Traeger Machetanz

Partner

I like construction litigation because it is like three dimensional chess: competitive, challenging, and strategic.

Traeger Machetanz's practice focuses on construction and government contracts counseling and litigation in Washington, Alaska, and throughout the United States, frequently appearing in courts, boards of contract appeal, agency hearings, and arbitrations. He also advises owners, general contractors, and subcontractors on bidding, contract negotiation and formation, government compliance, and dispute resolution, and has given numerous speeches to trade groups on these topics.

Owner v. materials supplier

80 percent settlement on defective materials claim. (2021)

Private contractor v. developer

Eight-figure settlement in constructive acceleration and contract balance claim. (2021)

Government contractor v. designer

75 percent settlement on defective plans claim. (2019)

Private contractor v. subcontractor

Successful settlement with subcontractor following three-week arbitration. (2019)

Government contractor v. federal agency

98 percent recovery on termination for convenience claim. (2018)

*Denotes an attorney's experience prior to joining Davis Wright Tremaine

Admitted to Practice

Alaska, 1984
Washington, 1990
U.S. District Court, District of Alaska, 1985
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington, 1991
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington, 2017
U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit, 1985
U.S. Court of Federal Claims, 1996

Education

J.D., University of Washington, 1984
B.A., Willamette University, 1981

Memberships & Affiliations

- Anchorage Bar Association, 1984-present
- King County Bar Association, 1990-present
- Alaska State Bar Association, 1984-present
- Washington State Bar Association, 1990-present
- Construction Law Section, Washington State Bar Association

Professional Recognition

- Named as one of "America's Leading Lawyers for Business" by Chambers USA in Construction (Alaska), 2020-2024; Received "Band 1," 2020-2024; in Construction (Washington), 2024
- Named one of the "Best Lawyers in America" in Construction Law by Best Lawyers, 2006-present
- Selected to "Washington Super Lawyers," Thomson Reuters, 2011-2021

Background

- Partner, Dorsey & Whitney, Seattle, 2013-2015
- Partner, Oles Morrison Rinker & Baker, Seattle, 1997-2013
- Associate, Oles Morrison Rinker & Baker, Seattle, 1990-1997
- Associate, Stafford Frey Cooper & Stewart, Anchorage, Alaska, 1987-1990
- Associate, Owens & Turner, Anchorage, Alaska, 1984-1987