Attorneys Archive - Page 3 of 4 - Gordon Thomas Honeywell

John C. Guadnola

Biography Representative Matters Professional History

Biography

John Guadnola is a seasoned attorney with an extensive background and impressive record of success in his practice areas, which principally include antitrust litigation, alcohol regulation, complex litigation and professional regulation. As the former Executive Director and General Counsel of the Association of Washington Spirits & Wine Distributors, John has significant experience with both legislative and enforcement activities related to beverage alcohol products. As General Counsel for the Optometric Physicians of Washington since 1992, John has extensive experience with business, practice, regulatory and legislative issues applicable to the profession of optometry.

As co-lead counsel in a case of national significance (Costco v. Hoen), John represented distributor intervenors in defense of Washington State laws governing distribution and sale of beer and wine against an antitrust claim brought by Costco; the Ninth Circuit Court upheld substantially all the laws in 2008. Since 2011, when Washington privatized the distribution and sale of spirits, John has been involved in continuing litigation over the scope of rules implementing the Initiative, and involved with the creation of such rules by the Liquor and Cannabis Board. He has addressed several national and state symposia and seminars on alcohol regulation and antitrust litigation and enforcement topics.

Outside work, John has served on the boards of directors and in other capacities for the Point Defiance Zoological Society, the Tacoma Symphony, the Sexual Assault Center of Pierce County, and the Tacoma/Pierce County Corporate Council for the Arts. John is married, with two grown children and three grandsons. He enjoys fly fishing and gardening, but he likes fly fishing a little more.

Representative Matters

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.

Professional History

EDUCATION

J.D., University of Colorado School of Law, 1971
B.A., Yale University, 1968

JURISDICTIONS ADMITTED TO PRACTICE

Washington State Courts
Colorado State Courts
U.S. District Court, District of Colorado
United States Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington
United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
United States Supreme Court

PROFESSIONAL & BAR ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIPS

American Bar Association
Washington State Bar Association
    Board of Trustees, Antitrust Section1982-85, 1990-2000
    Section Chair, 1997-99
    Co-Chairman, 1984, 1989, 1994 and 1998 Annual Antitrust Update Seminars
Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association
    CLE Committee, 1992-99
Federal Bar Association of Washington
Federal Bar Association for the Western District of Washington
    Board of Trustees, 1998-2000
Federal Bar Association
    CLE Committee, 1986-2001
    Local Rules Committee, 1987-99

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY

Optometric Physicians of Washington, General Counsel, 1992 – present.
Washington Beer & Wine Distributors Association, Executive Director and General Counsel, August 2008 – 2012.
Association of Washington Spirits & Wine Distributors, January 2013 – present.

Salvador A. Mungia

Biography Representative Matters Professional History

Biography

Salvador Mungia, the son of immigrant parents, knew from an early age that he wanted to be a lawyer after seeing his working-class parents, who had little money and education, taken advantage of. After graduating from the Georgetown University Law Center in 1984, with honors, he returned home to Tacoma where he clerked for a state supreme court justice and then a federal district court judge before joining GTH in 1986.

Having been raised with the ethic of hard work, Sal tirelessly advocates for his clients. His hard work and legal skills have been recognized by numerous legal associations. Sal loves the law and loves being a lawyer.

Sal practices in state and federal courts throughout the state of Washington and has litigated in most of the Western states as well. Sal represents both plaintiffs and defendants in personal injury actions, business and commercial disputes, real property lawsuits, and appellate matters. One primary area of Sal’s practice is representing patients and their families in medical malpractice and nursing home actions. Sal has represented patients who have been injured as a result of doctors, nurses, and emergency room physicians making mistakes resulting in death, paralysis, brain injuries, and loss of life or harm to babies. Sal has brought actions against Multicare, CHI Franciscan, Harborview, Children’s Hospital, Valley Medical Center, and Swedish Medical Center among others. Sal has represented patients and their families in negligence actions involving a variety of specialists that include surgeons, OBGYN physicians, Emergency Department doctors, neurosurgeons, neurologists, bariatric surgeons, primary care providers, and nurses.

Sal also represents clients in civil rights actions, real property disputes, contract disputes, condemnation actions, and commercial and business litigation.

Sal has committed his career not only to his clients but also to the improvement of the justice system. He has served his profession by being president of the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association in 1999, and then the Washington State Bar Association in 2009. Sal devotes a significant amount of his time to expanding access to the civil justice system for those who cannot afford an attorney. He has served on the board of directors and then as president of Legal Aid for Washington, the predecessor of the Campaign for Equal Justice. He, together with Attorney General Rob McKenna, served as co-chair for the Campaign for Equal Justice in 2011/2012. Sal is serving on the Washington State Access to Justice Board where he was chair of the board for two years and he is also serving on the Board of Directors for the Endowment for Equal Justice. Sal considers his highest achievements, however, when he has represented individuals in both state and federal court, both individually and in class actions, free of charge to fight for their rights so that they would not be taken advantage of by those with power, as he saw how his parents were taken advantage of.

As Sal often says, “The highest calling of any lawyer is to give voice to those who have no voice, to stand up for those whom society has pushed down, to give hope to those who have forgotten what hope looks like.”

Representative Matters

PERSONAL INJURY

Van Rosendael v. Puyallup School District, Pierce County, WA. Represented parents and estate of student in wrongful death action brought as a result of failure of school district to enforce transportation policies. Case settled on third day of trial for confidential amount.

Roark v. Holden Village, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington. Represented client who lost fingers on dominant hand as a result of inadequate training by co-volunteers on use of commercial wood splitter. Confidential settlement.

Marez v. Pierce County Transit, Pierce County, WA. Represented plaintiff passenger of transit system who was struck by bus that resulted in loss of limb. Case settled before trial.

Garcia v. Royal Oaks Apartments, Pierce County, WA. Represented plaintiff child in action against apartment complex for failing to adhere to state requirements regarding water tank temperature setting. Excessive temperature of hot water caused third degree burns over large portions of plaintiff child. Reached confidential settlement before trial.

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

Harris v. Buttorff, Pierce County, WA. Represented plaintiff patient in medical negligence action against vascular surgeon arising from surgery that resulted in partial permanent paralysis of patient. Reached confidential settlement before trial.

Cogger v. Blakeney, Pierce County, WA. Represented plaintiff patient in action against OB/GYN arising from failure to properly repair bladder laceration after performing hysterectomy. Jury returned verdict in favor of client.

Glenn v. Estate of Becker, King County, WA. Represented plaintiff husband patient and plaintiff wife in action against orthopedic surgeon arising from prescription of Duragesic Patch for post-operative pain relief. Jury returned verdict in favor of clients.

Szelachowski v. Kindred Nursing Centers West, LLC, Pierce County, WA. Represented daughter and estate of nursing home resident who died as a result of a fall at a nursing home. Confidential settlement.

Schlenker v. Dr. J. Gregg Julin, Thurston County, WA. Represented patient in medical negligence action against defendant emergency department physician that resulted in partial permanent paralysis of patient. Reached confidential settlement before trial.

Purcell v. Children’s Hospital, King County, WA. Represented plaintiff child patient in medical negligence action against pediatric geneticist resulting in permanent developmental injuries. Case settled before trial.

Sherrouse v. Fox, Pierce County, WA. Represented plaintiff patient in action against bariatric surgeon’s treatment that resulted in a month-long coma and six month hospitalization of patient. Reached confidential settlement before trial.

Coleman v. Group Health, King County, WA. Represented plaintiff patient in medical negligence action resulting in misdiagnosis and mistreatment of neck fracture. Reached confidential settlement before trial.

REAL PROPERTY LITIGATION

Chicago Title Insurance Company v. Lexmar Hospitality and Che Investments LLC, Pierce County, WA. This was an interpleader action where our client, Lexmar Hospitality, was adverse to Che Investments. Che Investments had offered to purchase a hotel that Lexmar owned and the parties executed a purchase and sale agreement. Che Investments deposited $1,000,000 in earnest money with Chicago Title but failed to close the sale. The purchase and sale agreement provided that unless Che Investments had a legal excuse not to close on the deal, Lexmar had the option of keeping the earnest money as a remedy. The issue at trial was whether Che Investments had a legal excuse for not closing. After a six-day trial, the jury found in favor of our client, Lexmar. Lexmar will receive the $1,000,000 Che Investments had deposited as earnest money.

Campus Crest Development v. Campus Crest Properties, King County, WA. Represented purchaser of 22.4 acres parcel with a purchase price of $12.5 million for 114 finished lots in breach of purchase and sale agreement by seller. Reached confidential settlement before trial.

Berry v. Pierce County, Pierce County, WA. Represented two homeowners of waterfront properties where Pierce County was claiming right-of-way that allowed placement of utilities. Brought lawsuit on behalf of clients claiming inverse condemnation and sought quiet title. Settled claim by having Pierce County paying all attorney fees and quieting title in homeowners’ favor.

GENERAL AVIATION LITIGATION

Keen v. Textron/Lycoming, King County, WA. Represented Textron/Lycoming in defense of a 1997 air crash of a Pierre Robin HR 200/120B airplane in Scotland. Pilot’s estate brought suit alleging defect in manufacture of carburetor. Successfully moved to have case dismissed and transferred to Scotland.

Yoseph v. Textron/Lycoming, Mason County, WA. Represented Textron/Lycoming in defense of a 1996 air crash of a Hughes 269C helicopter. Passenger suffered significant injuries including a broken back. Plaintiff claimed that piston connecting rod was defectively designed. Reached confidential settlement prior to trial.

Bucko v. Textron/Lycoming, U.S. District Court, District of Montana. Represented Textron/Lycoming in defense of a 1996 air crash brought by estate of pilot. Reached confidential settlement prior to trial.

Turco v. Ameriflight and Rockman v. Ameriflight, Pierce County, WA. Represented Ameriflight, Inc., a California Corporation in defense of action brought on behalf of twenty passengers that died and two that were injured in a 1990 air crash of a de Havilland Twin Otter in Panama. Issues in lawsuit involved alleged manufacturing defect of fuel nozzles and alleged defective maintenance of fuel nozzles. Reached confidential settlement prior to trial.

Miller v. Rockwell Int’l, Second Judicial Court of Nevada for the County of Washoe. Represented estate of pilot who died in 1992 in-flight breakup of a Rockwell Aero Commander 690B in Susanville, California. Issues in lawsuit involved defectively designed rudder in 690 series aircraft that allowed oscillation (flutter) leading to in-flight breakups. Reached confidential settlement prior to trial.

APPELLATE REPRESENTATION

U.S. Supreme Court

Guillen v. Pierce County, U.S. Supreme Court, 537 U.S. 129 (2003). Argued case before U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of respondent in case involving federal constitutional issues under the Commerce and Spending Clauses and statutory construction of 23 U.S.C. § 409. Court found in favor of Petitioner Pierce County on the constitutional issues but in favor of our clients on the statutory construction issues.

9th Circuit Court of Appeals

Margolese v. Bruce, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, 902 F.2d 1578 (1990) (unpublished). Argued before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals involving commercial dispute.

Washington State Supreme Court

Planet Earth Foundation v. Gulf Underwriters Ins. Co. Washington State Supreme Court, Supreme Court Docket No. 78287-3. Argued before State Supreme Court involving insurance coverage dispute. Case settled after oral argument and before opinion was rendered. Landmark v. City of Roy, Washington State Supreme Court, 128 Wn.2d 561 (1999). After prevailing at the trial court, the State Supreme Court reversed the trial court’s judgment in favor of client regarding obtaining water connections at a certain price from the City of Roy.

Washington State Court of Appeals

Cogger v Blakeney, Washington State Court of Appeals, Division I (2010). Court of Appeals upheld judgment obtained in favor of plaintiff client in a medical malpractice lawsuit. Soundbuilt Northwest LLC v. Thomas Price, et at, Washington State Court of Appeals, Division II (2011). Was retained to represent clients after trial court entered a $5 million judgment against them individually. Court of Appeals reversed the trial court’s decision and ordered judgment be entered in favor of clients. The Court of Appeals denied Soundbuilt’s motion for reconsideration. The Washington State Supreme Court denied Soundbuilt’s motion for discretionary review.

PRO BONO CASES

Ramirez-Martinez v. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Federal District Court for the Western District of Washington. As a cooperating attorney for the ACLU-W Foundation represented detainees at the Northwest Detention Center who were placed in isolation after going on a hunger strike to protest immigration policies and conditions at the detention center. After suit was filed for declaratory relief detainees were released back into general population.

Spokane County v. Eastern Washington Management Hearing Board, Court of Appeals, Div. III. Represented Spokane neighborhood group in appeal of adverse trial court ruling involving Growth Management Act. Court of Appeals held that the trial court wrongly dismissed neighborhood group’s action for failure to properly effect service. Court held that County need not address traffic impact during map amendment process but will have to consider those impacts before issuing development permits.

Herrera v. Pierce County, Federal District Court for the Western District of Washington. As an ACLU cooperating attorney, one of three lead-counsel representing current and future inmates in Pierce County jail in class action lawsuit involving jail conditions. Reached settlement with Pierce County. Participated in post-settlement monitoring. Case finally dismissed in 2011.

Webster v Webster, Pierce County, WA. Represented ex-wife of plaintiff in both trial court and court of appeals. Plaintiff brought claims that were previously disposed of in divorce action. Obtained dismissal of all claims in trial court. Defendant’s ex-husband appealed to court of appeals, Div. II, Court of Appeals affirmed trial court. Co-counseled with Legal Voice.

Collard v. Reagan, Pierce County, WA. Represented two families defrauded by landlord who had been engaged in long-term systematic practice of keeping deposits of potential tenants but not renting to them. Both families lost deposits of under $1,000. Obtained judgment against the landlord of $105,000 and ultimately prevented landlord from engaging in future rental of housing units.

Halls. v. Halls, Washington Court of Appeals, Division II. Filed amicus brief on behalf of Committee for Indigent Representation and Civil Legal Equality (“CIRCLE”) urging court to find that Washington constitution requires appointed counsel in civil cases where the assistance of counsel is needed to ensure the validity of the judicial process.

O’Brien v. State of Washington, Pierce County, WA. As an ACLU cooperating attorney, represented individual in first amendment case involving nativity scene displayed at Western State Hospital. Prevailed at the trial court level.

Professional History

EDUCATION

J.D., Georgetown University Law Center, 1984
cum laude
Administrative Editor, Law & Policy in International Business Law Review
B.A., Pacific Lutheran University, 1981
magna cum laude

JURISDICTIONS ADMITTED TO PRACTICE

Washington State, 1984
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington, 1986
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington, 2003
United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, 1986
United States Supreme Court, 1992

PROFESSIONAL & BAR ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIPS

Washington State Bar Association
    President (2009-10)
    President-Elect (2008-09)
    Governor, Board of Governors, 2005-08
American Bar Association
    Delegate, House of Delegates, 2012- 2016
    Fellows of the American Bar Foundation State Co-Chair, 2013-present
    Executive Committee Member, National Caucus of State Bar Associations, 2012-2013, Member, Litigation Section
    Western States Bar Conference, President, 2014
Federal Bar Association for the Western District of Washington
Member, Civil Justice Reform Act Advisory Group for the Wester District of Washington, 2003 – 2005
Lawyer Representative, selected by Judges of the Western District of Washington Federal District Court as a lawyer representative to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference – three lawyers in the Western District are chosen per year, 2003 – 2005
Legal Aid for Washington
    President, 2002 – 2003
    Lifetime Board Member, 2005 – present
    Board Member, 1992 – 2000; 2004 – 2005
    Co-Chair, (together with Rob McKenna, Washington State Attorney General) for the Campaign for Equal Justice, 2011 – 2012
Equal Justice Coalition, Chair, 2016-2017; Endowment for Equal Justice, Board Member, 2016 – present; Access to Justice, Board Member, 2016 – present
Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association
    President, 1999
    Long-Range Planning Committee, 2013
    Co-Chair, Judicial Evaluation Committee, 2007-2008
    Member, Editorial Board, 2000-present
    Trustee, Young Lawyers Division, 1987-1989
Washington State Association for Justice
Latina/o Bar Association of Washington
LGBTQ Bar Association of Washington
Asian Bar Association of Washington

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY

1984-1985: Judicial Clerk to Honorable Fred Dore, Washington State Supreme Court
1985-1986: Judicial Clerk to Honorable Carolyn Dimmick, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington
1986: Joined Gordon Thomas Honeywell
1991: Became Partner at Gordon Thomas Honeywell
1993-1994: Adjunct Professor at Pacific Lutheran University

HONORS & AWARDS

• 2004 to present: Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating (highest possible rating for both ethics and legal ability).

• 2011 to present: Best Lawyers in America, in the field of appellate practice, civil rights law, commercial litigation, and personal injury litigation – plaintiffs.

• 2005-2006; 2008-2021: Super Lawyers, Washington State.

• 2010-present: Top 100 Trial Lawyers – The American Trial Lawyers Association designates The Top 100 Trial Lawyers from each state. Membership is obtained through special invitation.

• 2019: Charles A. Goldmark Distinguished Service Award for exceptional leadership in providing, promoting, and advocating for equal justice for Washington’s low-income individuals, families, and communities.

• 2017: Fellows of the American Bar Foundation “Outstanding State Chair Award.”

• 2017: Service to Diversity, by the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association for promoting and encouraging diversity within the legal profession, the community and among peers.

• 2015: Pro Bono Leadership Award, by the Tacoma-Pierce County Volunteer Legal Services Program.

• 2013: Alumni Service Award, for outstanding service to the community by Pacific Lutheran University.

• 2011: Bradley C. Diggs Award for Outstanding Service, for pro bono service – awarded by Appleseed Washington.

• 2011: Special Contribution to the Judiciary Award, presented for outstanding contribution to making the judicial system more accessible to all, regardless of economic status – awarded by King County Washington Women Lawyers.

• 2011: Latina/o Amicus Service Award – given to a friend of the law school who has demonstrated outstanding character, achievements and service.

• 2009: Modelo de Excelencia Award – presented to an attorney or judge who has a history of mentoring younger attorneys and opening doors for Latinos in a variety of job settings. Awarded by the Latina/o Bar Association of Washington.

• 2008: Outstanding Service Award – For exemplary service to the Pierce County legal community –awarded by the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association.

• 2008: Bertha M. Snell Award — For persevering and overcoming adversity in becoming an attorney or in the practice of law — awarded by Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association.

• 2007 – present: Fellow, American Board of Trial Advocates (by invitation only).

• 2007 – present: Senior Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America (by invitation only).

• 2006 – present: Fellow, American Bar Foundation (by invitation only).

• 2003 – 2005: Lawyer Representative to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference (selected by federal district judges).

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

• Kids in Need of Defense Washington State Advisory Committee, 2005 – present.

• Pacific Lutheran University Alumni Board, 2015 to present.

• Robert’s Fund Advisory Board, 2014 to present.

• Governor-Elect Justice Advisory Group, 2012-2013.

• Gates Advisory Board for the Gates Public Service Law Scholarship Program at University of Washington School of Law, 2012 – present.

• Initiative 502 Sponsor (2012): one of ten sponsors to legalize, regulate, and tax limited possession of marijuana.

• TEDx Tacoma, “It’s the Familiar” March 12, 2012.

• Mayor’s Task Force on Education, Tacoma, 2010 – 2013.

• R. Merle Palmer Minority Scholarship Foundation, Member, Board of Directors, 2008 – 2006.

• Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law, Member, Board of Directors, 2003-2006.

• Grand Cinema, Member, Board of Directors, 2002-2004.

• Judicial Campaigns: Co-chair, Committee to Retain Judge Brad Maxa (2014). Executive Committee Member to Elect Justice Steven Gonzalez (2012).

• American Leadership Forum, Fellow, 2001 to present.

• ACLU of Washington Member, Board of Directors 1987-1992; Cooperating attorney 1986 – present.

• Tacoma Human Rights Commission, Commissioner, 1990 – 1996.

PUBLICATIONS

• Washington State Bar Association, NW Lawyer, “Giving Hope With One Hand, Taking it Away With the Other,” October 2017.

• Washington State Bar Association, NW Lawyer, “To Pee or Not to Pee,” March 2016.

• Washington State Bar Association, Civil Procedure Deskbook, 3rd Ed., Chapter 12, Defenses and Objections, (2014).

• Washington State Bar Association Litigation Section “Trial News,” Winter, 2010/2011: “Opening Statements.”

• Washington State Bar Association, Supplement to Civil Procedure Deskbook, 2nd Ed., Chapter 12, Defenses and Objections.

PRESENTATIONS

Washington State Bar Association, “15th Annual Law of Lawyering Conference: Litigation Ethics,” Seattle, WA, December 15, 2017.

• Washington State Association for Justice, “How to Protect Your Client from Juror Color Bias,” Seattle, WA, December 8, 2017.

• King County Bar Association Annual Ethics Workout, “Ethics and Social Media, November 30, 2017.

• Washington State Bar Association Litigation Section, “Jury Selection,” Seattle, WA, August 11, 2017.

• Washington State Spring Appellate Judicial Conference, “Mock Jury Selection Under Proposed GR 36,” Walla Walla, WA, April 5, 2017.

• National Institute of Trial Advocacy, “Building Trial Skills,” Seattle, WA, July 17 through July 19, 2017.

• National Business Institute, “How to Get Your Social Media, Email and Text Evidence Admitted),” Tacoma, WA, June 21, 2017.

• National Business Institute, “Damages in Personal Injury,” Seattle, WA, June 16, 2017.

• Washington State Spring Appellate Judicial Conference, “Mock Jury Selection Under Proposed GR 36,” Walla Walla, WA, April 5, 2017.

• National Business Institute, “Damages in Wrongful Death,” National Video Webcast, December 7, 2016.

• ACLU-W, “Proposed GR 36: A Proposed Rule to Address the Deficiencies with Batson,” Seattle, WA, October 19, 2016.

• Washington Courts, “Proposed GR 36: A Proposed Rule to Address The Deficiencies with Batson,” Spokane, WA, September 12, 2016.

• National Institute of Trial Advocacy, “Building Trial Skills,” Seattle, WA, September 7-9, 2016.

• American Bar Association Litigation Section’s Spring Leadership Meeting, “What Every Lawyer Should Know About Cannabis,” Vancouver, BC, Canada, June 17, 2016.

• Washington State Bar Association, Annual Senior Lawyers’ Conference, “Justice is Blind and Other Great Myths,” Seattle, WA, May 6, 2016.

• Emory School of Law, Kessler-Edison Program for Trial Techniques,” Atlanta, GA, April 30 – May 2, 2016.

• Washington State Minority & Justice Commission & Gonzaga University School of Law, Culture and Ethics in Law Symposium, “Justice is Blind and Other Great Myths,” Spokane, WA, April 1, 2016.

• National Business Institute, “How to Persuade Juries and Judges,” Voir Dire and Opening Statements, Seattle and Tacoma, WA, February 18 and 19, 2016.

• National Business Institute, “Wrongful Death Litigation,” Negotiating Wrongful Death Claims, Seattle, WA February 16, 2016.

• Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association, End-of-Year Potpourri Seminar, “Conscious and Unconscious Bias,” Seattle, WA, December 5, 2015.

• Washington State Association for Justice, “Tackling Trial Opening Statements,” Seattle, WA, November 4, 2015.

• National Institute of Trial Advocacy, “Building Trial Skills,” Seattle, WA, September 8-13, 2015.

• Washington State Bar Association, Annual Senior Lawyers’ Conference, “Washington State’s (Somewhat New) Marijuana Law,” Seattle, WA, May 1, 2015.

• Litigation Counsel of America, Spring Conference, “Race and Ethics: Bias in Jury Selection, Juror Biases, and Use of Immigration Status at Trial,” Newport Beach, CA, April 17, 2015.

• National Business Institute, Washington Marijuana Law, “Preemption and the Controlled Substances Act” and “Ethics,” Seattle, WA, March 20, 2015.

• Tribal Marijuana Conference, “Federal Law and Policy Regulating Marijuana Possession and Use,” Tulalip, WA February 27, 2015.

• American Board of Trial Advocates, “Masters in Trial,” Seattle, WA, November 6, 2014.

• Washington State Association for Justice, Insurance Law: “An IFCA Trial Case Study,” Seattle, WA, October 3, 2014.

• National Conference of Bar Presidents, Plenary Session, “To Speak or Not to Speak,” Boston, MA, August 8, 2014.

• National Association for Legal Professionals, Washington Chapter, “Reviewing Medical Records,” Federal Way, WA, April 25, 2014.

• Law Seminars International, “I-502 Impacts on Business and Real Estate Transactions,” Seattle, WA, “I-502 Legal and Regulatory Framework,” June 14, 2013.

• Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association, “I-502 Marijuana Potpourri,” Tacoma, WA, “Background and Overview of the Initiative,” June 7, 2013.

• The Seminar Group, “I-502 Implications for Cannabis for Washington State,” Seattle, WA, “I-502 Potential Federal Ramifications: The Controlled Substance Act and the Commerce Clause,” April 26, 2013.

• Washington State Bar Association: “The Persuasive Lawyer,” Seminar Host, Seattle, WA., October 19, 2012.

• Washington State Bar Association: “2012 Solo and Small Firm Conference,” panel moderator, Ocean Shores, WA., “Cocktail Law,” July 20, 2012.

• Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association, Annual Year-End Potpourri, Tacoma, WA, “Closing Arguments, Jury Instructions, and Post-Trial Motions,” December 10, 2011.

• Washington State Bar Association Litigation Section: Build Your Case, Seattle, WA., “Voir Dire,” August 26, 2011.

• Washington State Bar Association Access to Justice Conference, “Frameworks and Tools for Combating Bias,” Moderator, June 5, 2011.

• Washington State Bar Association Bar Leaders Conference, “Bar Leadership in Public Service: Inspiration for Today’s Bar Leader,” June 4, 2011.

• Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association, “Access to the Courts,” September 18, 2010, Leavenworth, WA.

• Washington State Bar Litigation Section: Anatomy of a Trial, Seattle, WA. “Opening Statements,” August 27, 2010.

• En el Ciclo de Conferencias “La defense de los indigenas mexicanos y centroamericanos en los Estados Unidos de America, Mexico City, Mexico; “Los casos Pro Bono en la practica judicial Americana” August 5, 2010.

• Conference of Chief Justice and State Court Administrators, Vail, Colorado: “Partnering for Better Courts” July 27, 2010.

• The Justice for Washington Future of Freedom Conference, Seattle, WA: “Judicial Selection” January 9, 2010.

• Law Society of British Columbia, Whistler, B.C., Benchers’ Retreat: “Washington State Bar Association’s Disciplinary System: An Overview” June, 2009.

• Washington State Bar Association Access to Justice Conference, Yakima, WA. Moderator, “Pay Day Lending in Washington State” May, 2009.

• Washington State Bar Association New Lawyer Education Seminar, Seattle, WA “Being a Member of the Legal Profession: Conduct Befitting of a Professional” May, 2009.

• Clallam County Bar Association, Pt. Angeles, WA “Lincoln and Professionalism” May, 2009.

• National Business Institute, Seattle, WA, “Litigating to Win Through Advanced Trial Advocacy: Opening Statements” April, 2009.

• Litigation Counsel of America, Fall Conference, Napa Valley, Opening Statements, October, 2008.

• Judicial Selection Coalition, “Selecting Judges in Washington – Looking Back to 2008 and Forward to 2009,” Panel member, Judicial Evaluations, November, 2008.

• National Business Institute, “Litigating to Win,” Effective Opening Statements, 2007.

• Washington State Bar Association Litigation Section Mid-Year CLE: “Successful Litigation in a Changing Legal Landscape – The Diversity Litigation All Stars,” Moderator, Dialogue and Insights for Litigators on the Changing Courtroom, June 2007.

• National Business Institute, “Handling Medical Negligence Claims,” July 2007.

• National Business Institute, “The Art of Settlement,” 2006.

• Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association, “Ethics Panelist on Newly Adopted RPC Revisions,” 2006.

• National Business Institute, “Insider’s Tips on How to Prove or Disprove Allegations in Medical Negligence Cases in Washington,” 2005.

• Washington State Trial Lawyers Association, “Winning Your Case in Discovery: Effective use of discovery and depositions,” 2004.

• Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association, “Effective Oral Advocacy,” 2004.

• Office of the Washington State Attorney General, “The PATRIOT Act,” 2004.

• Washington State Bar Association, Trial Advocacy Program: “Expert Witnesses,” 2004.

• Institute of Traffic Engineers 2003 Annual Meeting: “Guillen v. Pierce County, A look at 23 USC § 409.”

• Washington State Bar Association, Trial Advocacy Program: “Retaining, Using, and Deposing Expert Witnesses,” 2003.

• Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association, “End of Year Potpourri: Civil Liberties Update,” 2003.

• Thurston County Bar Association, “Civil Liberties in the Post 9-11 Era,” 2003.

• Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association, “Ethics,” 2003.

• Washington State Bar Association, Trial Advocacy Program: “Cross-examining Expert Witnesses,” 2002.

• Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association, “End of Year Potpourri: Civil Liberties in the Post 9-11 Era,” 2002.

• Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association, “Ethics,” 2002.

• Institute for Paralegal Education, “Medical Malpractice from Start to Finish,” 2001.

• Washington State Bar Association, “Pretrial Preparation: The Essential Foundation for Success in the Courtroom,” 2001.

• Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association, “End of Year Potpourri: 2001 in Review.”

Salvador A. Mungia

Rated by Super Lawyers

loading …

Stephanie Bloomfield

Biography Representative Matters Professional History

Biography

Since joining the firm in 1994, Stephanie has worked on a wide variety of cases representing clients in employment, business and injury litigation, as well as estate litigation and contract disputes. She also represents clients in matters involving misappropriation of trade secrets, noncompetition contracts, Consumer Protection Act claims, unfair competition issues, and consults on matters of legal ethics.

In her commercial litigation practice, Stephanie focuses on complex business disputes, disputes between members of closely held companies and trust and estate litigation. She represents corporations, closely held businesses, shareholders, LLC members, personal representatives, heirs, and individuals in pretrial motions for injunctions or temporary restraining orders and through trial. Stephanie has successfully litigated on behalf of executives or shareholders forced out of corporations, prosecuted and defended trade secrets claims, protected LLC members from attempts to seize control or assets, and successfully admitted a Taiwanese Will in Mandarin to probate, defending it against forgery claims by the surviving spouse who was largely disinherited. Most recently she successfully fought on behalf of a pharmaceutical sales rep who was laid off after complaining about a colleague who improperly sought commissions for the sale of a drug for off-label use and achieved a federal court jury verdict of $5.9 million under the state and federal laws for sex discrimination, retaliation and False Claims Act violations.

Representative Matters

$5.9 million verdict Federal Court (Seattle). Represented female sales representative who was selected for layoff after raising concerns on an internal corporate hotline about improper actions by a male sales rep and her manager to improperly obtain commissions as well as gender discrimination by the female supervisor. After direct complaints to the manager and regional manager were ignored, and a call to the company’s internal “hotline”, the plaintiff #2 in sales overall for her region, was selected for layoff while younger male sales reps who had not complained and who were lower performing were retained. The unanimous federal jury awarded $5.9 million in compensatory and punitive damages.

$1.1 million verdict in Federal Court (Tacoma). Represented female pharmacist in her 60’s who was let go by Wal-Mart because a disability prevented her from administering injections. While a small part of her job, that Wal-Mart could have reasonably accommodated, instead it fired her after over a decade of service with glowing reviews.

TEDRA dispute – favorably settled. Represented the Taiwanese family of a deceased woman whose husband sought to obtain her entire estate. A will, written in Mandarin, was located in Taiwan and successfully admitted to probate in King County. The case involved international handwriting experts and testimony by various Taiwanese witnesses to the will. The matter eventually settled favorably at mediation.

Confidential settlement False Claims Act. Employees who reported concerns about fraudulent coding and billing practice by a medical practice in were terminated in violation of the federal False Claims Act. The False Claims Act has protects employees or contractors from retaliation for exposing fraud or engaging in other protected activity.

Confidential Settlement Physician Shareholder Dispute and False Claims Act. Successfully resolved claims by highly compensated Physician-owner arising out of his retaliatory termination following reports of discrimination and raising of billing and coding concerns by colleagues. The False Claims Act has protects whistleblowers who report Medicare fraud or other violations and allows double damages for lost earnings up to the time of trial.

$500,000 settlement. Represented a female Washington State Department of Transportation engineer and manager who was subjected to gender discrimination and a hostile work environment by upper management and subordinates.

$1,600,000 settlement. Represented four former employees asserting that the chief deputy prosecutor showed favoritism to younger employees, subjected older employees to condescending, hostile, and demeaning conduct, and made ageist comments. Stephanie L. Bloomfield and represented the four employees in their lawsuit against Clallam County. Case v. Clallam County, Jefferson County Superior Court Cause No. 09-2-00072-6.

Ockletree v. Franciscan Health System (No. 88218-5). In a sharply divided 5-4 decision in February 2014, the Washington Supreme Court held that religious non-profit employers cannot discriminate against their employees whose jobs are unrelated to the religious mission of the employer. While the Court held that a state law exemption for religious employers is not unconstitutional in all circumstances, it determined that our client, a hospital security guard who was terminated after suffering a stroke can, continue his disability discrimination case against Franciscan Health System. (Ockletree v. Franciscan Health System, No. 88218-5).

After a two week jury trial in Spokane County Superior Court involving a head-on accident with a logging truck on a snowy road in Stevens County, causing significant personal injuries to the claimant, the jury unanimously found that the logging truck driver and his employer were not responsible for the accident.

After several years of litigation involving claims against the Washington State Patrol for disability discrimination and failure to accommodate issues on behalf of a severely hearing impaired employee, the case was resolved for a six-figure settlement on behalf of the employee who continued to work during the litigation process. In addition to a substantial recovery, the employee was able to continue working with proper accommodations to perform her work.

$3.4 million paid by Thurston County to resolve claims. Stephanie Bloomfield represented three deputy prosecuting attorneys in gender discrimination, harassment and retaliation claims against the county. The jury unanimously found in favor of each of the three clients on all discrimination and retaliation claims after over two weeks of trial. In addition to the $1.5 million damage award, the court awarded attorneys’ fees and costs, and granted a multiplier, leading to a supplemental judgment of approximately $1.5 million. After Stephanie successfully defending the County’s appeal, and the appellate court affirmed the judgments, the County paid approximately $3.4 million to resolve the matter.

Defense verdict on a trade secret claim. Stephanie Bloomfield represented the former CEO of the plaintiff and his new company in litigation to protect their newly developed technologies from the former employer’s claim that the new technology was based on trade secrets stolen from the former employer. She successfully defended a motion for preliminary injunction. After a three week trial, the jury found every one of the seven alleged trade secrets was not a trade secret allowing my clients to maintain ownership and capitalize on the new technology they had developed independently.

Stephanie Bloomfield obtained orders dismissing all claims against individual defendants involved in the award of a public contract that was alleged to be motivated by race discrimination. The claims against the sole remaining entity were then settled after a three week jury trial.

Professional History

EDUCATION

J.D., University of Washington School of Law, 1994
B.A., Political Science, University of Texas, Austin and Arlington, 1991

JURISDICTIONS ADMITTED TO PRACTICE

Washington State Courts
United States District Court, Western District of Washington
United States District Court, Eastern District of Washington
U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit

PROFESSIONAL & BAR ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIPS

Washington State Bar Association
    Chair, Disciplinary Board (2015-2016)
    Disciplinary Board (2013-2016)
    Litigation Section Chair (2015 – 2017)
    Litigation Section Executive Committee (2010 – 2018)
    Member, Rules of Professional Conduct Committee (2008-2012)

Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association
    President (2013-2014)
    Vice President (2012-2013)
    Trustee (2008-2010)
    Co-chair, Judicial Qualifications Committee (2007-2008)

American Board of Trial Advocates – Member
American Inns of Court – Robert J. Bryan Inn, Master Level Member
Washington State Association for Justice
American Bar Association
Order of the Barristers

HONORS & AWARDS

ABOTA Trial Lawyer of the Year 2021
Top 50 Women Lawyers in Washington 2016-2021 by Washington Super Lawyers
Washington Super Lawyer (Business Litigation) 2010-2021
Lawyer Representative to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference 2009-2012

Stephanie Bloomfield

Rated by Super Lawyers

loading …

Shelly M. Andrew

Biography Professional History

Biography

Shelly focuses her practice on employment law and litigation, commercial litigation, and advising and litigating complex trust and estate matters. She represents individuals and businesses and especially enjoys working with clients to help them understand the legal process. Shelly enjoys building lasting relationships with her clients, which allows her to understand their business and offer a tailored approach to resolving legal issues when they arise. Shelly prides herself on being a tough advocate for her clients and finding strategic and creative solutions even in the most in difficult cases.

Shelly joined GTH in 2011. A graduate of the University of Washington School of Law, she began her legal career in Alaska, first serving as a judicial law clerk for the Alaska State Court of Appeals, and then joining a private firm representing corporate and municipal clients throughout the state. Shelly maintains an active license to practice law in both Alaska and Washington.

In addition to practicing law, Shelly prides herself on her community involvement. She currently serves on the Board of the Campaign for Equal Justice and has previously served as a board member of the Emergency Food Network and the Metropolitan Development Council. She is also a member of the Pierce County Chapter of Washington Women Lawyers. When she’s not working or volunteering, Shelly enjoys gardening, spending time with her spirited dog, and learning about the joys of historic-home ownership.

Professional History

EDUCATION

J.D., University of Washington School of Law
B.A., University of Washington

JURISDICTIONS ADMITTED TO PRACTICE

Washington State Courts
Alaska State Courts
U.S. District Court, District of Alaska
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington

PROFESSIONAL & BAR ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIPS

Washington State Bar Association
Alaska State Bar Association
Anchorage Bar Association
King County Bar Association
Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association
Washington Women Lawyers, Pierce County Chapter

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY

Joined firm in 2011
Associate Attorney, Anchorage, Alaska
Law Clerk to the Honorable David Mannheimer, Alaska State Court of Appeals
Judicial Extern to the Honorable James P. Donohue, U.S. Magistrate Judge, Western District of Washington

HONORS & AWARDS

Selected for inclusion in the 2013-2019 Washington Rising Stars list

Selected for inclusion in the 2023 Super Lawyers list

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

The Campaign for Equal Justice, Board Member (2020 – Present)

Emergency Food Network, Board Member (2015 – 2020)
Board Secretary, (2018 – 2020)

Metropolitan Development Council, Board Member (2014 – 2018)
CEO Search Committee Member (2019)

Washington Women Lawyers, Pierce County Chapter
Judicial Evaluation Committee Co-Chair (2016 – 2018)

Shelly M. Andrew

Rated by Super Lawyers

loading …

Margaret Y. Archer

Biography Representative Matters Professional History

Biography

Since joining GTH in 1991, Margaret Archer has represented private businesses, real estate developers and individuals on a broad range of land use, real estate and commercial issues. She provides her clients with strategic counsel and assistance at all stages of real estate development and in the related permitting processes, with an emphasis on efficient and creative problem solving. But Margaret has also successfully litigated many land use, real estate and commercial cases in Washington’s trial and appellate courts, as well as before Washington’s Growth Management Hearings Board and Shoreline Hearings Board. Thus, if issues cannot be resolved by agreement, Margaret’s extensive litigation experience enables her to effectively represent her clients in both court and administrative proceedings.

Before earning her law degree and joining GTH, Margaret Archer was a financial analyst for Westinghouse Hanford Company. She puts her business acumen and insight to good use in her practice areas and also as Chair of the GTH Board of Directors.

Representative Matters

• Litigation of real estate, land use, and eminent domain disputes in State courts, including the Courts of Appeals

• Litigation of Land Use Petition Act appeals

• Litigation of comprehensive plan appeals before Growth Management Hearings Board

• Litigation of Shoreline Management Act appeals before Shoreline Hearings Board

• Litigation of environmental issues before the Pollution Control Hearings Board

• Extensive appellate practice before the Washington appellate courts

Professional History

EDUCATION

J.D., Gonzaga University School of Law, 1991
magna cum laude
Thomas More Scholarship recipient
B.A., Accounting, Gonzaga University, 1984
cum laude

JURISDICTIONS ADMITTED TO PRACTICE

Washington State Courts
U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
U.S. Court of Federal Claims

PROFESSIONAL & BAR ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIPS

Washington State Bar Association
Member, Environmental and Land Use Law Section
Litigation Section, and Land Use Law Section
Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY

Joined Firm in 1991
Adjunct Professor, Seattle University School of Law, 2002
Financial Analyst, Westinghouse Hanford Company, 1984-88
Chair, Board of Directors and Managing Partner, 2018 – present

HONORS & AWARDS

Ranked as Top 50 Women, 2013-2021 by Washington Super Lawyers
Selected for inclusion in the 2011-2021 Washington Super Lawyers lists
Ranked in the Top 100 List in the 2016, 2019, & 2020-2021 Washington Super Lawyers
AV Preeminent Rated by Martindale Hubbell

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

Tacoma Little Theater, past Board of Directors and past President
Tacoma Shared Housing Services, past Board of Directors
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team in Training, Mentor

Margaret Y. Archer

Rated by Super Lawyers

loading …

Joe Gordon, Jr.

Biography Representative Matters Professional History

Biography

Joe Gordon, Jr. joined GTH in 1968 and has been a pillar of the firm and of the legal community in the Pacific Northwest for many years. He has tried superior court cases involving a wide range of civil litigation matters in 26 of Washington’s 39 counties. He served as a Superior Court Judge Pro-tem for over ten years. In recent years Joe has regularly represented commercial and residential rental property owners and management companies on landlord-tenant matters. He has frequently served as an arbitrator, and has been appointed as the arbitrator in dozens of superior court cases subject to mandatory arbitration.

When he’s not working, Joe and his wife Sandy stay busy with a seemingly endless array of garden tasks at their Tacoma home. He is an avid follower and supporter of Stanford athletic teams and has served as Commissioner of the GTH fantasy football league each season since 1977.

Representative Matters

Joe obtained a judgment on behalf of an employer against both a former employee and his subsequent employer for misappropriation of trade secrets, even though the employee had never signed a noncompetition or confidentiality agreement.

As the sole arbitrator, Joe resolved a contract dispute between a franchisee and a national franchisor. His award, issued after six days of testimony, was confirmed by the Superior Court and the confirmation was affirmed by the Court of Appeals.

Joe presided over a ten-day jury trial of a medical malpractice action as a Superior Court Judge Pro-Tern. The judgment was affirmed by the Court of Appeals.

Representing a landlord, Joe successfully appealed a trial court decision that denied his client reasonable attorney fees and double damages in a commercial eviction action in which the client prevailed.

Representing an injured workman, Joe appealed the trial court’s dismissal of his client’s claim that the industrial injury had rendered him totally disabled. The Court of Appeals reversed the dismissal, holding for the first time that the testimony of a vocational expert was relevant and admissible to establish an inability to perform gainful employment.

Professional History

EDUCATION

J.D., Stanford University School of Law, 1964
B.A., History, Stanford University, 1961

JURISDICTIONS ADMITTED TO PRACTICE

Washington State Courts
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington

PROFESSIONAL & BAR ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIPS

Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association
Board of Trustees, 1988-1990
Lawyer Referral Committee Chair, 1972-1980

Washington State Bar Association

Senior Lawyers Section Executive Committee and Treasurer,
2022-2024
Adjunct Investigative Counsel, 2004-2009
Special District Counsel, 1986-2004
Group and Prepaid Legal Services Committee Chair, 1981-1982

Washington State Court Historical Society Board
Member, 1999 – 2023

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY

Joined Firm, 1968 and became Of Counsel, 2007
Pierce County Superior Court Judge Pro Tem , 2000-2010
American Arbitration Association, Panelist, 1992-2014
Washington State Assistant Attorney General, Department of Labor & Industries, 1965-1968
Washington State Supreme Court, Law Clerk for Justice Matthew W. Hill, 1964-1965

HONORS & AWARDS

AV Preeminent Rated by Martindale Hubbell
2007 Civility Award, Honorable Robert J. Bryan Chapter of the American Inns of Court
2015 Lincoln Award, Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association
2018 Outstanding Pro Bono Service by an Individual Attorney Award, Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association
Past Inclusion in Washington Super-Lawyers, General Litigation

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

Greater Tacoma Community Foundation
Board of Directors, 1985-1991
Secretary, 1986-1989
Chair, 1989-1991

Stanford University Law School
Board of Visitors, 1987-1990

Rotary Club of Tacoma
Board of Directors, 1985-1988

Downtown Tacoma Boys Club
Board of Directors, 1981-1983

Mary Bridge Hospital and Health Center
Board of Directors and Executive Committee, 1973-1976

ARTICLES & PRESENTATIONS

CLE Presentations: Evictions from the Landlord’s Perspective; Ethical Dilemmas for the Practicing Lawyer; and Courtroom Opening Statements.

Kurt Hermanns

Biography Representative Matters Professional History

Biography

Representative Matters

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.

Professional History

EDUCATION

J.D., University of Colorado School of Law, 1971
B.A., Yale University, 1968

JURISDICTIONS ADMITTED TO PRACTICE

PROFESSIONAL & BAR ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIPS

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY

Mark G. Honeywell

Biography Professional History

Biography

For more than 40 years, Mark Honeywell has been an active litigator with a track record of resolving a wide variety of complex disputes. Over the course of his distinguished career, he tried and litigated hundreds of cases, and thus gained experience in a broad array of legal issues as well as a practical understanding of the benefits of resolution and how to achieve it. He now devotes his practice full-time to mediations and arbitrations.

As an approved United States District Court Rule 39 mediator, he has successfully mediated and arbitrated hundreds of cases involving personal injury, professional negligence, products liability, real estate and commercial litigation, neighbors’ property disputes, sexual abuse of minors, and insurance claims and coverage.

Mark has contributed to his profession as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He is also is an educator, author, and engaging speaker whose talk, Professionalism: How To Be On the Offensive Without Being Offensive, has kept audience members awake at a number of seminars over the years. To no one’s great surprise, he received the Washington State Bar Association Board of Governors’ Award for Professionalism.
Married for over 50 years, Mark is a proud father and grandparent. He spends a great deal of his alleged leisure time renovating his house on Vashon Island.

Professional History

EDUCATION

J.D., University of Washington School of Law, 1968
Washington Law Review, 1967-68
B.A., Political Science, University of Puget Sound, 1966

JURISDICTIONS ADMITTED TO PRACTICE

Washington State Bar Association
US District Court for the Western District of Washington

PROFESSIONAL & BAR ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIPS

Fellow: American College of Trial Lawyers
Member: American Board of Trial Advocates
King County Bar Association: Board of Trustees (1994-1997)

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY

Joined Firm in 1969, and became Of Counsel in 2011.
Clerk for Washington State Supreme Court, 1968-69
Adjunct Faculty, University of Puget Sound School of Law, in Legal Writing, 1974-75

HONORS & AWARDS

Selected for inclusion in the 2003-2021 Washington Super Lawyers lists
Washington State Bar Association Board of Governors’ Award for Professionalism, 1993
Associate Editor, WASHINGTON LAW REVIEW, 1967-68

Mark G. Honeywell

Rated by Super Lawyers

loading …

Donald S. Cohen

Biography Representative Matters Professional History

Biography

Early in his career, Don became a part of legal history when he served as counsel at the trial and appellate levels in the famous “snail darter” case (Tennessee Valley Authority v. Hill, 437 U.S. 153 [1978]), litigated under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The litigation resulted in a successful review by the U.S. Supreme Court. In addition to practicing law in Chicago and the Pacific Northwest, Don has also taught law and served in senior administrative positions at the University of Puget Sound, University of Michigan, and University of Tennessee law schools.

Since joining GTH in 1982, Don’s practice has focused on telecommunications, energy, and other utility law, state and municipal law, and business litigation, including complex litigation. He is General Counsel to various public utilities and consortiums of public utilities, primarily in the fields of telecommunications and energy.

For the past 30 years, Don has been actively involved in a number of community boards and civic activities promoting the quality of life in the City of Mercer Island, Washington, where he was named Citizen of the Year in 2000.

Representative Matters

Serves as General Counsel to public utilities and consortiums of public utilities engaged in telecommunications and energy activities, including rural area broadband projects and renewable energy.

Successfully represented plaintiff in Public Utility District No. 2 of Pacific County v. Comcast, Charter, and CenturyLink, 8 Wn. App. 2d 418 (2019), a complex lawsuit spanning twelve years that upheld the legality of the utility’s rates and contract under which the three companies attach their telecommunications equipment to the utility’s electric poles and resulted in multi-million dollar judgments in favor of the utility after two trials and multiple appeals.

Successfully represented defendant in trial court and Court of Appeals in Shoulberg v. Public Utility District No. 1 of Jefferson County, 169 Wn. App. 173 (2012), a complex utility property tax class-action lawsuit.

Represented defendant at trial and on appeal in Maleng v. King County Corrections Guild, 150 Wn.2d 325 (2003), which upheld the constitutionality and charter compliance of a voter initiative to reduce the size of the County Council.

Successfully represented the city in the SeaTac Airport “third runway expansion” litigation, 113 Wn. App. 375 (2002), in State of Washington Growth Management Hearings Board proceedings and appeals to Superior Court and Court of Appeals.

Represented public utilities and Board and Council members in Washington Public Power Supply System Securities Litigation, which involved a multi-billion dollar municipal bond default.

Counsel at trial and appellate levels in Tennessee Valley Authority v. Hill, 437 U.S. 153 (1978) – the “snail darter” case – seminal litigation under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, resulting in successful review by U.S. Supreme Court.

Professional History

EDUCATION

J.D., Northwestern University School of Law, 1970, cum laude
Board of Editors, Northwestern University Law Review
Order of the Coif
B.A. Psychology, Washington University, St. Louis, 1967
Phi Beta Kappa
Omicron Delta Kappa

JURISDICTIONS ADMITTED TO PRACTICE

Washington State Courts
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington
U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Court of Federal Claims

PROFESSIONAL & BAR ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIPS

Washington State Bar Association
Law School Liaison Committee, 1979-80, 1986-88, Chair, 1987-88
Washington Supreme Court Task Force on Education for the Judiciary, 1980

American Bar Association
Public Utility, Communications and Transportation and Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar Sections

Federal Bar Association for the Western District of Washington

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY

Joined Firm, 1982
University of Puget Sound School of Law, Acting Dean, 1980, Associate Dean, 1979 & 1981, Associate Professor, 1978-82
University of Michigan Law School, Assistant Dean & Director of Graduate Studies, 1976-78
University of Tennessee College of Law, Assistant Dean & Assistant Professor, 1974-76
Private Business, 1972-74
Attorney, Jenner & Block, Chicago, 1970-72

HONORS & AWARDS

Selected for the 2015-2021 Washington Super Lawyer lists
Recognized by Peers as the “Lawyer of the Year” in the practice area of Municipal Law in Seattle, 2016
Best Lawyers – Seattle, 2015 Municipal Law
Best Lawyers in America, 2015-2018; 2020 Municipal Law
AV Preeminent Rated by Martindale Hubbell
Named Gordon Thomas Honeywell 2015 “Partner of the Year”
City of Mercer Island Citizen of the Year, 2000

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

Mercer Island Parks & Recreation Commission, 2019-present
Mercer Island Town Center Stakeholder Group, 2015
Mercer Island Sustainability Policy Task Force, Chair, 2012
Board of Trustees, Mercer Island Open Space Conservancy Trust, 2004 – 2012; Chair, 2008-2010
Mercer Island Parks Levy Stakeholders Committee, Chair, 2007-2008
Mercer Island Planning Commission, 1991-2001; Chair, 1996-2001
Mercer Island Citizen of the Year, 2000
Seattle University School of Law Board of Visitors, 1997-2001

Donald S. Cohen

Rated by Super Lawyers

loading …

William T. Lynn

Biography Representative Matters Professional History

Biography

Representative Matters

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.