April 19, 2018

Stuart Oles: A pioneer in construction law field

Oles

As young child, Stuart Oles posted a sign on his bedroom door that read, “S. Gregory Oles, Attorney at Law.”

Oles followed through on that ambition, becoming one of the most well-known construction attorneys in Seattle.

Oles, age 93, died April 8, surrounded by his family.

A news release from Oles Morrison Rinker & Baker, where he worked most of his career, said Stuart Oles volunteered for the Marine Corps' officer training program during WWII. He was injured and discharged for medical reasons in 1945, and his mother enrolled him in law school at the University of Washington.

During law school, Oles spent a summer working for construction attorney Gerald DeGarmo at the firm of Allen, Hilen, Froude and DeGarmo — a predecessor to Oles Morrison.

Oles graduated third in his class and joined King County Prosecutor's office, where he rose to chief civil deputy before returning to work with DeGarmo in 1950. Oles became senior partner in 1977 and the firm added his name.

“Stuart Oles will be remembered for his contributions to our firm, to the construction industry, to his community, and to the legal profession,” said Angelia Wesch, managing partner of Oles Morrison. “He was instrumental in not only solidifying our firm's reputation as a leader in construction law but in developing the practice of construction law as an area of specialty nationwide.”

Oles litigated a number of high-profile cases over his career, including the landmark Teamsters v. Lucas Flour Co. labor law case that was heard by the U.S. Supreme Court, termination-related claims on the Kingdome, and many heavy construction claims across the West and Alaska.

He managed the firm's construction practice until he retired in 1992.

Oles also was active in the community, working pro bono for the Episcopal Church and various civic groups.

He wrote a professional memoir entitled “On Behalf of My Clients,” and published a book of lay sermons.

Oles is survived by his wife, Ilse, and three sons, one of whom (Douglas) is a partner at Oles Morrison.

Memorial contributions can be sent in his name to Grace Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 324, Lopez Island, WA 98261.

(Update: A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. April 29 at the church on Lopez Island.)