Virginia Nicholson
Overview
Virginia was raised on a cattle ranch near Crater Lake National Park and understands both the challenges facing agriculture ventures, and the value of common sense in addressing them. She works with property owners facing regulatory roadblocks in attempts to use their land for recreation or business purposes. From obtaining a dock permit to providing advice on complex land use and environmental regulations, Virginia finds workable solutions by listening to clients and applying her diverse experience in agriculture, technology and litigation.
Virginia navigates complex land use regulations, SEPA mitigation and entitlement issues to resolve disputes and move projects forward. She also represents clients in administrative and judicial appeals of land use decisions.
In addition to her natural resources, real estate and construction work, Virginia has years of experience representing clients in copyright and trade secret litigation, as well as defending professionals in malpractice actions. Before becoming a lawyer, she worked with network and messaging technologies for prominent local technology firms.
Experience
Experience
Agriculture
- Protecting valuable farmland in Western Washington
Land Use
- Obtaining dock permits in San Juan County
- Successfully defending a LUPA appeal
- Obtaining a critical area permit for a local developer
Litigation
- Successful defense of accountants, insurance agents and attorneys in malpractice litigations
- Defending claims of copyright infringement, trade secret infringement, and protecting intellectual property
- Contract disputes
Memberships & Awards
Memberships
- Washington State Bar Association, Environmental and Land Use Law Section; Member
- Washington Farm Bureau, Member
- Washington Cattlemen’s Association, Member
Awards
- Washington Rising Stars List, Business Litigation (2016-2017)
Resources & Ideas
News
- Puget Sound Business Journal, November 25, 2016
- 12 of Schwabe’s Washington attorneys recognized as being in the top 5 percent of their fieldJune 12, 2017
- 14 of Schwabe’s Washington attorneys recognized as being in the top 5 percent of their fieldJune 16, 2016
Seminars & Speaking Engagements
- April 6, 2018
- NW Planners Forum CAO WorkshopMount Vernon, WA, April 28, 2016
Publications
- March 6, 2019
- August 4, 2016
- October 30, 2017
- October 13, 2017
- October 6, 2017
- September 26, 2017
- September 18, 2017
- Bisnow's Workplace of the Future survey resultsSeptember 14, 2017
- October 14, 2016
- June 16, 2016
Community Activities
Community Activities
- Family Law CASA of King County, Past President of the Board (2014)
Services
Education
- Oregon State UniversityBachelor of Science degree (1985)
- Seattle University School of LawJuris Doctor degree, magna cum laude (2007)
Admissions
Oregon State Courts
Washington State Courts
United States District Court, Eastern District of Washington
United States District Court, Western District of Washington
Outside The Office
- Learning to kickbox—even though it happens at 6:00 a.m.