John Guadnola is a senior attorney in the firm’s Tacoma office, and is “of counsel” with the firm.  John has extensive complex litigation experience, principally with antitrust and unfair business practice issues, as well as extensive experience with legal issues impacting the distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages.  Although he is not taking many new clients, John regularly assists other attorneys in the firm when they come in contact with issues he has dealt with.

John earned his J.D. from the University of Colorado School of Law in 1971 and a B.A. from Yale University in 1968. He clerked for Colorado federal district court Judge Alfred A. Arraj after graduation from law school.  He practiced in Denver for about 5 years before joining GTH, where he has been a partner since 1978.

Active in the legal community, John served on the Board of Trustees of the Washington State Bar Association Antitrust Section for some 15 years, and was chair of the section from 1997 to 1999.  He was co-chair of the annual Antitrust Section Update Seminar for 5 years.

John has been active in community activities.  He served on the Board of Directors of the Point Defiance Zoo Society from 1991-2003; (President, 1993-95 and 2000-02) and is now again serving on the Board.  John also served on the Board of Directors of The Tacoma Symphony from 1989-2012 (President, 1995-98 and 2005-06).  In his personal time he enjoys flyfishing, gardening, and spending time with his grandsons.

Trial counsel for the Association of Washington Spirits & Wine Distributors Association in litigation over various rules adopted by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board to implement I-1183, the initiative privatizing the sale and distribution of alcohol in Washington state. The Board, Costco Wholesale, the Washington Restaurant Association and others were participants in the litigation.

Counsel for plaintiff in a multi-million dollar antitrust suit for predatory pricing. After extensive discovery in Washington, Oregon, and California, conducted a four-week jury trial; the case settled pending appeal. Community Press v. Portland Oregonian, USDC Oregon.

Defense counsel in trademark infringement suits, and plaintiff’s counsel in related breach of contract, antitrust and trademark infringement case. First case filed by ACBC settled during discovery; second suit by ACBC and related suit against ACBC settled just prior to trial. American Circuit Breaker Corp. v. Tacoma Electric Supply, Inc., USDC, Central District of North Carolina; Tacoma Electric Supply, Inc., v. American Circuit Breaker Corp., USDC, Western District of Washington.

Represented individual defendant in suit alleging monopolization and attempted monopolization, conspiracy in restraint of trade, group boycott, tortious interference with contract, and related claims. Won summary judgment dismissal, with prejudice, of all claims against our client. Cull v. St. Clare Hospital, et al., Pierce County Superior Court, Pierce County, Washington.

Secured judgment for $540,000, including specific finding that $410,000 was attributable to fraud by the individual defendant. Regal West Corporation v. ALIS-USA, LLC, et. al, USDC, Western District of Washington.

Counsel for plaintiff in $5-10 million suit for RICO violations, breach of employment contract. Case settled after extensive discovery in California and New York. Barker v. E.F. Hutton, USDC, Northern District of California.

Counsel for plaintiff in monopolization and unfair competition suit. Case was settled after extensive discovery and on the eve of trial. Community Press v. Statesman Journal, USDC, District of Oregon.

Counsel for plaintiff in predatory pricing and unfair competition case. Case was settled while on appeal. Community Press v. The Oregonian, USDC, District of Oregon.