The Washington Chapter of the MIT Enterprise Forum hosted its Clean Technology event on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at Seattle's only LEED certified hotel, the Hyatt Olive 8.  The topic "How will Green Return the Green" was discussed in detail by a panel of four experts:  Dr. Patricia Irving, Founder and CEO of InnovaTek, Inc., Rogers Weed, Director of Washington's Department of Commerce, Roger Woodworth VP for Sustainable Energy Solutions at Avista Utilities, and Bradley Zenger, Managing Director of Pivotal Investments.  Jesse Berst, Founding Editor of Smart Grid News, was the moderator of this impressive panel. 

The sold-out audience was fully engaged in the ongoing "bringing Clean Technology into the present" dialog through the deft handling by moderator Jesse Berst.  Graham & Dunn was the Gold-level sponsor for the event.  Graham & Dunn attorneys Rebecca Anderson (committee chair), Zach Hiatt, and Jane Kaufman were on the planning committee for this event, showcasing the Graham & Dunn GreenTech, Emerging Companies and Entrepreneurs, and Natural Resources and Manufacturing Groups.  Their outstanding efforts were positively noted by Xconomy news (Seattle).

Graham & Dunn trademark attorney Michael Atkins, author of the Seattle Trademark Lawyer blog , is quoted in the December 16th article "Christian Goods Spoof Commercial Brands or Logos " published by the Associated Press.  Michael Atkins is a shareholder with Graham & Dunn specializing in trademark and patent law.  He is a member of the firm's Intellectual Property practice group.

Washington Law & Politics has just released the “Rising Stars” list for 2010. Graham & Dunn is privileged to announce ten of our attorneys were included in this celebration of the top young attorneys in the state of Washington.

The Graham and Dunn lawyers named as Rising Stars are as follows:
Brian Endter
M. Owen Gabrielson
Matthew Hansen
Zachary Hiatt
Jane Kaufman
Anne Krepick
Steven Miller
Daniel Oates
April Olsen
Russel Roberston

Congratulations to our Rising Stars!

Congratulations to the following lawyers named among the “Best Lawyers in the Puget Sound Region” by Puget Sound Business Journal.  The lawyers and their practice areas include:

Clemens Barnes, Labor and Employment
Robert Cumbow, Information Technology Law (Intellectual Property)
Judith Endejan, Communications Law
Wendy Goffe, Trusts and Estates
Steven Klein, Banking Law
Larry Smith, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
Jack Strother, Corporate Law
Jim Magee (deceased), Commercial Litigation

The current, 15th edition of Best Lawyers (2009), is based on more than 1.8 million detailed evaluations of lawyers by other lawyers. Since its inception in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence in the United States. Because Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey in which leading attorneys throughout the country cast more than a half million votes on the legal abilities of other lawyers in their specialties, and because lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed, inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor. Corporate Counsel Magazine has called Best Lawyers “the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice.”

http://www.bestlawyers.com/

Special recognition has been given to twelve Graham & Dunn partners who have been selected by their peers to the Washington Law & Politics “Washington Super Lawyers” list.

The G&D lawyers named as 2009 Washington Super Lawyers and their practice areas are as follows: Clem Barnes for Top 100 and Employment & Labor; Jeffrey Beaver for Business Litigation; Bob Cumbow for Intellectual Property; Pat Franke for Business/Corporate; Marcia Fujimoto for Top 50 Women and Estate Planning & Probate; Maren Gaylor for Real Estate; Wendy Goffe for Top 100, Top 50 Women, and Estate Planning & Probate; J.J. Leary, jr. for Business/Corporate; Mark Northrup for Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights; Ed Pettigrew for Business Litigation; Larry Smith for Eminent Domain; and Elaine Spencer for Environmental.

Published by Washington Law & Politics, Super Lawyers are identified through an extensive research and survey process, starting with peer nominations. From this selection, only 5% of finalists are chosen as Super Lawyers.

The full list of “Washington Super Lawyers” is published in the Summer 2009 issue of Washington Law & Politics. For more information on Super Lawyers listings, visit www.superlawyers.com.

Congratulations to the following lawyers named among the “Best Lawyers in the Puget Sound Region” by Puget Sound Business Journal.  The lawyers and their practice areas include:

Clemens Barnes, Labor and Employment
Robert Cumbow, Information Technology Law (Intellectual Property)
Judith Endejan, Communications Law
Wendy Goffe, Trusts and Estates
Steven Klein, Banking Law
Larry Smith, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
Jack Strother, Corporate Law
Jim Magee (deceased), Commercial Litigation

The current, 15th edition of Best Lawyers (2009), is based on more than 1.8 million detailed evaluations of lawyers by other lawyers. Since its inception in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence in the United States. Because Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey in which leading attorneys throughout the country cast more than a half million votes on the legal abilities of other lawyers in their specialties, and because lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed, inclusion in Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor. Corporate Counsel Magazine has called Best Lawyers “the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice.”

http://www.bestlawyers.com/

Stephanie J. Meier is an attorney in the firm's Food and Beverage Industry Team, and she is experienced in all areas of alcohol and beverage licensing and regulatory matters.  She counsels beer, wine and spirits producers and retailers in all facets of their business.  With over 10 years of experience in liquor law, Stephanie brings a wealth of industry and legal knowledge to clients and the firm.  She has been a law clerk with Graham & Dunn since 2005 and previously worked as a trademark paralegal.  Stephanie is a graduate of Seattle University School of Law, J.D., 2008 and Whitman College, B.A., 1998.

Stephanie J. Meier is an attorney in the firm's Food and Beverage Industry Team, and she is experienced in all areas of alcohol and beverage licensing and regulatory matters.  She counsels beer, wine and spirits producers and retailers in all facets of their business.  With over 10 years of experience in liquor law, Stephanie brings a wealth of industry and legal knowledge to clients and the firm.  She has been a law clerk with Graham & Dunn since 2005 and previously worked as a trademark paralegal.  Stephanie is a graduate of Seattle University School of Law, J.D., 2008 and Whitman College, B.A., 1998.

Stephanie J. Meier is an attorney in the firm's Food and Beverage Industry Team, and she is experienced in all areas of alcohol and beverage licensing and regulatory matters.  She counsels beer, wine and spirits producers and retailers in all facets of their business.  With over 10 years of experience in liquor law, Stephanie brings a wealth of industry and legal knowledge to clients and the firm.  She has been a law clerk with Graham & Dunn since 2005 and previously worked as a trademark paralegal.  Stephanie is a graduate of Seattle University School of Law, J.D., 2008 and Whitman College, B.A., 1998.

Graham & Dunn PC is an industry-focused law firm founded in 1890 based in Seattle, Washington. The firm's attorneys meet the needs of hospitality, beverage, franchise and distribution, financial services, real estate, natural resource and manufacturing, communications, and emerging companies, along with offering commercial litigation and general corporate services. Graham & Dunn PC is a member of MSI Global Alliance, a leading multidisciplinary association of over 200 independent law and accounting firms in 90 countries. Our affiliation with MSI enables us to serve our clients in local, national and international marketplaces.

At Graham & Dunn, we understand that sustainability is the new economy.  Established and emerging companies alike must be prepared to meet the demands of new regulations and seize the opportunities that all businesses and entrepreneurs will have in this “new green economy.”

Graham & Dunn's Green Tech Group is dedicated to representing those who bring sustainable products, services, and processes to the marketplace.  To meet the growing demands for environmental responsibility, we have formed a multidisciplinary group, offering clients a hybrid of business, technical, financial and legal advisors in the areas of corporate and general business, environmental and regulatory, intellectual property, real estate finance, and tax.  We help businesses succeed as they face challenges in the next decade with new laws and policies on energy.

Green technology is an expanding sector in which our clients are at the leading edge of innovation in developing and delivering solutions to the challenges of climate change, responsible use of natural resources, and other environmental concerns. 

Two of our attorneys have been designated as LEED Accredited Professionals by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).  This enables us to advise clients on the incentive-based and mandatory regulatory requirements pertaining to green building and assist in evaluating and navigating the LEED certification process.

We offer experienced counsel and forward-looking solutions in constructing legal and business strategies related to energy generation, renewable energy, portfolio standards, climate change policy, carbon regulation, and other environmental regulation and compliance.

Graham & Dunn has been an integral part of the Pacific Northwest community for over 100 years, and is a leader in the community supporting a clean environment.

For the full brochure, please view Graham & Dunn New Green Tech Group

As an additional note, we also recognize Kathleen Petrich, George Bassett and Owen Gabrielson for their service to the community in handling flood pro bono victim matters.

Graham & Dunn Featured in Seattle & King County pt. 1

Graham & Dunn Featured in Seattle & King County pt. 2

Graham & Dunn Featured in Seattle & King County pt. 3

It is with great sadness in our hearts that we say goodbye to our dear friend, colleague, partner, and confidante, James L. Magee.  Jim died Friday morning at his home in Bellevue after battling non-Hodgkins lymphoma for nearly three years.  Jim was 74 years old.  Jim is survived by his wife, Rose, sons, Andy and David, and daughter, Elizabeth Andrews.

Jim was born in Racine, Wisconsin on September 11, 1934.   After receiving his B.A. degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1956, Jim served as an Air Force pilot.  He then proceeded to Harvard Law School and graduated with his J.D. in 1962.  Jim was admitted to the Washington State Bar that same year.

Jim practiced law for over 46 years.  He was amongst Graham & Dunn's longest tenured and most respected attorneys and was an integral member of the firm's litigation group since 1985.  He tried civil and criminal cases in virtually every area of the law and was a prominent figure in an antitrust jury case involving the salmon industry that made national headlines.  In addition to his trial work, Jim also handled international commercial and trade regulation matters.

Jim was a member of numerous professional and community organizations throughout his career.  He most recently served as Fellow and Chair on the Professionalism Committee of the American College of Trial Lawyers and as Fellow to the International Society of Barristers. For four years he was a Lawyer-Delegate to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference.  He was also a member of the American, King County, and Washington State Bar Associations.

Jim will be missed by all who knew him.  He was a compassionate, loyal, and dedicated individual and a good partner.  With Jim's death we have lost someone we all hold dear.

A lifelong Episcopalian, Jim served four terms as Senior Warden of St. Thomas Episcopal Church where his funeral will be held at 4pm on Wednesday,  October 29, 2008.  Address:  Corner of 84th Ave NE and NE 12th Street, Medina, Washington.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in his memory to the Swedish Medical Center Foundation, Kaplan Research Fund, 747 Broadway, Seattle WA  98122; or to a charity of your choice.

Directions to St. Thomas Episcopal Church
From Seattle

From Rte. 520
Drive east on 520, take first exit, turn right onto 84th Ave NE.  Get in center lane.  Continue south until you reach NE 12th St.  Church on your right at this corner.

From I90
Drive east on I90. take Bellevue Way exit. 
Continue north on Bellevue Way, turn left on Main St.
Continue on Main St. which will become  NE Lake Wash. Blvd.   This road will curve and end at NE 1st Street.  Turn left; NE 1st will become NE 12th St.  Continue until you reach 84th Ave NE.  Church on far right corner.

Remembrances

Ed Pettigrew, friend and colleague:  "Jim was an excellent trial lawyers known and respected both nationally and internationally.  He loved the law, lawyers, and his profession.  He often stopped by the offices of many of us to discuss his cases, the court rules, new appellate decisions, and other legal matters.  His door was always open for younger lawyers to consult with him on any issue.

I was often asked by attorneys I knew or had met 'how is Jim Magee?' or 'give him my best' or 'please say hello.'  His passing resulted in many phone calls and e-mails from other attorneys to our firm and our partners expressing condolences and just reminiscing about experiences they had had over the years with Jim.  He was dearly regarded by a great number of people.

Jim also was very dedicated to his wife, Rose, and their children and grandchildren.  He would beam when he introduced one of them to us.  We will miss Jim a great deal."

October 23, 2008

Claire joins the firm as an associate on the Natural Resources & Manufacturing team.  Her practice will also include work with the firm's commercial litigation department.  During law school, Claire worked as a law clerk for Graham & Dunn.  Claire received her J.D., magna cum laude, from Seattle University School of Law in 2008.

Graham & Dunn PC is an industry-focused law firm founded in 1890 based in Seattle, Washington. The firm's attorneys meet the needs of hospitality, beverage, franchise and distribution, financial services, real estate, natural resource and manufacturing, communications, and emerging companies, along with offering commercial litigation and general corporate services. Graham & Dunn PC is a member of MSI Global Alliance, a leading multidisciplinary association of over 200 independent law and accounting firms in 90 countries. Our affiliation with MSI enables us to serve our clients in local, national and international marketplaces.

October 10, 2008 

Jeff is a Certified Public Accountant with over 13 years of experience in corporate operations including accounting, information technology, strategic planning, and management.  Most recently, Jeff served as the Financial Controller at Watson Furniture Group.  Jeff's extensive background in law and finance has been cultivated as the Chief Operating Officer for Betts, Patterson & Mines, P.S. and prior to that as the Financial Controller to both Bishop, Lynch & White, P.S. and Paladin Data Systems Corp.

Mike Fandel, incoming President effective January 1, 2009 is enthusiastic in welcoming Jeff as they transition into their leadership of the firm.  “We are delighted to have someone with Jeff's knowledge and energy join our executive team.”

Jeff studied at Central Washington University where he received his Accounting degree.

Graham & Dunn PC is an industry-focused law firm founded in 1890 based in Seattle, Washington. The firm's attorneys meet the needs of hospitality, beverage, franchise and distribution, financial services, real estate, natural resource and manufacturing, communications, and emerging companies, along with offering commercial litigation and general corporate services. Graham & Dunn PC is a member of MSI Global Alliance, a leading multidisciplinary association of over 200 independent law and accounting firms in 90 countries. Our affiliation with MSI enables us to serve our clients in local, national and international marketplaces.

June 19, 2008

Washington CEO Magazine teamed up with AVVO Inc. to highlight the top lawyers in Washington, as calculated by AVVO Inc. in the June issue of Washington CEO Magazine.  Four Graham & Dunn attorneys were featured in their selected practice areas.  Congratulations to Michael G. Atkins, Robert C. Cumbow, Judith A. Endejan, and Steven A. Miller!

Attorneys were selected from 21 areas of practice in business law and ranked according to AVVO's proprietray alogrithims.  AVVO narrowed the list down to the 10 highest rated attorneys per practice area.

To read the full article as published in Washington CEO, please click here.

June 19, 2008

Washington CEO Magazine teamed up with AVVO Inc. to highlight the top lawyers in Washington, as calculated by AVVO Inc. in the June issue of Washington CEO Magazine.  Four Graham & Dunn attorneys were featured in their selected practice areas.  Congratulations to Michael G. Atkins, Robert C. Cumbow, Judith A. Endejan, and Steven A. Miller!

Attorneys were selected from 21 areas of practice in business law and ranked according to AVVO's proprietray alogrithims.  AVVO narrowed the list down to the 10 highest rated attorneys per practice area.

To read the full article as published in Washington CEO, please click here.

June 16, 2008

June 1, 2008

Every year, Washington Law & Politics solicits nominations from over 16,000 Washington attorneys, looking for "Super Lawyers."  Attorneys are asked to nominate their peers who they've personally seen in action and consider outstanding.  The nominations are then reviewed by a  panel of industry leaders, and final selections made.  Only the top 5% of Washington attorneys make the list.

Graham & Dunn is honored to have 13 of our attorneys designated as 2008 "Super Lawyers."

Clemens H. Barnes
206.340.9681
cbarnes@grahamdunn.com

Clem heads Graham & Dunn's Labor & Employment practice.  He also serves as a mediator and arbitrator in employment and other civil litigation matters.  He has a general litigation background, but for the past 20 years has concentrated on labor and employment law, including employment law compliance and litigation, union-management issues, employee discipline and termination, employment discrimination, sexual/racial harassment, wage and hour compliance and litigation, government contractor obligations and employment contracts (including non-compete agreements).

Jeffrey A. Beaver
206.340.9652
jbeaver@grahamdunn.com

Jeffrey focuses his practice on condemnation, financial institutions and commercial litigation.  Jeffrey has successfully tried numerous multi-million dollar cases and has obtained verdicts or settlements for property owners in some of our area's largest eminent domain cases. Jeffrey has tried numerous condemnation matters to verdict on behalf of Sound Transit in connection with the construction of its light rail.  Jeffrey has been involved in condemnation matters on behalf of Sound Transit, Weyerhaeuser, the City of Everett, the City of Federal Way, the City of Tumwater, the City of Olympia, and the City of Lacey. 

Robert C. Cumbow
206.340.9619
rcumbow@grahamdunn.com

Bob heads Graham & Dunn's Intellectual Property practice.  He counsels a wide variety of clients on intellectual property, advertising, privacy and Internet issues.  Bob's practice includes counseling on issues relating to trademark search, clearance, prosecution, and policing; copyright and publicity right clearance; licenses, assignments, contracts, releases, publishing agreements; alcoholic beverage labeling, licensing, advertising, and regulatory compliance; communications and media law; intellectual property litigation; domain name disputes; advertising and privacy compliance; contests and sweepstakes; and Web site audits, terms and condition statements, and privacy policies.

Patrick J. Franke
206.340.8779
pfranke@grahamdunn.com

Pat is a corporate and transactional lawyer.  He provides ongoing strategic counsel to his clients' boards of directors and management on a wide range of business matters including corporate issues (capitalization, governance, etc.), executive and employee compensation, and the commercial transactions that are core to their respective businesses. 

Marcia K. Fujimoto
206.340.9637
mfujimoto@grahamdunn.com

Marcia chairs Graham & Dunn's Wealth Management Team and is a former member of the firm's Board of Directors.  She has over 25 years of experience counseling individuals about wealth transfer and succession planning, including estate planning and administration, probate, trusts and related tax matters.

Maren K. Gaylor
206.340.9632
mgaylor@grahamdunn.com

Maren is a member of the firm's Board of Directors and a member of the Real Estate and Financial Services Teams.  She advises owners, investors, lenders and tenants in commercial real estate transactions involving multi-family projects, industrial and office buildings and retail sites.  She represents clients with respect to purchase and sale, leasing, real estate and asset secured financing transactions.

Wendy S. Goffe
206.340.9633
wgoffe@grahamdunn.com

Wendy's practice focuses on estate planning, estate and gift taxation, probate and trust administration, family-owned business succession planning, charitable giving and non-profit trusts and corporations.

J.J. Leary, jr.
206.340.8778
jjleary@grahamdunn.com

J.J.'s practice focuses on closely-held and emerging businesses with an emphasis on corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions and strategic planning serving the role of an “outside general counsel.” J.J. works in depth with his clients and their companies to help them find practical business solutions to their legal problems.   His clients span a variety of companies including those in real estate, technology, bio-technology, viticulture and timber industries, as well as high net worth families.

James L. Magee
206.340.9621
jmagee@grahamdunn.com

Jim is a member of the firm's Litigation Group.  In 35 years of practice, he has tried civil and criminal cases in virtually every area of the law, including antitrust, securities, intellectual property, technology, environmental, construction, and malpractice. He is the author of “Expediting Pretrials and Trials of Antitrust Cases.”  In addition to his trial work, Jim handles international commercial and trade regulation matters.

Mark D. Northrup
206.340.9628
mdorthrup@grahamdunn.com

Mark chairs Graham & Dunn's Financial Services Industry Team.  He focuses his practice on creditor-debtor relationships, including all aspects of insolvency, workouts, bankruptcy, receiverships, and business reorganization.  He has represented clients in all aspects of Chapter 11 bankruptcies, including debtors, secured creditors, and creditors committees.   

Edward D. Pettigrew
206.340.9621
epettigrew@grahamdunn.com

Ed has focused his practice on commercial disputes and litigation, including contracts, lender liability, secured transactions, business torts and real property cases.  Ed has practiced in state and federal courts, and before government agencies.  He has tried numerous lawsuits both in bench trials and to juries and has managed teams of lawyers and paraprofessionals in large complex cases. 

Larry J. Smith
206.340.9645
lsmith@grahamdunn.com

As chair of Graham & Dunn's Condemnation Team, Larry counsels and represents property owners, lenders and governments in condemnation cases.  Larry has achieved verdicts or settlements for property owners in some of the region's largest eminent domain cases.

Elaine L. Spencer
206.340.9638
espencer@grahamdunn.com

Elaine has a broad range of successful trial experience, focused on developing issues in land use, growth management, forestry and natural resource law. Her success comes from a combination of legal skills and industry knowledge, with a strategic ability to claim the high ground in controversial matters early, and maintain that high ground to achieve the client's objectives.

02.25.2008

Graham & Dunn is pleased to announce the addition of a new associate - Rebecca R.A. Anderson.

Rebecca joins the firm's Emerging Companies & Entrepreneurs Team.  Rebecca focuses her practice on general corporate matters advising start-up and emerging companies on mergers and acquisitions, private equity and debt financings, corporate formation, securities law compliance and other business transactions.    

Graham & Dunn PC is an industry-focused law firm founded in 1890 based in Seattle, Washington. The firm's attorneys meet the needs of hospitality, beverage and franchise, financial services, real estate, natural resource and manufacturing, communications, and emerging companies, along with offering commercial litigation and general corporate services. Graham & Dunn PC is a member of MSI Global Alliance, a leading multidisciplinary association of over 200 independent law and accounting firms in 90 countries. Our affiliation with MSI enables us to serve our clients in local, national and international marketplaces.

Irvin W. Sandman has just been honored by the Board of the Hospitality Law Conference as the recipient of the 2008 Anthony G. Marshall Hospitality Law award.  Each year at the Annual Hospitality Law Conference, the Marshall Award is given to someone who has made pioneering and lasting contributions to the field of hospitality law. In presenting the award, the selection board seeks to recognize someone who exemplifies Mr. Marshall's commitment to hospitality law. This will be the fourth year the Award will be presented.

To view the press release naming Irvin W. Sandman as the recipient of the 2008 Anthony G. Marshall Hospitality Law award please click here.

01.24.2008

Graham & Dunn is pleased to announce that Bernadette Bulacan, Nick Drader and Russ Savrann have been elected the newest shareholders of the firm.

Bernadette Bulacan is a member of our Emerging Companies & Entrepreneurs Team.  Bernadette handles a variety of corporate matters and tax issues for our clients.  The scope of her work includes corporate formation and governance, securities law compliance as well as private equity transactions and business tax planning.
 
Nicholas (Nick) Drader is a member of our Real Estate Team with a practice emphasis in financial services, hospitality, beverage and franchise as well as real estate.  Nick represents institutional lenders, owners, property managers, developers and tenants in various real estate and financial matters.  Nick moved to the Pacific Northwest from New York where he worked for a large, international law firm.

Russ Savrann joined Graham & Dunn in 2005 as a member of our Hospitality, Beverage & Franchise Team.  Prior to joining the firm, he was Vice President and Associate General Counsel of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.  Russ works with hotel and restaurant clients on strategic planning, transactions and operational matters.  He also handles mergers & acquisitions, management agreements, marketing and construction and procurement.
 
Graham & Dunn also congratulates Kumi Baruffi and J.J. Leary who were elected to new three year terms on the Board of Directors.
 
The Board also announced Mike Fandel will be the President/Managing Partner in 2009 and will transition with the current President, John T. John, during 2008.

Graham & Dunn PC is an industry-focused law firm founded in 1890 based in Seattle, Washington. The firm's attorneys meet the needs of hospitality, beverage and franchise, financial services, real estate, natural resource and manufacturing, communications, and emerging companies, along with offering commercial litigation and general corporate services. Graham & Dunn PC is a member of MSI Global Alliance, a leading multidisciplinary association of over 200 independent law and accounting firms in 90 countries. Our affiliation with MSI enables us to serve our clients in local, national and international marketplaces.

01.09.2008 

For the second year in a row, Irv Sandman has been nominated for the Anthony G. Marshall Hospitality Award.  Below is the official announcement from Hospitalitylawyer.com.

Each year at the Annual Hospitality Law Conference, the Marshall Award is given to someone who has made pioneering and lasting contributions to the field of hospitality law. In presenting the award, the selection board seeks to recognize someone who exemplifies Mr. Marshall's commitment to hospitality law. This will be the fourth year the Award will be presented.

HospitalityLawyer.com is proud to announce the following nominations for the Anthony G. Marshall Hospitality Law Award:

Nir Margalit - Vice President & General Counsel, Kimpton Hotel Group
Andria L. Ryan - Partner, Fisher & Phillips
Irv Sandman - Shareholder, Graham & Dunn
Arch Stokes - Executive Director, Shea Stokes & Carter

The Anthony G. Marshall Award honoree will be announced on February 12, 2008, during the Sixth Annual Hospitality Law Conference in Houston, Texas.

12.01.2007

Washington Law & Politics has just released the “Rising Stars” list for 2008. Graham & Dunn is privileged to announce eight of our attorneys were included in this celebration of the top young attorneys in the state of Washington. Congratulations to our "rising stars"!

Michael G. Atkins
206.340.9614
matkins@grahamdunn.com

Michael is a litigator on the Communications team, primarily representing media and telecommunications clients, and parties involved in trademark disputes. His personal blog discussing trademark law developments can be found at http://www.seattletrademarklawyer.com/.

View Mike's complete bio.

Kumi Yamamoto Baruffi
206.340.9676
kbaruffi@grahamdunn.com

Kumi is a member of the Financial Services team. She works primarily with banks and other financial institutions on mergers and acquisitions, corporate planning and governance, and general business transactions. She has been a speaker at industry events such as the Washington Bankers Association Director College and Bank Director Magazine's annual "Acquire or Be Acquired Conference."

Bernadette M. Bulacan
206.340.8782
bbulacan@grahamdunn.com

Bernadette counsels clients on a variety of general corporate and tax issues, with an emphasis on corporate formation and governance, securities law
compliance, private equity transactions, stock and asset sale and purchases, and business tax planning.

David M. Byers
206.340.9649
dbyers@grahamdunn.com

David is a litigator on the Hospitality, Beverage & Franchise team. He has experience in a variety of litigation matters including termination disputes with petroleum and hotel franchisees, claims under the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act, Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, and Oregon Motor Fuel Franchises Act. He also has experience with actions involving beverage distribution rights.

M. Owen Gabrielson
206.340.9377
ogabrielson@grahamdunn.com

Owen is a member of Graham & Dunn's Hospitality, Beverage & Franchise Team, practicing in the areas of commercial litigation, franchise litigation, and creditor rights.

Steven A. Miller
206.903.4806
smiller@grahamdunn.com

Steve is a member of Graham & Dunn's Financial Services Team. He represents banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions in all aspects of their litigation, including matters involving lender liability, deposit and investment accounts, creditors' rights, employment disputes, and trust litigation.

Russel R. Robertson
206.340.9651
rrobertson@grahamdunn.com

Russel is a member of Graham & Dunn's Financial Services Team,
focusing his practice on representing financial institutions in all aspects of commercial litigation. Russel's experience includes contract disputes, lender liability, creditors' rights, bankruptcy, collection and asset
recovery, and the Uniform Commercial Code.

Stacey A. Walters
206.903.4843
swalters@grahamdunn.com

Stacey practices in the area of media law emphasizing on contracts, defamation, privacy, access, public records, prior restraint, reporters' shield laws, and intellectual property (trademark, copyright and rights clearance). She has represented newspapers, publishers, television networks, and local stations, in state and federal court. She also represents television production companies, including one of the nation's leading producers of
nonfiction television programming.

View Stacey's complete bio.

05.07.2007

Graham & Dunn is pleased to announce the addition of a new shareholder – Kathleen T. Petrich.

Kathleen joins the firm's Intellectual Property team. Kathleen's practice focuses on all areas of intellectual property, including trademarks and mechanical/electrical patent prosecution. Kathleen is registered before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. She received her J.D. from the University of Puget Sound School of Law in 1992.

04.25.2007

The June, 2007 issue of Seattle Metropolitan Magazine includes a list of "Seattle's Best Lawyers." Eight Graham & Dunn attorneys appear on the list: Stephen M. Klein, James M. Magee, Richard J. Busch, Jack G. Strother, Larry J. Smith, Robert C. Cumbow, Clemens H. Barnes, and Wendy S. Goffe. The list is excerpted from The Best Lawyers in America, published by Woodward/White.

04.25.2007

Graham & Dunn is honored to receive the "Firm of the Year" Award for 2007 from NALS of Greater Seattle, the association for legal professionals.

NALS of Greater Seattle is dedicated to enhancing the competencies and contributions of members in the legal services profession through continuing legal education, professional certification programs, networking, and commitment to community. Membership is comprised of legal secretaries, legal assistants, paralegals, court reporters, legal messengers, process servers, office administrators, and those persons engaged in work of a legal nature.

03.06.2007

Graham & Dunn is pleased to announce the addition of a new attorney - April Upchurch Olsen.

April joins the firm as an associate on the Labor & Employment Team, with a focus on employment litigation, wrongful discharge, union-management issues, employee discipline and termination, employment discrimination and harassment, accommodation, wage and hour compliance and litigation, employee handbooks and employment policies. April received her J.D. from Northeastern University in 2001.

02.27.2006

Graham & Dunn attorney, Robert C. Cumbow, is named one of the top 40 intellectual property law “Super Lawyers” in Washington Law & Politic's "2006 Who's Who in Intellectual Property Law." Click here to see Bob's full profile.

02.05.2007

Graham & Dunn is pleased to announce that Susan M. Johnson and Steven A. Miller have been elected the newest shareholders of the firm.

Susan leads Graham & Dunn's Beverage Group. She represents alcoholic beverage manufacturers, breweries, wineries, restaurants and hotels in liquor licensing, distribution, production and regulatory matters. She received her J.D. from the University of Oregon School of Law in 1995.

Steve is a member of Graham & Dunn's Financial Services Team. He represents banks and other financial institutions in all aspects of their litigation, including matters involving lender liability, deposit and investment accounts, creditors' rights, employment disputes, and trust litigation. Steve received his J.D. from the University of Washington in 2000.

02.05.2007

Graham & Dunn is pleased to announce that Judith A. Edejan has rejoined the firm as a shareholder and a member of the Communications Team. Judy was previously with Graham & Dunn from 2001-2005.

Judy's background is a unique blend of private practice, and in-house experience with companies such as Fisher Communications and GTE Corporation (now Verizon). She has significant experience counseling clients on legal matters central to their businesses such as commercial contracts and employment issues, as well as broad experience litigating communications issues before state and federal courts and administrative agencies. Judy received her J.D. for the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1979.

Graham & Dunn is pleased to announce the addition of two new attorneys - Jane H. Kaufman and Zachary R. Hiatt.

Jane H. Kaufman joins the firm as an associate in the Business Department, with a focus on general corporate and intellectual property law for financial institutions and emerging companies. Jane received her J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law in 2006.

Zachary R. Hiatt joins as an associate working with the firm's Real Estate and Natural Resources & Manufacturing Industries teams. His principal areas of practice include eminent domain, commercial litigation, and natural resource law. During law school, Zach worked as a law clerk for Graham & Dunn. Zach received his J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law in 2006.

12.06.2006

What do mothers, math teachers and work colleagues have in common? They are all considered favored mentors. or “stars”. by the seven Graham & Dunn attorneys named as 2007 Rising Stars by Washington Law & Politics.

To help you get to know our Rising Stars better, we asked each one to share a story about the person (or in some cases, people) whose wisdom made a significant impact on their life. From there, our questions varied, but the conversation was always insightful…and often refreshing.

Michael G. Atkins
206.340.9614, matkins@grahamdunn.com
Instead of pinpointing one mentor, Mike prefers to thank a long list of people, who have provided advice at key junctures in his life. “Pairing this valuable guidance with my curiosity to learn has proved to be a winning combination for me,” he says.

In fact, Mike says his motivation to learn actually makes his job fascinating. “Being a litigator in trademark law is a liberal arts education. Everyday I learn about the ideas that spawn a new product, the science behind it and the economics of why it sells.”

Not surprisingly, Mike's quest for learning prompted him to start teaching at the University of Washington School of Law. “It is incredible to connect with smart students, who are hungry to understand how trademark law works in the real world,” he says.

He is also connecting via the Web on a personal blog about developments in trademark law. “Analyzing and reporting on the latest cases and statutes at Seattle Trademark Lawyer (http://www.seattletrademarklawyer.com/) keeps me on top of the ever-changing landscape of trademarks and unfair competition.”

Kumi Yamamoto Baruffi
206.340-9676, kbaruffi@grahamdunn.com
Kumi credits her parents for instilling in her the important lessons about life. “My dad focused on education, business and intellectual pursuits; my mom on the arts, diplomacy and people. Along the way, I came to appreciate that there is a surprising amount of overlap in the two,” she says.

Parenting soon will be central to Kumi's life, too. She and husband Tony are expecting their first child in late December 2006. “Now I will get to experience the balancing act that working mothers everywhere undergo on a daily basis.”

Kumi already successfully balances her client commitments with her role on the board of directors at Graham & Dunn. “I joined the firm 11 years ago fresh out of law school. Now I'm helping manage our business and our future. Being a board member reminds me how far I've come and how many people have helped me reach this point,” she says. 

Of course, Kumi's career progression is also due to her many positive attributes, including her ability to be tactful in almost any situation. “It's really a constant state of mind for me. knowing when and how to rephrase certain statements, allowing cooler heads to prevail and strategically hitting the mute button.”

Bernadette M. Bulacan
206.340.8782, bbulacan@grahamdunn.com
Since she started practicing law, Bernadette says she has provided legal counsel to some highly sophisticated entrepreneurs and business owners. “But what might surprise them is where I got my business savvy. It was from my Filipino-immigrant mom Arsenia,” she says.

Arsenia successfully pursued the American Dream through several business ventures: peddling cleaning supplies, selling insurance and developing real estate. “Today I find myself drawn to work with clients who are like my mom. visionary and willing to put in the sweat equity to achieve success.” 

Bernadette also seeks these qualities in new associates in her role as head of the summer associate program and as a member of the hiring committee. “I'm impressed with the amount of energy and enthusiasm in our associate ranks. I know the future of the firm is in good hands," she says.

Even as she prepares for the future, Bernadette likes to take it one day at a time. “This year marks the first full year I have been in remission since being diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2005,” she says. “Right now I'm focused on living a healthy, productive life.”

David M. Byers
206.340.9649, dbyers@grahamdunn.com
At an early age, David learned from his mother Alice that doing a good job is itself a reward. “When I was two, my family moved into a place that had been a boarding house for at least a decade,” David recalls. But the disrepair did not deter Alice. By the time he entered kindergarten, she had significantly upgraded the home. for the sake of the family and the satisfaction of doing it right.

Her positive example still resonates with David, and he applies it in a number of ways at Graham & Dunn. Recently, for example, he assumed the role as chair of the hiring committee. “It has been a big responsibility but I'm proud of the changes we have made to the hiring process that benefit everyone involved,” he says.

Plus the role on the hiring committee has given him a unique perspective: “I'm a new shareholder but I have to think long-term for the good of the firm. When I evaluate potential hires, I ask myself: Do I want to work with this person for the next 30 years? Being able to apply that long-term view to hiring is a great luxury."

David C. Lundsgaard
206.340.9691, dlundsgaard@grahamdunn.com
David says his University of Washington college professor, Paul Heyne, was a major influence in his career. “Professor Heyne taught me a passion for economic theory that has been very useful in working on complex litigation, especially the antitrust cases.”

David brought this zeal to Graham & Dunn and currently pursues it by chairing the firm's litigation department. “It's a challenging role but an incredible opportunity for me to get involved in all aspects of the firm,” he says. The bonus for David is that he has gotten to know and appreciate his partners and their respective practice areas, as well as the associates and staff. “We've got some great talent here at Graham & Dunn,” he says.

This is high praise since David lists a healthy dose of skepticism as the personality trait that is most beneficial to his job. “I'm just not satisfied until I'm sure I know the answer. This makes for some long evenings working through challenging issues, but it produces better results for my clients in the long run.” 

Steven A. Miller
206.903.4806, smiller@grahamdunn.com
Steve was in the 8th grade when he received a piece of advice that has guided him to this day. “I was preparing for a statewide math team competition and my math teacher, Bill Okubo, calmed my nerves with one word: breathe.”

It worked like a charm. “I've focused on breathing ever since. whether to help me graduate at the top of my class in law school, handle a tough client situation or continue my reign (with teammate JJ Leary) as the Graham & Dunn pickle ball champs,” he says.

Along with deep breathing, Steve credits instinct and a sense of humor as the traits that help him excel. “I can't imagine a day here where I can't find something to laugh about. and most often it's about me.”

Steve also brings these characteristics to the mentoring relationships he strikes up with new associates. “It's rewarding to share my experiences and help people through challenges that I also encountered,” he says.

12.05.2006

Irvin W. Sandman has been nominated for HospitalityLawyer.com's Anthony G. Marshall Hospitality Law Award. Irv is one of only four nominees nation-wide. The Anthony G. Marshall Award honoree will be announced on February 8, 2007, during the Fifth Annual Hospitality Law Conference in Houston, Texas.

Each year at the Annual Hospitality Law Conference, the Marshall Award is given to someone who has made pioneering and lasting contributions to the field of hospitality law. In presenting the award, the selection board seeks to recognize someone who exemplifies Mr. Marshall's commitment to hospitality law. This will be the third year the Award will be presented.

Anthony Marshall himself received the Award the first year, with Banks Brown, General Counsel to the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the Hotel Association of New York City and the Travel Business Roundtable, receiving the Award at last year's Conference.

12.01.2006

Graham & Dunn is committed to the growth of diversity in our firm and in the local legal community. We believe that a diverse work force enhances the services we provide our clients and creates a better work environment for our attorneys and staff. In an effort to increase the diversity represented in our firm, and in the legal community as a whole, the firm is pleased to announce the first annual Graham & Dunn 1L Diversity Fellowship. The fellowship recipient will receive a paid summer clerkship at Graham & Dunn and a $7500 scholarship to be applied to the law student's second year tuition.

11.14.2006

Washington Lawyers for the Arts awarded Robert Cumbow with the Robert C. Cumbow Brio Award at the Washington Lawyers for the Arts (WLA) 30th anniversary celebration on November 2, 2006. This first time award was created in Bob's honor celebrating his tremendous contribution to the arts community. As part of this award, the Northwest Film Forum has donated space for Bob to host a private screening of a film of his choosing. In addition, a Robert C. Cumbow Brio Award plaque will be mounted permanently at The Northwest Film Forum.

The award was originally designed as a thank you for Bob's past 15 years of service with the WLA. During Bob's time on the WLA board he has served as President, Vice President, and Secretary. Over the years he has been with WLA, Bob has been a tireless volunteer both at the Arts Legal Clinic (a collaboration of WLA with the Seattle University School of Law) and as a speaker on numerous Intellectual Properties issues in WLA's brown bag series, and at seminars at schools and arts organizations around the Puget Sound area. Students who studied with him at Seattle University, now practicing law, remember the inspiration they gained from the work and, yes, brio he put into his teaching, and that in the breadth of his knowledge he is truly a Renaissance Man. And many artists from all disciplines who have had occasion to consult with Bob have found in him a friend as well as a counselor.

Bob first became involved with WLA in 1983 before he was an attorney. He came to seek legal advice when he was getting his first book (on films) published. In 1995, now an attorney, he was engaged by Jamie Hook and Deborah Girdwood to help establish a post-production studio for Seattle's independent film makers, then named Wiggly World, now The Northwest Film Forum. He continues to provide pro bono assistance for film makers associated with the Forum. He has taught at Seattle University School of Law since 1997.

Bob is the first. of what the WLA hopes will be many. to be honored by the award, which will celebrate individuals who exhibit exceptional energy, vitality and dedication in the community that bridges law and the arts, thus exemplifying the mission of the WLA: a mission dedicated to supporting the arts in Washington State by creating alliances and making legal resources accessible to artists and arts organizations of all disciplines. More information can be found at http://www.wa-artlaw.org/ or by calling 206.328.7053.

Washington Lawyers for the Arts supports the work of artists, whose work enriches the quality of life in the state and strengthens the arts community. The philosophy of this service organization is to establish a bridge between the arts and legal communities so that artists and arts organizations are better able to handle the legal and business aspects of their careers. As the legal profession focuses attention on the unique challenges affecting the arts community, the law will become more responsive to the needs of the artists. The organization is committed to providing preventive education and advocates in the arts community.

10.09.2006

Graham & Dunn is pleased to announce the addition of a new attorney - Anne E. Klosterman.

Anne joins Graham & Dunn as an associate, working with the firm's Emerging Companies & Entrepreneurs team. Anne's practice focuses on counseling clients on a variety of general corporate and tax issues, with an emphasis on corporate formation and governance, stock and asset sales and purchases, and business tax planning. Anne received her J.D. from the University of Colorado Law School in 2002, and her L.L.M. in Taxation from the University of Washington School of Law in 2006.

08.25.2006

Graham & Dunn is pleased to announce the addition of a new attorney - Nicholas D. Drader.

Nick joins Graham & Dunn as an associate on the Real Estate team. Nick's practice focuses on property transactions and includes a client base of institutional lenders, owners, developers and tenants. He also counsels clients on purchase and sales transactions, real property financing and lease work. Nick received his J.D. from the University of Washington in 2000.

07.03.2006

Graham & Dunn has chosen a senior at Garfield High School as the recipient of the 2006 Graham & Dunn Memorial Scholarship. Each year Graham & Dunn awards the scholarship to an inner-city high school student who exemplifies leadership, scholastic aptitude and commitment to the community. Abbas Abdulqadir is this year's recipient.

The Graham & Dunn Scholarship Fund was established in 1994 to honor deceased members of the firm by enhancing the opportunity for others to realize their full scholastic and professional potential.

06.16.2006

The Law firm of Graham & Dunn is pleased to announce that Kumi Yamamoto Baruffi and K. Michael Fandel have been elected to the firm's Board of Directors. Their terms began June 15, 2006.

The changes on the 2006 Board are a reflection of the firm's commitment to cultivate the next generation of management. “Developing new leaders is important to our continued success,” says John T. John, President of Graham & Dunn. “Direct input from a new generation of shareholder attorneys will be invaluable as we shape the future of the firm.”

Stepping down from the Board this year are Douglas C. Berry, Stephen M. Klein, and Marcia K Fujimoto, who have served for twelve, eleven, and nine years, respectively.

Kumi Yamamoto Baruffi joined Graham & Dunn in 1995, and has over 11 years of experience in financial and general business transactions. Kumi's experience includes private and public company mergers, stock and asset sales and purchases, “going-private” transactions and other corporate planning measures.

K. Michael Fandel has been with Graham & Dunn since 1992 and serves on the firm's Hospitality, Beverage & Franchise Team. His practice focuses on complex commercial and business litigation, representing hotel companies, franchisors, liability insurers, and other companies and individuals.

The Board of Directors elected officers for 2006 are as follows: John T. John, President; V. Marc Droppert, Vice-President; K. Michael Fandel, Vice-President; Mark A. Finkelstein, Vice-President; Maren K. Gaylor, Vice-President/Secretary; Larry J. Smith, Vice-President; Kumi Yamamoto Baruffi, Vice-President.

06.13.2006

Susan M. Johnson has been elected to the Washington Wine Industry Foundation Board of Directors. Susan will serve a three-year term, which began January 1, 2006.

Susan leads Graham & Dunn's Beverage Group, part of the Hospitality, Beverage & Franchise industry team. She represents alcoholic beverage manufacturers, breweries, wineries, restaurants and hotels in liquor licensing, distribution, production and regulatory matters. With broad experience in both business and liquor licensing law, she has also worked with local chefs, designers and restaurant owners on lease negotiations and new business formations, planning, and other transactions.

Organized in 2001, the Washington Wine Industry Foundation creates opportunities and provides resources necessary to the development of the wine industry in Washington. Through partnerships, outreach programs and educational events, the WWIF is able to support and lead the growing Washington wine grape industry.

06.01.2006

Each year, Washington Law & Politics solicits nominations from over 16,000 Washington attorneys, looking for “Super Lawyers.” Attorneys are asked to nominate other lawyers who they've personally seen in action and consider outstanding. The nominations are then reviewed by a panel of industry leaders, and final selections made. Only the top 5% of Washington attorneys made the list.

Graham & Dunn is proud to have a number of attorneys make the list.

Clemens H. Barnes
Clem heads Graham & Dunn's Labor & Employment Practice Group. He has a general litigation background, but for the past 20 years has concentrated on labor and employment law, including emphasis on employment law compliance and litigation, union-management issues, employee discipline and termination, employment discrimination, sexual/racial harassment, wage and hour compliance and litigation, government contractor obligations and employment contracts (including non-compete agreements).

W. George Bassett
George is a litigator with a practice emphasis on employment law. He is a frequent author and lecturer about evidence and trial techniques. George also frequently serves as a mediator and arbitrator in employment, insurance and tort cases.

Jeffrey A. Beaver
Jeffrey is a member of our Real Estate Team with a practice emphasis on condemnation, financial institutions and commercial litigation. He has successfully tried numerous multimillion dollar cases, including claims arising from construction issues, breach of contract and UCC claims, condemnation matters, and antitrust claims .

Robert C. Cumbow
Bob heads Graham & Dunn's Intellectual Property practice. He counsels a wide variety of clients on intellectual property, advertising, privacy and Internet issues. Bob's practice includes counseling on issues relating to trademark search, clearance, prosecution, and policing; copyright and publicity right clearance; licenses, assignments, contracts, releases, publishing agreements; alcoholic beverage labeling, licensing and regulatory compliance; communications and media law; intellectual property litigation; domain name disputes; advertising and privacy compliance; contests and sweepstakes; and Web site audits, terms and condition statements, and privacy policies.

Marc V. Droppert
Marc's practice covers the broad range of corporate law and commercial transactions, with a focus on mergers and acquisitions, complex negotiations and strategic planning. Marc is a member of the Emerging Companies Team.

Patrick J. Franke
Pat chairs the firm's Emerging Companies Team. He acts as general counsel to start up and emerging companies with a focus on the technology industry. In this role, Pat advises his clients' boards of directors and management with respect to corporate financings, corporate governance issues, business transactions, shareholder matters and employee issues. Pat also advises his clients on significant transactions including mergers and acquisitions, licensing deals, real estate transactions and other commercial matters.

Marcia K. Fujimoto
Marcia chairs the firm's Wealth Management Team. In her practice, she counsels clients on succession planning, wealth transfer, probate, trusts and related tax matters.

Maren K. Gaylor
Maren is a member of the firm's Real Estate Team. She represents institutional lenders, such as banks and life insurance companies, and owners, developers and tenants in real estate transactions, including real property secured loans, acquisitions and leases.

Wendy S. Goffe
Wendy is a member of the Wealth Management team, with experience in all areas of estate planning. She is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, an Adjunct Faculty Member at Seattle University School of Law, and is a frequent speaker and author on estate planning topics.

John T. John
John is the president of Graham & Dunn and a member of the firm's Financial Services Team. He focuses his practice in the creditor-debtor area. He has also litigated estate and probate cases.

J.J. Leary, jr.
J.J.'s practice focuses on closely-held and emerging businesses with an emphasis on corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions and strategic planning. His clients cover a wide product range including real estate development and transactions, technology, bio-technology and timber.

James L. Magee
Jim focuses on antitrust, international, and complex business litigation. In addition to his trial work, Jim handles international commercial and trade regulation matters.

Edward W. Pettigrew
Ed is a member of the Financial Services Team, with a focus on commercial litigation. He also has significant experience in alternative dispute resolution proceedings, both representing disputing parties and as a mediator or arbitrator.

Douglas J. Smart
Doug is a member of the Real Estate Team. He has extensive experience in commercial real estate transactions, banking and mortgage lending. He has applied his experience in counseling commercial landlords and developers, and lending institutions as diverse as a federal home loan bank, national banks, community banks, and U.S. lending units of foreign banks.

Larry J. Smith
Larry is a member of the firm's Real Estate Team, focusing his practice on condemnation. As a litigator, Larry counsels and represents property owners, lenders and governments in condemnation and real estate related litigation.

Elaine L. Spencer
Elaine chairs the firm's Natural Resources & Manufacturing industry team. Her practice is focused on land use, forest practices, water rights, Indian treaty rights and condemnation. Elaine is actively involved with the Environmental and Land Use Section of the Washington State Bar Association and currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Building Industry Legal Trust Fund.

05.16.2006

Graham & Dunn is pleased to announce the addition of a new associate attorney - Brian D. Endter.

Brian joins as an associate on the Emerging Companies and Entrepreneurs Team. Focused on counseling clients on corporate formation and governance, private equity and debt financings and mergers and acquisitions, his practice further expands to life sciences companies working on clinical trial agreements and related issues. Brian received his J.D., cum laude, from Arizona State University School of Law in 2002.

03.01.2006

Seven Graham & Dunn attorneys appear in the 2006 "League of Justice" listing, published by Washington CEO magazine: Kumi Yamamoto Baruffi, Patrick J. Franke, Marcia K. Fujimoto, Wendy S. Goffe, David C. Lundsgaard, Larry J. Smith, Jack G. Strother.

03.01.2006

Seven Graham & Dunn attorneys appear in the 2006 "League of Justice" listing, published by Washington CEO magazine: Kumi Yamamoto Baruffi, Patrick J. Franke, Marcia K. Fujimoto, Wendy S. Goffe, David C. Lundsgaard, Larry J. Smith, Jack G. Strother.

01.17.2006

Graham & Dunn is pleased to announce that David M. Byers has been elected the newest shareholder of the firm.

David is a member of Graham & Dunn 's Hospitality, Beverage & Franchise Team, focusing on litigation. David has litigated matters concerning beverage distribution rights, claims involving the unintentional formation of franchises and the defense of product liability actions. The scope of David's work further includes banking matters, workouts, accounting malpractice disputes and breach of contract actions.

01.13.2006

Graham & Dunn is pleased to announce the addition of Susan M. Johnson and M. Owen Gabrielson.

Susan joins the firm as Of Counsel. She has broad experience in both liquor licensing and general business law. She primarily represents alcoholic beverage manufacturers, breweries, wineries, restaurants and hotels in liquor licensing, distribution, production and regulatory matters. She has also worked with local chefs, designers and restaurant owners on lease negotiations and new business formations, planning, and other transactions. Susan will serve as the head of the firm's Beverage practice group, working together with Stephanie J. Meier, paralegal, and Mark N. Ludwig, paralegal, to provide additional value-added services for the firm's beverage industry clients. Susan received her J.D. from the University of Oregon School of Law in 1995.

M. Owen Gabrielson will join the firm's Financial Services Team as an associate in February, 2006. He has experience in bankruptcy and creditors' rights, title insurance and escrow litigation, and commercial litigation and appeals. Owen earned his J.D. from the University of Oregon School of Law in 2003, where he was associate editor of the Oregon Law Review.

Combined Law Firm to Establish Emerging Companies Group

01.12.2006

Graham & Dunn PC and Leary Franke Droppert PLLC announced that they will be combining their practices effective February 1, 2006 – the combined practices to be known as Graham & Dunn PC. Attorneys J.J. Leary, jr., Pat Franke, and Marc Droppert of Leary Franke Droppert will join the 45 lawyers of Graham & Dunn as shareholders. Bernadette Bulacan and Tim Giacometti of Leary Franke Droppert will join as associate attorneys.

The attorneys at Leary Franke Droppert are experienced business lawyers who focus their practice on emerging and privately held companies in a variety of industries. Many of Leary Franke Droppert's attorneys have worked in operational roles in companies, allowing them to provide the strategic counseling that is critical to closely held and start up companies.

J.J. Leary, along with Kumi Yamamoto Baruffi of Graham & Dunn, will co-chair a new Business Services department that will support the firm's industry teams. Pat Franke will head up a new Emerging Companies practice group, and Marc Droppert will be joining Graham & Dunn's Board of Directors.

John T. John, President of Graham & Dunn, welcomes the addition. "The combination of our practices represents an extraordinary opportunity for our firm, and more importantly, for our clients. We believe that our business practice areas, as well as our industry teams will be well-served from the combined expertise of our two firms. The merger is a perfect fit with our strategic plan."

J.J. Leary remarked, "We are very excited to be combining our firm with Graham & Dunn. We'll be able to continue to provide the pragmatic, business-driven advice that was the hallmark of Leary Franke Droppert and, as they grow and mature, our clients will benefit from the expanded services provided by the exceptional attorneys at Graham & Dunn."

01.10.2006

Clemens H. Barnes was recently elected to the Management Private Sector position on the Executive Board of the WSBA Labor & Employment Law Section. Clem will serve a three-year term, which began January 1, 2006.

Clem heads Graham & Dunn's Labor & Employment Team. He has a general litigation background with a focus for the past 20 years on labor & employment law. Clem serves as a mediator and arbitrator and is an active speaker and writer on employment law topics. He was an Adjunct Professor (Employment Discrimination) at Seattle University Law School from 2001-04.

11.30.2005

Each year, Washington Law & Politics solicits nominations for "Rising Stars". the best up-and-coming attorneys. Many are nominated, but fewer than 2.5% of the attorneys in Washington will make the list.

Graham & Dunn is proud to have five attorneys achieve Rising Star status for 2006: Michael G. Atkins, Kumi Yamamoto Baruffi, David M. Byers, David C. Lundsgaard, and Steven A. Miller.

Michael G. Atkins
Michael is a litigator on the Communications team, primarily representing media and telecommunications clients, and parties involved in trademark disputes.

Kumi Yamamoto Baruffi
Kumi is a member of the Financial Services team. She works primarily with banks and other financial institutions on mergers and acquisitions, corporate planning and governance, and general business transactions. She has been a speaker at industry events such as the Washington Bankers Association Director College and Bank Director Magazine's annual "Acquire or Be Acquired Conference."

David M. Byers
David is a litigator on the Hospitality, Beverage & Franchise team. He has experience in a variety of litigation matters including termination disputes with petroleum and hotel franchisees, claims under the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act, Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, and Oregon Motor Fuel Franchises Act. He also has experience with actions involving beverage distribution rights.

David C. Lundsgaard
David is a member of the firm's Antitrust and Complex Litigation Team. He focuses his practice on complex civil litigation, primarily in the areas of antitrust, securities, intellectual property, and commercial disputes, and he has broad experience in defending and managing class-action suits in state and federal court. David has written extensively on antitrust litigation and counseling issues, and he has also been a presenter at a number of antitrust and trade regulation CLEs. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the WSBA Antitrust, Consumer Protection & Unfair Trade Regulation Section.

Steven A. Miller
Steve is a member of Graham & Dunn's Financial Services Team. He represents banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions in all aspects of their litigation, including matters involving lender liability, deposit and investment accounts, creditors' rights, employment disputes, and trust litigation.

10.01.2005

IOMA, publisher of Law Office Management & Administration Report, searched for law firm leaders willing to "buck the system" and implement cutting-edge management tactics. Graham & Dunn was selected as the winner, due to our innovative focus on serving select industries. Read the related article, published in the October, 2005 issue of Law Office Management & Administration Report.

09.28.2005

Graham & Dunn is pleased to announce that Clemens H. Barnes has rejoined the firm as a shareholder and head of the Labor & Employment Team. Clem was previously with Graham & Dunn from 1972-1993.

Clem's practice focuses on employment law compliance and litigation, union-management issues, employee discipline and termination, employment discrimination, sexual/racial harassment, wage and hour compliance and litigation, government contractor obligations and employment contracts (including non-compete agreements). Clem received his J.D. from the University of Washington in 1969.

09.01.2005

Graham & Dunn is tied for 1st in SNL's ranking of top regional legal advisers (Western region) for 2005. The ranking is based on number of deals completed this year. Graham & Dunn ranked 2nd in 2004.

08.01.2005

Each year, Washington Law & Politics solicits nominations from over 16,000 Washington attorneys, looking for “Super Lawyers.” Attorneys are asked to nominate other lawyers who they've personally seen in action and consider outstanding. The nominations are then reviewed by a panel of industry leaders, and final selections made. Only the top 5% of Washington attorneys made the list.

Graham & Dunn is proud to have 12 attorneys achieve Super Lawyer status this year.

W. George Bassett, Jeffrey A. Beaver, Robert C. Cumbow, Judith A. Endejan, Marcia K. Fujimoto, Wendy S. Goffe, John T. John, James L. Magee, Edward W. Pettigrew , Douglas J. Smart, Larry J. Smith, Elaine L. Spencer

07.25.2005

Russell C. Savrann, formerly Vice President and Associate General Counsel with Starwood Hotels & Resorts, has joined Graham & Dunn as a member of its Hospitality, Beverage and Franchise Team ("Beds, Bottles, and Brands"). He will be based in Connecticut and will enhance Graham & Dunn's presence and service to the hospitality industry in the Northeast and nationally.

Savrann has extensive experience in the hospitality industry, including strategic legal planning, beverage licensing, franchising, hotel transactions and development, and intellectual property. He also has broad experience in the many operational issues that arise in hotel and resort operations, including group sales, marketing and procurement. Before serving as legal counsel with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., in White Plains, New York, Savrann acted as General Counsel, Director of Legal Services, and Corporate Secretary at The Ground Round, Inc., in Braintree, Massachusetts. Savrann is also a member of the Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, and Florida bar associations.

Graham & Dunn's nationally-recognized Hospitality, Beverage & Franchise team is a fully-integrated, interdisciplinary team of lawyers with the unique skills that are required to effectively handle all of the special needs of the hospitality industry. The team's industry experience includes strategic alliances, franchises, acquisitions, condominium hotels, liquor compliance, trademark registration and protection, litigation, employment issues, and reorganization. "I look forward to working with the Graham & Dunn team-due to its unique hospitality industry focus spanning several decades, it is unparalleled in its experience and service to the hospitality industry," Savrann said.

"We are excited that Russ has joined our team," said Irvin W. Sandman, Graham & Dunn's Hospitality, Beverage and Franchise Team Leader. "Russ has over ten years of business, legal and practical experience in the hospitality industry, and he will immediately add depth and exceptional skills to our already-established industry knowledge. Frankly, it is very hard to find a lawyer with Russ's experience, focus, and commitment to the hotel business, and we are proud he has chosen our team to continue his accomplished career in the industry."

From its primary offices in Seattle, Washington, Graham & Dunn serves national, regional and local hotel clients, including Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Cendant Corporation. While Savrann will be based in Connecticut, he will be an integral part of Graham & Dunn's Hospitality, Beverage and Franchise Team and will bring all of its resources to bear on projects in the Northeast and nationwide. "Technology allows us to handle hotel projects and litigation effectively and efficiently, anywhere in the United States, at highly competitive prices," Sandman said. "There still is no substitute, however, to easily accessible, face-to-face interaction with clients, as well as day-to-day involvement in regional hotel markets and concerns. In short, Russ' presence in the Northeast will help us serve our clients."

01.15.2005

Graham & Dunn is pleased to announce that Michael G. Atkins has been elected the newest shareholder of the firm.

Michael Atkins represents media, telecommunications, and other clients in disputes and litigation. He also represents clients in proceedings before the U.S. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. Michael recently helped obtain summary judgment dismissal of defamation and false light claims brought against a newspaper client and worked on novel Public Disclosure Act issues that were decided by the Washington State Supreme Court. Michael received his J.D. from the University of Minnesota in 1996.

09.29.2004

Steven A. Miller joins Graham & Dunn as an associate and member of the Financial Services Team.

Steve represents banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions in all aspects of their litigation, including matters involving lender liability, deposit and investment accounts, creditors' rights, employment disputes, and trust litigation. He is experienced in assisting clients with loan workouts and asset recovery actions. He has also handled several arbitrations for his clients before the National Association of Securities Dealers.