K. Michael Fandel
BAR ADMISSIONS
Washington, 1986; Oregon, 2004; United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
______________________________________________________________________Mike is President of Graham & Dunn’s Board of Directors. As a member of the firm’s Hospitality, Beverage, Franchise and Distribution team, Mike’s practice focuses on complex commercial and business litigation, including residential and commercial real estate, product and premises liability, class action, contract disputes and eminent domain. He also has extensive experience in insurance coverage counseling and litigation.
Mike has successfully represented petroleum product manufacturers, real estate brokers and agents, developers, management companies, franchisors, liability insurers, software developers, patent licensors, seafood processors, and other companies and individuals before state and federal courts and in arbitrations throughout the Western United States and internationally. His trial achievements include jury trial defense verdicts in a multi-million dollar product and premises liability class action, and in a six week, multi-family toxic exposure lawsuit. Mike is a frequent speaker and panelist on litigation topics relating to the hospitality, real estate and petroleum industries.
Representative matters
Representing a major manufacturing company in an action brought by a former franchisee in Alaska. The plaintiff alleged that, despite having extended credit to the franchisee on multiple occasions over the course of their relationship, our client had put the plaintiff out of business by declining to extend additional credit. The case was resolved on favorable terms after mediation with a Federal District Court judge.
Representing real estate agents and brokers in various claims arising out of residential real estate transactions. One such recent action asserted misrepresentation claims relating to the purchase of a waterfront home. Following a bench trial, the plaintiff was found 70% at fault for his own alleged damages, and recovered only a fraction of what had been demanded prior to trial..
Representing a petroleum refinery in a suit brought by the employee of a subcontractor who was injured when he fell from his truck while loading at a refinery site. The Court agreed that our client owed no duty to the plaintiff because he was the employee of a contractor whose work was not controlled by our client, and dismissed all claims. The dismissal was affirmed on appeal.
PROFESSIONAL & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Member, American Bar Association, Tort and Insurance Practice Section
Insurance Coverage Committee Member, American Bar Association
Member, Washington State Bar Association
Member, Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association
Member, King County Bar Association
RECOGNITION
Washington Law & Politics, “Super Lawyer,” 2000-2003
EDUCATION
J.D., cum laude, University of Puget Sound School of Law, 1986
B.A., University of Puget Sound, 1983
