyer and an exceptional mentor. He cares about clients, about the law, and has an amazing attention to detail in everything he does.  He thrives in representing clients who need help resolving complex disputes with high stakes.”

Norton and McDonnell are Gonzaga School of Law alumni.

Piskel Yahne Kovarik PLLC serves the legal needs of clients in the Inland Northwest and across the western states, including Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and California, and will soon be moving its headquarters from its Riverside location to the M Building on West Main Avenue in Spokane. PYK is seeking talented associate attorneys and staff members to join the team; for more information see www.pyklawyers.com.

Piskel Yahne Kovarik PLLC attorneys named to Washington Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists in 2023

Piskel Yahne Kovarik PLLC, a Spokane based law firm, announced today that six attorneys at the firm have been named to the 2023 Washington Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists. Ryan Yahne, a founding partner of the firm, said, “Each year, no more than five percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor, and our attorneys have been honored every year since 2010.”

According to Thomson Reuters, a national firm specializing in legal and regulatory resources and author of the lists, says that both Super Lawyers and Rising Stars identify outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.

Piskel Yahne Kovarik’s honorees for 2023 are:

Super Lawyers

·       Jason T. Piskel

·       Nicholas D. Kovarik

·       Ryan D. Yahne

Rising Stars

·       Whitny L. Norton

·       Benjamin J. McDonnell

·       Todd J. Adolphson

The annual selections are based on extensive statewide surveys, an independent research evaluation of candidates, and peer reviews by practice area. Reuters said, “The result is a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys.”

Piskel Yahne Kovarik PLLC primarily serves clients in the areas of commercial business litigation, construction litigation, real estate disputes, property development, financial work-outs and employment issues.

For more information about Super Lawyers, visit SuperLawyers.com. For more information on Piskel Yahne Kovarik PLLC, visit pyklawyers.com.

Piskel Yahne Kovarik PLLC attorneys named to Washington Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists

Piskel Yahne Kovarik PLLC Attorneys Named to Washington Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists

Piskel Yahne Kovarik PLLC, a Spokane based law firm, announced today that seven attorneys at the firm have been named to the 2022 Washington Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists. Ryan Yahne, a founding partner of the firm, said, “Each year, no more than five percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor, and our attorneys have been honored every year since 2010.”

According to Thomson Reuters, a national firm specializing in legal and regulatory resources and author of the lists, says that both Super Lawyers and Rising Stars identify outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.

Piskel Yahne Kovarik’s honorees for 2022 are:

Super Lawyers

  • Jason T. Piskel

  • Nicholas D. Kovarik

  • Ryan D. Yahne

Rising Stars

  • Whitny L. Norton

  • Benjamin J. McDonnell

  • Todd J. Adolphson

  • Boyd Mack Mayo

The annual selections are based on extensive statewide surveys, an independent research evaluation of candidates, and peer reviews by practice area. Reuters said, “The result is a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys.”

Piskel Yahne Kovarik PLLC primarily serves clients in the areas of commercial business litigation, construction litigation, real estate disputes, property development, financial work-outs and employment issues.

For more information about Super Lawyers, visit SuperLawyers.com. For more information on Piskel Yahne Kovarik PLLC, visit pyklawyers.com.

William B. Emmal Promoted to Associate Attorney

Piskel Yahne Kovarik, PLLC has promoted William B. Emmal to Associate Attorney. Emmal previously served the firm as a law clerk.  He specializes in construction, real property, landlord-tenant law and business litigation. For Emmal’s complete bio, please visit our Lawyers page. November 2021

SEVEN PYK LAWYERS HONORED BY SUPER LAWYERS 2021 MAGAZINE

Seven Piskel Yahne Kovarik, PLLC lawyers have been recognized by Super Lawyers Magazine for 2021 for their knowledge and expertise in the following practice areas:

  • Construction Litigation

  • General Litigation

  • Business Litigation

  • Business & Corporate Law

  • Personal Injury Law

Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys.  Each year, no more than five percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor, and no more than 2.5 percent are selected as Super Lawyers Rising Stars.

SEVEN PYK LAWYERS HONORED BY SUPER LAWYERS 2020 MAGAZINE

Seven Piskel Yahne Kovarik, PLLC lawyers have been recognized by Super Lawyers Magazine for 2020 for their knowledge and expertise in the following practice areas:

  • Construction Litigation

  • General Litigation

  • Business Litigation

  • Business & Corporate Law

  • Personal Injury Law

Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys.  Each year, no more than five percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor, and no more than 2.5 percent are selected as Super Lawyers Rising Stars.

Piskel Yahne Kovarik, PLLC (“PYK”) is an experienced team of legal professionals offering, among other things, comprehensive legal representation to owners, property managers, and businesses. Available for general counsel, transactional, and litigation services, PYK primarily serves clients in the areas of commercial business litigation, construction litigation, real estate disputes, purchase and sales agreements, mergers and acquisitions, general corporate representation, financial workouts, and employment issues. Focused on building strong client relationships, we have earned our reputation as aggressive litigators and creative problem-solvers.  Contact our legal team today to see how we can assist you in protecting your investment. Published 7/22/2020

WHITNY L. NORTON PROMOTED TO PRINCIPAL

Piskel Yahne Kovarik, PLLC is pleased to announce the promotion of Whitny L. Norton to Principal. Whitny joined PYK right out of law school as an Associate and has consistently performed as a thoughtful, dedicated, and aggressive litigator throughout her career. Whitny’s aptitude and legal acumen are not only recognized by her firm, but also by the legal community who has recognized her as a Rising Star in Super Lawyers Magazine the last three years. Whitny’s practice focuses on business litigation, real estate litigation, and employment related disputes, and she is licensed in Washington and Idaho. Published 3/4/2020

STILL YOUNG PISKEL YAHNE KOVARIK LAW FIRM GROWS UP, GETS LARGER

“They’re not 30-somethings anymore, but the principals of Spokane law firm Piskel Yahne Kovarik PLLC say their approach has remained largely the same as it was seven years ago when they started the firm—and it’s paid off. ”
— https://www.spokanejournal.com/local-news/still-young-piskel-yahne-kovarik-law-firm-grows-up-gets-larger/

attorneys recognized by super lawyers magazine 

Piskel Yahne Kovarik, PLLC founding members Jason Piskel, Ryan Yahne, Nicholas Kovarik, and associate attorney Whitny Norton have been recognized by Super Lawyers Magazine. Ms. Norton was named as a Rising Star in the area of Business Litigation, her first recognition by the magazine. Mr. Piskel and Mr. Yahne were named as Super Lawyers in the area of Construction Litigation, and Mr. Kovarik was named as a Rising Star in the area of General Litigation.        Published:  7/3/18

FOUNDING MEMBERS RECOGNIZED ONCE AGAIN BY SUPER LAWYERS MAGAZINE

Jason Piskel, Ryan Yahne and Nicholas Kovarik, the three founding members of the law firm Piskel Yahne Kovarik, have once again been recognized as Washington State Super Lawyers by Super Lawyers Magazine.  Mr. Piskel and Mr. Yahne were named as Super Lawyers in the area of Construction Litigation, and Mr. Kovarik was named a Rising Star Super Lawyer in the area of Business Litigation. 

Ryan yahne elected president of scba for 2015-16 term

Ryan Yahne, a real estate and construction attorney with the law firm Piskel Yahne Kovarik, has been elected President of the Spokane County Bar Association for the 2015-16 term.  The SCBA is a non-profit membership organization comprised of attorneys primarily from and working in Spokane County.  The SCBA has been in existence since the early 1900s and currently has approximately 1,000 members.

founding members recognized by super lawyers magazine

Jason Piskel, Ryan Yahne and Nicholas Kovarik, the three founding members of the law firm Piskel Yahne Kovarik, have been recognized as 2015 Washington State Super Lawyers by Super Lawyers Magazine.  Mr. Piskel and Mr. Yahne were named as Super Lawyers in the area of Construction Litigation, and Mr. Kovarik was named a Rising Star Super Lawyer in the area of Business Litigation. 

30-Somethings Meld Experience, Focus into New Firm

“Piskel Yahne Kovarik handles construction, range of business issues”
— http://www.spokanejournal.com/article.php?id=9056
“A Spokane-based company is suing several professional sports teams for breach of contract.”
— http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2013/jan/03/spokane-consulting-company-sues-white-sox/