Klien Hilliard

Klien Hilliard is an associate in Dickinson Wright’s Seattle office, focusing her practice on construction-related disputes and project matters throughout the Pacific Northwest. She works with general contractors, subcontractors, developers, and property owners on projects ranging from commercial developments and multifamily housing to public roadway and utility work, schools, and federal procurement.

She represents private and public sector clients and regularly advocates on their behalf before state, federal, and local agencies. Klien handles construction litigation matters as well as contract drafting, review, and negotiation. She concentrates on developing practical solutions and strategies that best advance her clients’ interests.

In addition to her construction practice, Klien advises clients on state and federal small, minority-, and women-owned business programs, including certification, eligibility requirements, and related appeals.

• Represented a public works contractor at jury trial, securing full recovery on breach of contract and indemnification claims.

• Successfully appealed the decertification of a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Woman/Minority-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE).

• Obtained full recovery of attorneys’ fees and costs in multi-million-dollar complex construction litigation.

• Represented multiple contractors in bid protests.

• Assisted in securing summary judgment dismissing a multi-million-dollar premises liability claim.

Publications

• “Attorney-Client Privilege in Bad Faith Insurance Claims: The Cedell Presumption and a Necessary National Resolution,” Seattle University Law Review, 2020.

Presentations

• “Construction Law, Bonding & Insurance,” Association of Women & Minority Business, Contractors’ Day Conference, March 2024.
• “The Subcontractor Listing Law,” The Seminar Group, Bid Protests on Public Works Projects Seminar, March 2023.
• Co-presenter, “Tadych v. Noble Ridge and Its Impacts on Contractual Limitations of Liability,” Washington State Bar Association, 2022 Fall Real Property CLE, December 2022.
• Co-presenter, “Top 10 Misconceptions in Washington Construction Insurance,” The Seminar Group, Northwest Insurance Law Seminar, October 2022.