Exhibit 10.1

                      AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

        THIS  AGREEMENT is entered into as of September 2, 2002,  by and between
BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC., a Maryland corporation ("Borrower"),  and WELLS
FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION ("Bank").


                                    RECITALS

        A.  Borrower is  currently  indebted  to Bank  pursuant to the terms and
conditions of that certain letter  agreement  between Borrower and Bank dated as
of May 31, 2000 ("Prior Agreement").

        B. Pursuant to the Prior  Agreement,  Borrower  remains indebted to Bank
under a line of credit in the maximum principal amount of Twelve Million Dollars
($12,000,000.00)  (the  "Prior  Line of  Credit"),  which is  evidenced  by that
certain  Revolving  Line of Credit  Note dated July 1, 2002 (the  "Prior Line of
Credit  Note").  The Prior  Line of Credit  Note will  mature and become due and
payable in full on September 2, 2002 and as of the date hereof,  the outstanding
principal balance under the Prior Line of Credit is $2,684,020.85,  plus accrued
but unpaid interest.

        C. Pursuant to the  Prior  Agreement,   Borrower   remains  indebted  to
Bank  under  a term  loan  in  the  original  principal  amount  of Six  Hundred
Ninety-three  Thousand  Seven  Hundred Fifty  Dollars  ($693,750.00)  (the "Term
Loan"), which is evidenced by that certain Promissory Note dated August 12, 1993
(the "Term Note").  The Term Note will mature and become due and payable in full
on August 1, 2003 and as of the date hereof,  the outstanding  principal balance
under the Term Loan is $363,762.49, plus accrued but unpaid interest.

        D. Borrower  has requested and Bank has agreed to  restructure the Prior
Line of Credit, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.

        NOW, THEREFORE, for valuable consideration,  the receipt and sufficiency
of which are hereby  acknowledged,  Bank and Borrower  hereby agree that all the
terms and conditions of the Prior  Agreement and Prior Line of Credit Note shall
be and hereby are amended,  restated and  superseded by the terms and conditions
of this Agreement;  provided,  however,  that nothing herein shall terminate any
security  interest,  or other  documents  in  favor  of Bank  and such  security
interests shall continue in full force and effect; and Bank and Borrower further
agree as follows:


                                    ARTICLE I
                                  CREDIT TERMS

        SECTION 1.1. LINE OF CREDIT.

        (a)  Line  of  Credit.  Subject  to the  terms  and  conditions  of this
Agreement,  Bank hereby agrees to make advances to Borrower from time to time up
to and  including  April  30,  2003,  not to  exceed  at any time the  aggregate
principal amount of Eleven Million Dollars  ($11,000.000.00) ("Line of Credit"),
the proceeds of which shall be used to pay-off the existing principal balance of
Prior  Line  of  Credit  Note  and  to  finance   Borrower's   working   capital
requirements.  Borrower's  obligation to repay advances under the Line of Credit
shall be evidenced by a promissory note

                                      -1-


substantially  in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto ("Line of Credit Note"),
all terms of which are incorporated herein by this reference.

        (b) Limitation on Borrowings.  Outstanding  borrowings under the Line of
Credit,  to a maximum of the principal amount set forth above,  shall not at any
time exceed an aggregate of (i) eighty-five percent (85%) of Borrower's eligible
billed accounts  receivable,  plus (ii)  sixty-five  percent (65%) of Borrower's
eligible unbilled accounts receivable (not to exceed $2,500,000.00),  plus (iii)
seventy-five  percent (75%) of the appraised  value of Borrower's  real property
collateral  granted to Bank (in Section 1.5  Collateral  below)  minus amount of
outstanding  Term Loan.  All of the  foregoing  shall be determined by Bank upon
receipt and review of all collateral  reports required  hereunder and such other
documents  and  collateral  information  as Bank may from time to time  require.
Borrower  acknowledges that said borrowing base was established by Bank with the
understanding  that, among other items,  the aggregate of all returns,  rebates,
discounts, credits and allowances for the immediately preceding three (3) months
at all times shall be less than five percent (5%) of Borrower's  gross sales for
said  period.  If such  dilution  of  Borrower's  accounts  for the  immediately
preceding  three (3) months at any time exceeds five percent (5%) of  Borrower's
gross sales for said period,  or if there at any time exists any other  matters,
events,  conditions or contingencies  which Bank reasonably  believes may affect
payment of any portion of Borrower's accounts, Bank, in its sole discretion, may
reduce the  foregoing  advance rate against  eligible  accounts  receivable to a
percentage  appropriate to reflect such  additional  dilution  and/or  establish
additional reserves against Borrower's eligible accounts receivable.

        As used herein,  "eligible accounts  receivable" shall consist solely of
trade accounts created in the ordinary course of Borrower's business, upon which
Borrower's  right to receive  payment is absolute  and not  contingent  upon the
fulfillment  of any  condition  whatsoever,  and in which  Bank has a  perfected
security interest of first priority, and shall not include:

                  (i) any account  which is past due more than twice  Borrower's
        standard selling terms,  (exceeding 90 days from date of invoice, or for
        professional employer  organization ("PEO") accounts,  exceeding 30 days
        from date of invoice).

                  (ii) that  portion of any account  for which there  exists any
        right of  setoff,  defense or  discount,  including  but not  limited to
        accrued  safety  incentive  rebates  (to a  maximum  of the  greater  of
        $150,000.00  or the  immediately  preceding 3 months'  safety  incentive
        rebates paid), customer deposits,  and internal billings (except regular
        discounts  allowed in the ordinary  course of business to promote prompt
        payment), or for which any defense or counterclaim has been asserted;

                  (iii) any account which  represents an obligation of any state
        or  municipal  government  or of the  United  States  government  or any
        political   subdivision   thereof   (except   accounts  which  represent
        obligations of the United States government and for which the assignment
        provisions  of the  Federal  Assignment  of Claims  Act,  as  amended or
        recodified  from  time to  time,  have  been  complied  with  to  Bank's
        satisfaction);

                  (iv) any account which  represents an obligation of an account
        debtor  located  in a foreign  country,  other  than an  account  debtor
        located  in  the  Canadian  provinces  of  Alberta,   British  Columbia,
        Manitoba,  Ontario,  Saskatchewan  or the Yukon Territory so long as, in
        Banks determination,  such Canadian jurisdictions recognize Bank's first
        priority  security  interest in and right to collect  such  account as a
        consequence of any security agreements and UCC filing in favor of Bank.

                                      -2-



                  (v) any  account  which  arises  from  the sale or lease to or
        performance  of  services  for,  or  represents  an  obligation  of,  an
        employee, affiliate, partner, member, parent or subsidiary of Borrower;

                  (vi) that portion of any account,  which represents interim or
        progress billings or retention rights on the part of the account debtor;

                  (vii)  any  account  which  represents  an  obligation  of any
        account debtor when twenty percent (20%) or more of Borrower's  accounts
        from such account debtor are not eligible pursuant to (i) above;

                  (viii)  that  portion of any  account  from an account  debtor
        which represents the amount by which Borrower's total accounts from said
        account debtor  exceeds  twenty-five  percent (25%) of Borrower's  total
        accounts;

                  (ix) any account  deemed  ineligible by Bank when Bank, in its
        sole discretion,  deems the  creditworthiness  or financial condition of
        the account  debtor,  or the  industry  in which the  account  debtor is
        engaged, to be unsatisfactory.

        (c)  Letter  of Credit  Subfeature.  As a  subfeature  under the Line of
Credit,  Bank agrees from time to time during the term thereof to issue or cause
an  affiliate  to issue  standby  letters of credit for the  account of Borrower
(each,  a "Letter of Credit" and  collectively,  "Letters of Credit");  provided
however,  that the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit
shall  not at any  time  exceed  Five  Million  Five  Hundred  Thousand  Dollars
($5,500,000.00).  The form and  substance  of each  Letter  of  Credit  shall be
subject to approval by Bank, in its sole discretion. Each Letter of Credit shall
be issued for a term not to exceed  three  hundred  sixty-five  (365)  days,  as
designated by Borrower; provided however, that no Letter of Credit shall have an
expiration  date more than ninety (90) days beyond the maturity date of the Line
of Credit.  The undrawn  amount of all Letters of Credit shall be reserved under
the Line of Credit and shall not be available for  borrowings  thereunder.  Each
Letter of Credit shall be subject to the additional  terms and conditions of the
Letter of Credit agreements,  applications and any related documents required by
Bank in connection with the issuance thereof.  Each draft paid under a Letter of
Credit  shall be deemed an advance  under the Line of Credit and shall be repaid
by  Borrower  in  accordance  with the terms and  conditions  of this  Agreement
applicable to such advances;  provided however,  that if advances under the Line
of Credit are not available, for any reason, at the time any draft is paid, then
Borrower shall  immediately pay to Bank the full amount of such draft,  together
with  interest  thereon from the date such draft is paid to the date such amount
is fully  repaid by  Borrower,  at the rate of interest  applicable  to advances
under the Line of Credit.  In such event Borrower  agrees that Bank, in its sole
discretion,  may debit any  account  maintained  by  Borrower  with Bank for the
amount of any such draft.

        (d) Borrowing and  Repayment.  Borrower may from time to time during the
term of the Line of Credit  borrow,  partially or wholly  repay its  outstanding
borrowings,  and  reborrow,  subject  to  all  of  the  limitations,  terms  and
conditions  contained  herein or in the Line of Credit Note;  provided  however,
that the total outstanding  borrowings under the Line of Credit shall not at any
time exceed the maximum  principal  amount  available  thereunder,  as set forth
above.

                                      -3-




        SECTION 1.2. TERM LOAN.

        (a) Term Loan.  Subject to the terms and  conditions of this  Agreement,
Bank has made a loan to Borrower in the original principal amount of Six Hundred
Ninety-three  Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars  ($693,750.00) ("Term Loan").
Borrower's  obligation  to repay Term Loan shall  continue to be  evidenced by a
promissory  note  substantially  in the form of Exhibit B attached hereto ("Term
Note"),  all terms of which are  incorporated  herein by this reference.  In the
event of any conflict  between this  Agreement and Term Note,  the terms of this
Agreement shall control.

        (b)  Repayment.  Principal  and interest on Term Loan shall be repaid in
accordance with the provisions of Term Note.

        (c)  Prepayment.  Borrower  may prepay  principal on Term Loan solely in
accordance with the provisions of Term Note.

        SECTION 1.3. INTEREST/FEES.

        (a) Interest.  The outstanding  principal balance of each credit subject
hereto shall bear interest at the rate of interest set forth in each  promissory
note or other instrument executed in connection therewith.

        (b) Computation and Payment.  Interest shall be computed on the basis of
a 360-day year, actual days elapsed.  Interest shall be payable at the times and
place set forth in each promissory note or other instrument required hereby.

        (c)  Restructuring  Fee.  Borrower  shall  pay to Bank a  non-refundable
restructuring  fee for the Line of  Credit  equal  to  Thirty-six  Thousand  Six
Hundred Sixty-seven Dollars ($36,667.00),  which fee shall be due and payable in
full upon  Borrower's  execution  and  delivery to Bank of this  Agreement  (the
"Restructuring Fee").

        (d)  Letter of  Credit  Fees.  Borrower  shall pay to Bank fees upon the
issuance of each Letter of Credit, upon the payment or negotiation of each draft
under any Letter of Credit and upon the  occurrence  of any other  activity with
respect to any Letter of Credit  (including  without  limitation,  the transfer,
amendment or cancellation of any Letter of Credit) determined in accordance with
Bank's  standard  fees and charges  then in effect for such  activity but in any
event not more than 1.25% per annum for any Letter of Credit  issued or renewed,
without prior notice.

        SECTION 1.4. COLLECTION OF PAYMENTS. Borrower authorizes Bank to collect
all  principal,  interest  and fees due  under  each  credit  subject  hereto by
charging  Borrower's  deposit account number  4159583848 with Bank, or any other
deposit  account  maintained by Borrower with Bank, for the full amount thereof.
Should there be  insufficient  funds in any such deposit account to pay all such
sums when due, the full amount of such  deficiency  shall be immediately due and
payable by Borrower.

        SECTION 1.5. COLLATERAL.

        As security for all  indebtedness  of Borrower to Bank under the Line of
Credit, Borrower hereby grants to Bank a lien of not less than first priority in
all its rights to payment from  customers and accounts  receivable  arising from
services rendered or to be rendered,  whether

                                      -4-


or not the same  has been  earned  by  performance,  and all  rights  under  any
contracts  it has or may have with its  customers,  and  proceeds  of all of the
foregoing,  general  intangibles and equipment and a lien of not less than first
priority  on that  certain  real  property  located  at 2828  SW  Kelly  Street,
Portland, OR 97201.

        As  security  for all  indebtedness  of  Borrower to Bank under the Term
Loan,  Borrower hereby reaffirms its grant and continues to grant to Bank a lien
of not less than first priority on that certain real property located at 4724 SW
Macadam Avenue, Portland, OR 97201.

        Additionally, as security for all indebtedness of Borrower to Bank under
the Line of  Credit,  Borrower  hereby  grants  to Bank a lien of not less  than
second priority on that certain real property located at 4724 SW Macadam Avenue,
Portland, OR 97201.

        All of the  foregoing  shall be evidenced by and subject to the terms of
such  security  agreements,  financing  statements,  deeds  of trust  and  other
documents,  as  Bank  shall  reasonably  require,  all  in  form  and  substance
satisfactory to Bank.  Borrower shall reimburse Bank immediately upon demand for
all costs and expenses  incurred by Bank in connection with any of the foregoing
security,  including without limitation,  filing and recording fees and costs of
appraisals, audits and title insurance.


                                   ARTICLE II
                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

        Borrower  makes the following  representations  and  warranties to Bank,
which  representations  and  warranties  shall  survive  the  execution  of this
Agreement  and shall  continue in full force and effect until the full and final
payment, and satisfaction and discharge,  of all obligations of Borrower to Bank
subject to this Agreement.

        SECTION 2.1. LEGAL STATUS. Borrower is a corporation, duly organized and
existing and in good  standing  under the laws of the State of Maryland,  and is
qualified  or  licensed  to do  business  (and is in good  standing as a foreign
corporation,  if applicable) in all jurisdictions in which such qualification or
licensing is required or in which the failure to so qualify or to be so licensed
could have a material adverse effect on Borrower.

        SECTION  2.2.  AUTHORIZATION  AND  VALIDITY.  This  Agreement  and  each
promissory note,  contract,  instrument and other document required hereby or at
any time hereafter delivered to Bank in connection herewith  (collectively,  the
"Loan  Documents")  have been duly  authorized,  and upon  their  execution  and
delivery in accordance with the provisions hereof will constitute  legal,  valid
and binding  agreements and  obligations of Borrower or the party which executes
the same, enforceable in accordance with their respective terms.

        SECTION 2.3. NO VIOLATION.  The execution,  delivery and  performance by
Borrower of each of the Loan  Documents do not violate any  provision of any law
or regulation,  or contravene any provision of the Articles of  Incorporation or
By-Laws of Borrower,  or result in any breach of or default  under any contract,
obligation,  indenture or other  instrument  to which  Borrower is a party or by
which Borrower may be bound.

        SECTION  2.4.  LITIGATION.  There  are no  pending,  or to the  best  of
Borrower's  knowledge  threatened,  actions,  claims,  investigations,  suits or
proceedings  by or  before  any  governmental  authority,  arbitrator,  court or
administrative  agency  which  could  have  a  material

                                      -5-


adverse  effect on the financial  condition or operation of Borrower  other than
those disclosed by Borrower to Bank in writing prior to the date hereof.

        SECTION 2.5. CORRECTNESS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT. The financial statement
of Borrower  dated June 30,  2002,  a true copy of which has been  delivered  by
Borrower  to Bank prior to the date  hereof,  (a) is  complete  and  correct and
presents  fairly  the  financial  condition  of  Borrower,   (b)  discloses  all
liabilities  of Borrower  that are required to be reflected or reserved  against
under  generally   accepted   accounting   principles,   whether  liquidated  or
unliquidated,  fixed or contingent, and (c) has been prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied. Since the date of
such  financial  statement  there  has been no  material  adverse  change in the
financial condition of Borrower, nor has Borrower mortgaged,  pledged, granted a
security  interest in or otherwise  encumbered  any of its assets or  properties
except in favor of Bank or as otherwise permitted by Bank in writing.

        SECTION  2.6.  INCOME TAX  RETURNS.  Borrower  has no  knowledge  of any
pending assessments or adjustments of its income tax payable with respect to any
year.

        SECTION  2.7.  NO  SUBORDINATION.  There  is  no  agreement,  indenture,
contract or instrument to which  Borrower is a party or by which Borrower may be
bound that requires the  subordination  in right of payment of any of Borrower's
obligations subject to this Agreement to any other obligation of Borrower.

        SECTION 2.8. PERMITS, FRANCHISES. Borrower possesses, and will hereafter
possess, all permits, consents, approvals,  franchises and licenses required and
rights to all trademarks,  trade names,  patents,  and fictitious names, if any,
necessary  to enable it to conduct  the  business  in which it is now engaged in
compliance with applicable law.

        SECTION 2.9. ERISA.  Borrower is in compliance in all material  respects
with all applicable provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended or  recodified  from time to time  ("ERISA");  Borrower has not
violated any provision of any defined  employee pension benefit plan (as defined
in ERISA)  maintained  or  contributed  to by  Borrower  (each,  a  "Plan");  no
Reportable Event as defined in ERISA has occurred and is continuing with respect
to any  Plan  initiated  by  Borrower;  Borrower  has  met its  minimum  funding
requirements  under ERISA with respect to each Plan;  and each Plan will be able
to fulfill its benefit  obligations as they come due in accordance with the Plan
documents and under generally accepted accounting principles.

        SECTION  2.10.  OTHER  OBLIGATIONS.  Borrower  is not in  default on any
obligation  for borrowed  money,  any  purchase  money  obligation  or any other
material lease, commitment, contract, instrument or obligation.

        SECTION 2.11.  ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. Except as disclosed by Borrower to
Bank in writing  prior to the date  hereof,  Borrower  is in  compliance  in all
material respects with all applicable federal or state environmental,  hazardous
waste, health and safety statutes, and any rules or regulations adopted pursuant
thereto,  which govern or affect any of Borrower's operations and/or properties,
including  without  limitation,   the  Comprehensive   Environmental   Response,
Compensation   and  Liability  Act  of  1980,   the  Superfund   Amendments  and
Reauthorization Act of 1986, the Federal Resource  Conservation and Recovery Act
of 1976, and the Federal Toxic Substances Control Act, as any of the same may be
amended,  modified or supplemented  from time to time. None of the operations of
Borrower is the subject of any federal or state investigation evaluating whether
any remedial action  involving a material

                                      -6-


expenditure is needed to respond to a release of any toxic or hazardous waste or
substance into the environment. Borrower has no material contingent liability in
connection  with any release of any toxic or hazardous  waste or substance  into
the environment.

        SECTION 2.12. REAL PROPERTY COLLATERAL.  Except as disclosed by Borrower
to Bank in writing  prior to the date hereof,  with respect to any real property
collateral required hereby:

        (a) All taxes, governmental assessments,  insurance premiums, and water,
sewer and municipal charges,  and rents (if any) which previously became due and
owing in respect thereof have been paid as of the date hereof.

        (b) There are no construction or similar liens or claims which have been
filed for work,  labor or material (and no rights are outstanding that under law
could give rise to any such lien) which  affect all or any  interest in any such
real  property  and which are or may be prior to or equal to the lien thereon in
favor of Bank.

        (c)  None  of the  improvements  which  were  included  for  purpose  of
determining  the  appraised  value of any such real property lies outside of the
boundaries  and/or building  restriction  lines thereof,  and no improvements on
adjoining properties materially encroach upon any such real property.

        (d)  There  is no  pending,  or to  the  best  of  Borrower's  knowledge
threatened,  proceeding  for the  total or  partial  condemnation  of all or any
portion of any such real property,  and all such real property is in good repair
and free and clear of any damage that would  materially and adversely affect the
value thereof as security and/or the intended use thereof.


                                   ARTICLE III
                                   CONDITIONS

        SECTION 3.1.  CONDITIONS OF INITIAL EXTENSION OF CREDIT.  The obligation
of Bank to extend any credit  contemplated  by this  Agreement is subject to the
fulfillment  to Bank's  satisfaction  of all of the  following  conditions on or
before September 2, 2002:

        (a)  Approval  of Bank  Counsel.  All legal  matters  incidental  to the
extension of credit by Bank shall be satisfactory to Bank's counsel.

        (b)  Documentation.  Bank shall  have  received,  in form and  substance
satisfactory to Bank, each of the following, duly executed:

          (i)     This Agreement
          (ii)    The Line of Credit Note.
          (iii)   Two Deeds of Trust and Assignment of Rent and Leases.
          (iv)    Security Agreement: Rights to Payment.
          (v)     Security Agreement: Equipment.
          (vi)    Such  other  documents  as  Bank  may require  under any other
                  Section of this Agreement.

        (c) Restructuring Fee. Bank shall have received the Restructuring Fee in
immediately available funds.

                                      -7-




        (d)  Financial  Condition.  There  shall have been no  material  adverse
change,  as  determined  by Bank,  in the  financial  condition  or  business of
Borrower,  nor any material decline,  as determined by Bank, in the market value
of any collateral required hereunder or a substantial or material portion of the
assets of Borrower.

        (e)  Insurance.  Borrower  shall  have  delivered  to Bank  evidence  of
insurance  coverage on all Borrower's  property,  in form,  substance,  amounts,
covering risks and issued by companies  satisfactory to Bank, and where required
by Bank,  with loss payable  endorsements  in favor of Bank,  including  without
limitation,  policies of fire and extended coverage  insurance covering all real
property  collateral  required hereby,  with replacement cost and mortgagee loss
payable  endorsements,  and such policies of insurance  against specific hazards
affecting any such real property as may be required by  governmental  regulation
or Bank.

        (f)  Interest.  Interest  under the Prior Line of Credit Note shall have
been paid current.

        (g) Interest and Principal.  Interest and principal  under the Term Note
shall have been paid current.

        (h)  Appraisals.  Bank shall  have  obtained,  at  Borrower's  cost,  an
appraisal of all real property  collateral required hereby, and all improvements
thereon,  issued by an appraiser  acceptable to Bank and in form,  substance and
reflecting values satisfactory to Bank, in its discretion.

        (i) Title  Insurance.  Bank shall have  received an ALTA Policy of Title
Insurance,  with such endorsements as Bank may require,  issued by a company and
in form  and  substance  satisfactory  to Bank,  in such  amount  as Bank  shall
require, insuring Bank's lien on the real property collateral required hereby to
be of the  priority  set  forth in  Section  1.5  hereof,  subject  only to such
exceptions as Bank shall approve in its discretion, with all costs thereof to be
paid by Borrower.

        (j) Other  Costs and  Fees.  Borrower  shall pay Bank the costs and fees
described in Section 7.3 hereof.


        SECTION 3.2.  CONDITIONS OF EACH EXTENSION OF CREDIT.  The obligation of
Bank to make each extension of credit  requested by Borrower  hereunder shall be
subject  to the  fulfillment  to Bank's  satisfaction  of each of the  following
conditions:

        (a) Compliance.  The representations and warranties contained herein and
in each of the other Loan  Documents  shall be true on and as of the date of the
signing of this  Agreement  and on the date of each  extension of credit by Bank
pursuant  hereto,  with the same  effect  as  though  such  representations  and
warranties  had been made on and as of each such date, and on each such date, no
Event of Default as defined  herein,  and no condition,  event or act which with
the giving of notice or the  passage of time or both  would  constitute  such an
Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing or shall exist.

        (b)  Documentation.  Bank shall have received all  additional  documents
which may be required in connection with such extension of credit.

                                      -8-




                                   ARTICLE IV
                              AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

        Borrower  covenants  that so long as Bank  remains  committed  to extend
credit to  Borrower  pursuant  hereto,  or any  liabilities  (whether  direct or
contingent,  liquidated  or  unliquidated)  of Borrower to Bank under any of the
Loan Documents remain outstanding,  and until payment in full of all obligations
of Borrower subject hereto,  Borrower shall,  unless Bank otherwise  consents in
writing:

        SECTION 4.1. PUNCTUAL PAYMENTS. Punctually pay all principal,  interest,
fees or other  liabilities  due under any of the Loan Documents at the times and
place and in the manner specified therein,  and immediately upon demand by Bank,
the amount by which the  outstanding  principal  balance  of any credit  subject
hereto at any time exceeds any limitation on borrowings applicable thereto.

        SECTION 4.2. ACCOUNTING RECORDS.  Maintain adequate books and records in
accordance with generally accepted accounting  principles  consistently applied,
and permit any representative of Bank, at any reasonable time, to inspect, audit
and examine such books and records,  to make copies of the same,  and to inspect
the properties of Borrower.

        SECTION 4.3. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Provide to Bank all of the following,
in form and detail satisfactory to Bank:

        (a) not later than 95 days after and as of the end of each fiscal  year,
an audited  financial  statement  of  Borrower,  prepared by a certified  public
accountant  acceptable to Bank, to include a balance sheet, income statement and
statement of cash flow, and a copy of Borrower's Form 10-K report filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission;

        (b)  not  later  than  50 days  after  and as of the end of each  fiscal
quarter,  a copy of Borrower's  Form 10-Q report filed with the  Securities  and
Exchange Commission;

        (c) not later  than 26 days  after  and as of the end of each  first and
second month of each fiscal  quarter and 35 days after and as of the end of each
fiscal quarter,  a financial  statement of borrower to include balance sheet and
income statement;

        (d) not  later  than 20 days  after and as of the end of each  month,  a
borrowing base certificate,  an aged listing of accounts receivable and accounts
payable,  and a  reconciliation  of  accounts,  and not  later  than June 30 and
December 31 of each year, a list of the names and  addresses  of all  Borrower's
account debtors;

        (e)  not  later  than  each  Tuesday  and as of the  prior  Thursday,  a
borrowing base certificate, an aged listing of accounts receivable, and a report
showing proof of payment of all currently due payroll taxes and health insurance
premiums;

        (f) from  time to time such  other  information  as Bank may  reasonably
request,   including  without  limitation,   copies  of  rent  rolls  and  other
information with respect to any real property collateral required hereby.

        SECTION 4.4.  COMPLIANCE.  Preserve and maintain all licenses,  permits,
governmental  approvals,  rights,  privileges and  franchises  necessary for the
conduct  of its  business;  and  comply  with the  provisions  of all  documents
pursuant to which Borrower is

                                      -9-


organized  and/or  which  govern  Borrower's  continued  existence  and with the
requirements  of all laws,  rules,  regulations  and orders of any  governmental
authority applicable to Borrower and/or its business.

        SECTION  4.5.  INSURANCE.  Maintain  and keep in force  insurance of the
types and in amounts customarily carried in lines of business similar to that of
Borrower,   including  but  not  limited  to  fire,  extended  coverage,  public
liability,  flood,  property  damage and  workers'  compensation,  with all such
insurance  carried  with  companies  and in amounts  satisfactory  to Bank,  and
deliver to Bank from time to time at Bank's request  schedules setting forth all
insurance then in effect.

        SECTION  4.6.  FACILITIES.  Keep all  properties  useful or necessary to
Borrower's  business  in good repair and  condition,  and from time to time make
necessary  repairs,  renewals and  replacements  thereto so that such properties
shall be fully and efficiently preserved and maintained.

        SECTION 4.7. TAXES AND OTHER LIABILITIES. Pay and discharge when due any
and all indebtedness, obligations, assessments and taxes, both real or personal,
including without  limitation federal and state income taxes and state and local
property  taxes and  assessments,  except such (a) as Borrower may in good faith
contest or as to which a bona fide dispute may arise, and (b) for which Borrower
has made provision, to Bank's satisfaction,  for eventual payment thereof in the
event Borrower is obligated to make such payment.

        SECTION 4.8. LITIGATION.  Promptly give notice in writing to Bank of any
litigation pending or threatened against Borrower.

        SECTION  4.9.  FINANCIAL   CONDITION.   Maintain  Borrower's   financial
condition as follows using generally accepted accounting principles consistently
applied  and used  consistently  with  prior  practices  (except  to the  extent
modified by the definitions herein):

        (a) Current  Ratio not less than 1.10 to 1.0 prior to December 31, 2002,
and not less than  1.15 to 1.0 as of  December  31,  2002 and  thereafter,  with
"Current  Ratio"  defined  as total  current  assets  divided  by total  current
liabilities.

        (b) EBITDA not less than  negative  $2,750,000.00  as of fiscal  quarter
ending September 30, 2002, not less than $850,000.00 as of fiscal quarter ending
December  31, 2002,  and not less than  $1,500,000.00  as of the fiscal  quarter
ending March 31, 2003, measured on a trailing  four-quarter basis, with "EBITDA"
defined  as net profit  before tax plus  interest  expense  (net of  capitalized
interest expense), depreciation expense and amortization expense.

        (c) Funded Debt to EBITDA  Ratio not more than 7.0 to 1.0 as of December
31, 2002 and not more than 3.25 to 1.0 as of March 31, 2003,  with "Funded Debt"
defined  as  all  borrowed  funds  plus  the  amount  of all  capitalized  lease
obligations  of Borrower,  "EBITDA" as defined  above and "Funded Debt to EBITDA
Ratio" defined as Funded Debt divided by EBITDA.

        (d) EBITDA  Coverage  Ratio not less than 0.75 to 1.0 as of December 31,
2002 and not less than 1.50 to 1.0 as of March 31, 2003,  with "EBITDA"  defined
as net profit  before tax plus  interest  expense (net of  capitalized  interest
expense),  depreciation  expense  and  amortization  expense,  and with  "EBITDA
Coverage  Ratio"  defined as EBITDA  divided by the aggregate of total  interest
expense plus the prior period  current  maturity of long-term debt and the prior
period current maturity of subordinated debt.

                                      -10-



        SECTION 4.10.  NOTICE TO BANK.  Promptly (but in no event more than five
(5) days after the  occurrence of each such event or matter) give written notice
to Bank in reasonable detail of: (a) the occurrence of any Event of Default,  or
any  condition,  event or act which with the giving of notice or the  passage of
time or both would constitute an Event of Default; (b) any change in the name or
the organizational  structure of Borrower;  (c) the occurrence and nature of any
Reportable  Event or Prohibited  Transaction,  each as defined in ERISA,  or any
funding  deficiency  with  respect  to any  Plan;  or  (d)  any  termination  or
cancellation of any insurance policy which Borrower is required to maintain,  or
any uninsured or partially  uninsured loss through liability or property damage,
or through fire, theft or any other cause affecting Borrower's property.


                                    ARTICLE V
                               NEGATIVE COVENANTS

        Borrower  further  covenants  that so long as Bank remains  committed to
extend credit to Borrower pursuant hereto, or any liabilities (whether direct or
contingent,  liquidated  or  unliquidated)  of Borrower to Bank under any of the
Loan Documents remain outstanding,  and until payment in full of all obligations
of Borrower  subject  hereto,  Borrower  will not without  Bank's prior  written
consent:

        SECTION  5.1.  USE OF  FUNDS.  Use  any of the  proceeds  of any  credit
extended hereunder except for the purposes stated in Article I hereof.

        SECTION 5.2.  OTHER  INDEBTEDNESS.  Create,  incur,  assume or permit to
exist any  indebtedness  or  liabilities  resulting  from  borrowings,  loans or
advances,  whether  secured or unsecured,  matured or  unmatured,  liquidated or
unliquidated,  joint or several, except (a) the liabilities of Borrower to Bank,
(b) any other  liabilities  of Borrower  existing as of, and  disclosed  to Bank
prior to, the date hereof;  (c) unsecured  liabilities of Borrower to sellers of
companies acquired by Borrower, the total which shall not exceed an aggregate of
$3,500,000.00, and (d) purchase money indebtedness for equipment or real estate.

        SECTION 5.3. MERGER,  CONSOLIDATION,  TRANSFER OF ASSETS.  Merge into or
consolidate with any other entity;  make any substantial change in the nature of
Borrower's  business  as  conducted  as of  the  date  hereof;  acquire  all  or
substantially all of the assets of any other entity in any transaction involving
a purchase price of  $5,000,000.00 or more without the prior written approval of
Bank,  which  approval  shall not be  unreasonably  withheld;  nor sell,  lease,
transfer or otherwise  dispose of all or a  substantial  or material  portion of
Borrower's assets except in the ordinary course of its business.

        SECTION  5.4.  GUARANTIES.  Guarantee  or  become  liable  in any way as
surety,  endorser (other than as endorser of negotiable  instruments for deposit
or collection in the ordinary  course of  business),  accommodation  endorser or
otherwise for, nor pledge or hypothecate any assets of Borrower as security for,
any liabilities or obligations of any other person or entity,  except any of the
foregoing in favor of Bank.

        SECTION 5.5. LOANS, ADVANCES, INVESTMENTS. Make any loans or advances to
or investments in any person or entity,  except any of the foregoing existing as
of, and  disclosed to Bank prior to, the date hereof,  and  additional  loans or
advances  to  William  W.  Sherertz  in amounts  not to exceed an  aggregate  of
$110,000.00 outstanding at any one time.

                                      -11-



        SECTION  5.6.  PLEDGE OF ASSETS.  Mortgage,  pledge,  grant or permit to
exist a security  interest  in, or lien upon,  all or any portion of  Borrower's
assets now owned or hereafter acquired, except (a) any of the foregoing in favor
of Bank or which are existing as of, and  disclosed to Bank in writing prior to,
the date hereof,  (b) purchase money security  interests securing purchase money
indebtedness  permitted  hereunder,  and (c) other  security  interests  for the
purchase or lease of tangible assets securing an aggregate  principal amount not
to exceed $25,000.00.


                                   ARTICLE VI
                                EVENTS OF DEFAULT

        SECTION 6.1. The occurrence of any of the following shall  constitute an
"Event of Default" under this Agreement:

        (a) Borrower shall fail to pay when due any principal, interest, fees or
other amounts payable under any of the Loan Documents.

        (b)  Any  financial  statement  or  certificate  furnished  to  Bank  in
connection with, or any representation or warranty made by Borrower or any other
party  under  this  Agreement  or any  other  Loan  Document  shall  prove to be
incorrect, false or misleading in any material respect when furnished or made.

        (c) Any default in the performance of or compliance with any obligation,
agreement  or other  provision  contained  herein or in any other Loan  Document
(other  than those  referred  to in  subsections  (a) and (b)  above),  and with
respect to any such default which by its nature can be cured, such default shall
continue for a period of twenty (20) days from its occurrence.

        (d) Any default in the payment or performance of any obligation,  or any
defined event of default,  under the terms of any contract or instrument  (other
than any of the Loan Documents) pursuant to which Borrower has incurred any debt
or other liability to any person or entity, including Bank.

        (e) The filing of a notice of judgment  lien  against  Borrower;  or the
recording  of any abstract of judgment  against  Borrower in any county in which
Borrower  has an interest in real  property;  or the service of a notice of levy
and/or of a writ of attachment or execution, or other like process,  against the
assets of Borrower; or the entry of a judgment against Borrower.

        (f) Borrower  shall become  insolvent,  or shall suffer or consent to or
apply for the  appointment  of a receiver,  trustee,  custodian or liquidator of
itself or any of its property,  or shall generally fail to pay its debts as they
become due,  or shall make a general  assignment  for the benefit of  creditors;
Borrower   shall  file  a   voluntary   petition  in   bankruptcy,   or  seeking
reorganization, in order to effect a plan or other arrangement with creditors or
any other relief under the Bankruptcy  Reform Act, Title 11 of the United States
Code, as amended or recodified from time to time  ("Bankruptcy  Code"), or under
any state or federal law granting relief to debtors, whether now or hereafter in
effect;  or any  involuntary  petition or proceeding  pursuant to the Bankruptcy
Code or any other  applicable  state or  federal  law  relating  to  bankruptcy,
reorganization  or other  relief  for  debtors  is filed  or  commenced  against
Borrower,  or Borrower shall file an answer  admitting the  jurisdiction  of the
court and the material  allegations  of any  involuntary  petition;  or Borrower
shall be adjudicated a bankrupt, or an order for relief shall be


                                      -12-


entered  against  Borrower  by any  court of  competent  jurisdiction  under the
Bankruptcy  Code or any  other  applicable  state or  federal  law  relating  to
bankruptcy, reorganization or other relief for debtors.

        (g) There shall exist or occur any event or condition which Bank in good
faith believes impairs,  or is substantially  likely to impair,  the prospect of
payment or  performance  by  Borrower of its  obligations  under any of the Loan
Documents.

        (h) The dissolution or liquidation of Borrower;  or Borrower,  or any of
its directors,  stockholders  or members shall take action seeking to effect the
dissolution or liquidation of Borrower.

        (i) Any  change in  ownership  during the term of this  Agreement  of an
aggregate of twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the common stock of Borrower.

        (j)  The  sale,  transfer,  hypothecation,  assignment  or  encumbrance,
whether  voluntary,  involuntary  or by operation of law,  without  Bank's prior
written  consent,  of  all or any  part  of or  interest  in any  real  property
collateral required hereby.

        SECTION 6.2. REMEDIES.  Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default: (a)
all indebtedness of Borrower under each of the Loan Documents,  any term thereof
to the  contrary  notwithstanding,  shall at Bank's  option and  without  notice
become  immediately  due and payable  without  presentment,  demand,  protest or
notice of dishonor,  all of which are hereby  expressly waived by each Borrower;
(b) the  obligation,  if any, of Bank to extend any further  credit under any of
the Loan Documents  shall  immediately  cease and terminate;  and (c) Bank shall
have all rights, powers and remedies available under each of the Loan Documents,
or accorded by law,  including without  limitation the right to resort to any or
all  security  for any credit  subject  hereto and to exercise any or all of the
rights of a beneficiary or secured party pursuant to applicable law. All rights,
powers and  remedies of Bank may be  exercised at any time by Bank and from time
to time after the  occurrence  of an Event of Default,  are  cumulative  and not
exclusive,  and shall be in  addition  to any other  rights,  powers or remedies
provided by law or equity.


                                   ARTICLE VII
                                  MISCELLANEOUS

        SECTION 7.1. NO WAIVER.  No delay,  failure or discontinuance of Bank in
exercising  any right,  power or remedy  under any of the Loan  Documents  shall
affect or operate  as a waiver of such  right,  power or  remedy;  nor shall any
single or partial exercise of any such right, power or remedy preclude, waive or
otherwise  affect any other or further  exercise  thereof or the exercise of any
other right,  power or remedy.  Any waiver,  permit,  consent or approval of any
kind by Bank of any breach of or default under any of the Loan Documents must be
in writing and shall be effective only to the extent set forth in such writing.

        SECTION 7.2. NOTICES. All notices,  requests and demands which any party
is required or may desire to give to any other party under any provision of this
Agreement must be in writing delivered to each party at the following address:

     BORROWER:           BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
                         4724 SW Macadam Avenue
                         Portland, OR 97201

                                      -13-



     BANK:               WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
                         1300 SW 5TH Avenue, Tower, 14th Floor,
                         Portland, OR 97201
                         Attn: Stephen J. Day

or to such other  address as any party may  designate  by written  notice to all
other  parties.  Each such  notice,  request and demand shall be deemed given or
made as follows:  (a) if sent by hand delivery,  upon  delivery;  (b) if sent by
mail, upon the earlier of the date of receipt or three (3) days after deposit in
the U.S.  mail,  first class and postage  prepaid;  and (c) if sent by telecopy,
upon receipt.

        SECTION 7.3. COSTS,  EXPENSES AND ATTORNEYS' FEES. Borrower shall pay to
Bank immediately upon demand the full amount of all payments, advances, charges,
costs and expenses,  including  reasonable  attorneys'  fees (to include outside
counsel fees and all allocated  costs of Bank's in-house  counsel),  expended or
incurred by Bank in connection  with (a) the negotiation and preparation of this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents,  Bank's continued  administration hereof
and  thereof,  and the  preparation  of any  amendments  and waivers  hereto and
thereto,  (b) the  enforcement  of Bank's  rights  and/or the  collection of any
amounts  which become due to Bank under any of the Loan  Documents,  and (c) the
prosecution  or  defense  of any  action in any way  related  to any of the Loan
Documents,  including  without  limitation,  any action for declaratory  relief,
whether incurred at the trial or appellate  level, in an arbitration  proceeding
or otherwise, and including any of the foregoing incurred in connection with any
bankruptcy proceeding  (including without limitation,  any adversary proceeding,
contested  matter or motion brought by Bank or any other person) relating to any
Borrower or any other person or entity.

        SECTION 7.4.  SUCCESSORS,  ASSIGNMENT.  This Agreement  shall be binding
upon and inure to the  benefit of the heirs,  executors,  administrators,  legal
representatives,  successors and assigns of the parties;  provided however, that
Borrower may not assign or transfer its interest  hereunder without Bank's prior
written consent. Bank reserves the right to sell, assign, transfer, negotiate or
grant  participations  in all or any part of, or any interest in,  Bank's rights
and benefits under each of the Loan Documents. In connection therewith, Bank may
disclose  all  documents  and  information  which Bank now has or may  hereafter
acquire relating to any credit subject hereto,  Borrower or its business, or any
collateral required hereunder.

        SECTION 7.5. ENTIRE AGREEMENT;  AMENDMENT.  This Agreement and the other
Loan Documents  constitute the entire  agreement  between Borrower and Bank with
respect to each credit  subject  hereto and  supersede  all prior  negotiations,
communications,  discussions  and  correspondence  concerning the subject matter
hereof. This Agreement may be amended or modified only in writing signed by each
party hereto.

        SECTION 7.6. NO THIRD PARTY  BENEFICIARIES.  This  Agreement is made and
entered into for the sole protection and benefit of the parties hereto and their
respective permitted successors and assigns, and no other person or entity shall
be a third party  beneficiary of, or have any direct or indirect cause of action
or claim in connection  with,  this Agreement or any other of the Loan Documents
to which it is not a party.

        SECTION 7.7. TIME. Time is of the essence of each and every provision of
this Agreement and each other of the Loan Documents.

                                      -14-



        SECTION  7.8.  SEVERABILITY  OF  PROVISIONS.  If any  provision  of this
Agreement shall be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision
shall be  ineffective  only to the  extent  of such  prohibition  or  invalidity
without invalidating the remainder of such provision or any remaining provisions
of this Agreement.

        SECTION 7.9. COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be executed in any number
of counterparts, each of which when executed and delivered shall be deemed to be
an original,  and all of which when taken together shall  constitute one and the
same Agreement.

        SECTION 7.10.  GOVERNING  LAW. This  Agreement  shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Oregon.

        SECTION 7.11. ARBITRATION.

        (a) Arbitration.  The parties hereto agree, upon demand by any party, to
submit to binding arbitration all claims,  disputes and controversies between or
among them (and their respective employees, officers, directors,  attorneys, and
other agents), whether in tort, contract or otherwise arising out of or relating
to in any way (i) the loan and related Loan  Documents  which are the subject of
this   Agreement   and   its    negotiation,    execution,    collateralization,
administration,  repayment, modification,  extension,  substitution,  formation,
inducement, enforcement, default or termination; or (ii) requests for additional
credit.

        (b) Governing  Rules.  Any arbitration  proceeding will (i) proceed in a
location in Oregon  selected by the American  Arbitration  Association  ("AAA");
(ii) be governed by the Federal  Arbitration  Act (Title 9 of the United  States
Code),  notwithstanding  any  conflicting  choice of law provision in any of the
documents between the parties;  and (iii) be conducted by the AAA, or such other
administrator  as the parties shall mutually agree upon, in accordance  with the
AAA's commercial dispute resolution procedures, unless the claim or counterclaim
is at least  $1,000,000.00  exclusive of claimed interest,  arbitration fees and
costs in which case the  arbitration  shall be conducted in accordance  with the
AAA's optional procedures for large, complex commercial disputes (the commercial
dispute  resolution  procedures or the optional  procedures  for large,  complex
commercial disputes to be referred to, as applicable,  as the "Rules"). If there
is any  inconsistency  between  the terms  hereof and the  Rules,  the terms and
procedures  set forth  herein shall  control.  Any party who fails or refuses to
submit to arbitration following a demand by any other party shall bear all costs
and  expenses  incurred by such other  party in  compelling  arbitration  of any
dispute.  Nothing  contained  herein shall be deemed to be a waiver by any party
that is a bank of the  protections  afforded to it under 12 U.S.C.  ss.91 or any
similar applicable state law.

        (c) No Waiver of Provisional  Remedies,  Self-Help and Foreclosure.  The
arbitration  requirement  does not limit the right of any party to (i) foreclose
against real or personal property  collateral;  (ii) exercise self-help remedies
relating to collateral or proceeds of collateral such as setoff or repossession;
or (iii) obtain provisional or ancillary  remedies such as replevin,  injunctive
relief,  attachment or the appointment of a receiver, before during or after the
pendency of any  arbitration  proceeding.  This  exclusion does not constitute a
waiver  of the  right or  obligation  of any  party to  submit  any  dispute  to
arbitration or reference hereunder, including those arising from the exercise of
the actions detailed in sections (i), (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph.

        (d) Arbitrator  Qualifications and Powers. Any arbitration proceeding in
which the amount in  controversy is  $5,000,000.00  or less will be decided by a
single arbitrator  selected

                                      -15-


according  to the  Rules,  and who shall not  render  an award of  greater  than
$5,000,000.00.   Any  dispute  in  which  the  amount  in  controversy   exceeds
$5,000,000.00 shall be decided by majority vote of a panel of three arbitrators;
provided however,  that all three  arbitrators must actively  participate in all
hearings and  deliberations.  The arbitrator will be a neutral attorney licensed
in the  State of  Oregon or a  neutral  retired  judge of the  state or  federal
judiciary of Oregon,  in either case with a minimum of ten years  experience  in
the  substantive  law  applicable  to the  subject  matter of the  dispute to be
arbitrated.   The  arbitrator  will  determine   whether  or  not  an  issue  is
arbitratable  and will give effect to the statutes of limitation in  determining
any  claim.  In any  arbitration  proceeding  the  arbitrator  will  decide  (by
documents only or with a hearing at the arbitrator's discretion) any pre-hearing
motions  which are similar to motions to dismiss for failure to state a claim or
motions for summary  adjudication.  The arbitrator shall resolve all disputes in
accordance with the substantive law of Oregon and may grant any remedy or relief
that a court of such state could order or grant within the scope hereof and such
ancillary  relief as is necessary to make  effective any award.  The  arbitrator
shall  also have the power to award  recovery  of all costs and fees,  to impose
sanctions and to take such other action as the arbitrator deems necessary to the
same extent a judge could pursuant to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure,  the
Oregon Rules of Civil Procedure or other applicable law. Judgment upon the award
rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction.  The
institution  and  maintenance  of an action for judicial  relief or pursuit of a
provisional  or ancillary  remedy shall not  constitute a waiver of the right of
any  party,  including  the  plaintiff,  to submit the  controversy  or claim to
arbitration if any other party contests such action for judicial relief.

        (e) Discovery. In any arbitration proceeding discovery will be permitted
in  accordance  with the Rules.  All  discovery  shall be  expressly  limited to
matters directly  relevant to the dispute being arbitrated and must be completed
no later than 20 days before the hearing  date and within 180 days of the filing
of the dispute with the AAA.  Any  requests  for an  extension of the  discovery
periods,  or any discovery  disputes,  will be subject to final determination by
the  arbitrator  upon a showing that the request for  discovery is essential for
the party's presentation and that no alternative means for obtaining information
is available.

        (f) Class Proceedings and Consolidations.  The resolution of any dispute
arising  pursuant  to the  terms  of this  Agreement  shall be  determined  by a
separate arbitration  proceeding and such dispute shall not be consolidated with
other disputes or included in any class proceeding.

        (g) Payment Of Arbitration  Costs And Fees.  The arbitrator  shall award
all costs and expenses of the arbitration proceeding.


        (h)  Miscellaneous.  To the maximum  extent  practicable,  the AAA,  the
arbitrators  and the parties  shall take all action  required  to  conclude  any
arbitration  proceeding  within 180 days of the filing of the  dispute  with the
AAA. No arbitrator or other party to an arbitration  proceeding may disclose the
existence,  content or results thereof, except for disclosures of information by
a party required in the ordinary  course of its business or by applicable law or
regulation. If more than one agreement for arbitration by or between the parties
potentially  applies to a  dispute,  the  arbitration  provision  most  directly
related  to the Loan  Documents  or the  subject  matter  of the  dispute  shall
control.  This  arbitration  provision shall survive  termination,  amendment or
expiration of any of the Loan Documents or any relationship between the parties.

        SECTION 7.12. GENERAL RELEASE. In consideration of the benefits provided
to Borrower under the terms and  provisions  hereof,  Borrower  hereby agrees as
follows ("General Release"):

                                      -16-



        (a) Borrower,  for itself and on behalf of its  successors  and assigns,
does  hereby  release,   acquit  and  forever  discharge  Bank,  all  of  Bank's
predecessors  in  interest,  and  all  of  Bank's  past  and  present  officers,
directors, attorneys,  affiliates, employees and agents, of and from any and all
claims, demands, obligations,  liabilities,  indebtedness, breaches of contract,
breaches  of  duty  or  of  any  relationship,  acts,  omissions,   misfeasance,
malfeasance,  causes  of  action,  defenses,  offsets,  debts,  sums  of  money,
accounts,  compensation,  contracts,  controversies,  promises,  damages, costs,
losses and expenses,  of every type,  kind,  nature,  description  or character,
whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected,  liquidated or unliquidated,
each as though fully set forth herein at length  (each,  a "Released  Claim" and
collectively, the "Released Claims"), that Borrower now has or may acquire as of
the  later  of:  (i) the date  this  Agreement  becomes  effective  through  the
satisfaction  (or waiver by Bank) of all conditions  hereto;  (ii) the date that
Borrower has executed  and  delivered  this  Agreement to Bank  (hereafter,  the
"Release Date"), including without limitation,  those Released Claims in any way
arising  out  of,  connected  with  or  related  to any  and  all  prior  credit
accommodations,  if any,  provided  by Bank,  or any of Bank's  predecessors  in
interest,  to  Borrower,  and any  agreements,  notes or  documents  of any kind
related thereto or the transactions contemplated thereby or hereby, or any other
agreement or document referred to herein or therein.

        (b) Borrower hereby  acknowledges,  represents and warrants to Bank that
it  agrees  to  assume  the  risk  of any  and  all  unknown,  unanticipated  or
misunderstood  defenses and Released Claims which are released by the provisions
of this  General  Release  in favor of Bank,  and  Borrower  hereby  waives  and
releases all rights and benefits  which it might  otherwise have under any state
or  local  laws  or  statutes  with  regard  to the  release  of  such  unknown,
unanticipated or misunderstood defenses and Released Claims.

        (c) Each person signing below on behalf of Borrower acknowledges that he
or she has read each of the provisions of this General Release. Each such person
fully  understands  that this General Release has important legal  consequences,
and each such  person  realizes  that they are  releasing  any and all  Released
Claims  that  Borrower  may  have  as  of  the  Release  Date.  Borrower  hereby
acknowledges  that  it has  had an  opportunity  to  obtain  a  lawyer's  advice
concerning  the legal  consequences  of each of the  provisions  of this General
Release.

        (d) Borrower hereby specifically  acknowledges and agrees that: (i) none
of the provisions of this General Release shall be construed as or constitute an
admission of any  liability  on the part of Bank;  (ii) the  provisions  of this
General  Release shall  constitute an absolute bar to any Released  Claim of any
kind,  whether any such  Released  Claim is based on contract,  tort,  warranty,
mistake or any other theory,  whether legal,  statutory or equitable;  and (iii)
any attempt to assert a Released  Claim barred by the provisions of this General
Release shall subject Borrower to the provisions of applicable law setting forth
the  remedies for the bringing of  groundless,  frivolous or baseless  claims or
causes of action.

UNDER OREGON LAW, MOST  AGREEMENTS,  PROMISES AND COMMITMENTS MADE BY BANK AFTER
OCTOBER 3, 1989 CONCERNING  LOANS AND OTHER CREDIT  EXTENSIONS WHICH ARE NOT FOR
PERSONAL,  FAMILY OR  HOUSEHOLDPURPOSES  OR  SECURED  SOLELY  BY THE  BORROWER'S
RESIDENCE MUST BE IN WRITING,  EXPRESS CONSIDERATION AND BE SIGNED BY BANK TO BE
ENFORCEABLE.

                                      -17-



        IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed as of the day and year first written above.

                                                    WELLS FARGO BANK,
BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.                       NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

By: /s/ Michael D. Mulholland                       By: Stephen J. Day
    ---------------------------                         ------------------------
      Michael D. Mulholland                               Stephen J. Day
      Vice President-Finance                              Vice President



Exhibit A - Form of Revolving Line of Credit Note (Omitted)

Exhibit B - Form of Term Loan Note (Omitted)


                                      -18-