Alpha Investment Co. v. City of Tacoma

Petitioner, Pierce County, seeks a writ of certiorari to review an order of the Superior Court denying its motion to exclude James M. Caraher as counsel for respondent, Alpha Investment Company, et al. We granted the writ as an appropriate remedy for determination of the alleged conflict of interest. See Kurbitz v. Kurbitz, 77 Wn.2d 943, 468 P.2d 673 (1970).

The facts pertaining to the issue of disqualification are as follows. The action by Alpha Investment Company against Pierce County is in the nature of an inverse condemnation suit in which damages are sought. Mr. George Dixon commenced the…