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.