A "CR 2A agreement" refers to Washington Superior
Court Civil Rule 2A (SEE HERE). This rule means courts will enforce
a settlement when it meets certain criteria, even when the lawyers
have not yet drafted a complete and detailed settlement
agreement.
Lawyers in Washington state must exercise great care when they
discuss settlement in writing. CR 2A agreements bind parties once
key markers are present, and a simple email exchange can create an
enforceable deal. Lawyers also must take caution not to enter such
agreements by accident, because courts will uphold them if the
terms appear clear and intentional.
In a case decided by the Washington Court of Appeals last week,
the court enforced a settlement between Omni Staffing Services,
Inc., and healthcare facilities owned by Caldera Partners Limited
Partnership. Omni provides temporary staff to health care
providers. Caldera owed Omni about $291,000 for unpaid invoices.
Caldera sent a $50,000 partial payment, and
