DARBY N. DUCOMB

(206) 455-1928

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PRACTICE AREAS

Real Estate/Land Use

Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution

Strategic Advice & Counsel

Racial Equity
 

EDUCATION

University of Oregon School of Law, J.D., 1994

Indiana University, B.A., 1990

University of Washington School of Law Professional
  Mediation Skills Program, 2009

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Pepperdine University School of Law, 
  Mediating the Litigated Case, 2018

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PRIOR EXPERIENCE

 

City of Seattle, Office of the City Attorney, 1999-2017

Washington Appellate Project, 1994-1996

Darby is an accomplished multi-sector lawyer with experience advising governmental, non-profit, and for-profit clients, on a range of issues.  Today her work focuses on advising clients on real estate and land use issues, serving as a mediator, and advising clients on racial equity issues.  

 

Real Estate and Land Use

 

Darby represents and advises clients on a wide range of real estate and land use matters, including:

 

• Representing several downtown commercial and residential property owners challenging aspects of the City of Seattle's Waterfront Local Improvement District.
   

• Assisting commercial property owners with due diligence, rezones, and permitting/entitlement issues.

 

• Advising affordable housing projects, including the Seattle Girls School site and First A.M.E. Housing Association’s Bryant Manor.

 

• Working on environmental protection matters, including street tree conflicts, seaplane use o Lake Union, bioswales, and the expanded Terry Pettus Park.

 

• Advising economic development projects, including Handy Andy, Seattle Nissan, and Dogwood Play Park.

 

Mediation

 

Darby is an experienced mediator, settlement advocate, consultant, and coach.  She co-mediates with Emerald City Mediation.  

 

Racial Equity

 

Darby provides training, counseling, and policy analysis for legal professionals, local governments, and police agencies.

 

Pro Bono Work

 

In response to Covid-19, Darby volunteers for small commercial landlords and tenants in the Central District and Southeast Seattle neighborhoods, assisting clients in resolving commercial lease disputes.