Daniel J. Oates
Practice Emphasis
BAR ADMISSIONS
Washington, 2007
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington, 2008
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington, 2009
U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, 2009
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Dan is a member of Graham & Dunn’s commercial litigation department. Dan’s primary practice area is in franchising and distribution disputes. Dan also has commercial litigation experience in other areas, including real estate, construction, trademark, finance, insurance, and sales.
REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS
The following is a representative sample of matters Dan has handled in recent years:
- Represented franchisor in federal court action to terminate franchise and recover damages from breaching franchisee. Obtained dismissal on summary judgment of franchisee’s statutory and common law counterclaims, and successfully prevailed on termination claims at trial.
- Defended franchisor in state court action brought by franchisee seeking damages for alleged violations of Washington’s Franchise Investment Protection Act, registration and disclosure violations. Obtained dismissal of franchisee’s claims on summary judgment.
- Defended franchisor in federal court action brought by franchisee seeking damages for alleged violations of Washington’s Franchise Investment Protection Act, registration and disclosure violations. Obtained dismissal of franchisee’s claims on summary judgment.
- Defended real estate licensee in state court action seeking damages for misrepresentation and breach of statutory and common law duties. Obtained complete defense verdict following jury trial on the merits.
- Defended general contractor against claims brought by subcontractor. Obtained favorable award following arbitration.
CLERKSHIP
Clerk, Judge Thomas S. Zilly, U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington, 2010-11
PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Volunteer, Neighborhood Legal Clinics Program
Member, ABA Forum on Franchising
Member, Washington State Bar Association
Washington Law & Politics, “Rising Star” 2009
Publications
Co-Author, “State Regulation of Franchising: The Washington Experience Revisited” 32 Seattle U. L. Rev. 811 (2009).
Co-Author, “Open Price Agreements: Good Faith Pricing in the Franchise Relationship” 27 Franchise L.J. 45 (2007).
Author, “HIPAA Hypocrisy and the Case for Enforcing Federal Privacy Standards Under State Law” 30 Seattle U. L. Rev. 745 (2007).
EDUCATION
J.D., summa cum laude, Seattle University School of Law, 2007
Member and Editor of Seattle University Law Review, 2005 - 2007
Extern, Judge Marsha J. Pechman, U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington, 2007
B.A., University of Washington, 2003
