Commercial and Environmental Litigation

J.D., summa cum laude, Seattle University School of Law, 2006

B.A., University of Puget Sound, 2002

Member, Washington State Bar Association, Amicus Curiae Brief Committee

Member, King County Bar Association

Admitted to practice in the United States District Court, Western District of Washington

Author, "Post-Sale Billing Error Class Actions After Schnall," King County Bar Bulletin, April 2012

Speaker, "Trust Obligations of the U.S Government," 13th Annual Tribal Client Seminar, Short Cressman & Burgess PLLC, Seattle, Washington, March 28, 2012

Speaker, "Tribal Government – Consultant Relationships:  Retaining & Effectively Using Consultants," 12th Annual Tribal Client Seminar, Short Cressman & Burgess PLLC, Seattle, Washington, March 17, 2011

Volunteer Legal Services Pro Bono Volunteer

Supporting counsel on Pakootas, et al. v. Teck Cominco, a case in which the Ninth Circuit has decided that United States environmental law applies to cross-boundary pollution.  The case concerns discharges of waste from a large smelter in Trail, British Columbia.  Trial on the liability phase commences in September, 2012.

Obtained dismissal, as supporting counsel, of novel antitrust and dormant Commerce Clause claims on summary judgment.  SCB's client contracted to be the exclusive provider of ambulance services for a county on the Oregon border near Portland.  A competing ambulance company claimed the implementing ordinance violated the Sherman Act and the dormant Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution.  The U.S. District Court disagreed, sustaining SCB's client's position.

Counsel on Drost v. Group Health Cooperative, a $776,000 jury verdict finding medical malpractice in diagnosis and treatment of distal radius fracture.

Counsel on Linda Bang et al. v. State of Washington Department of L&I, an $800,000 settlement for three female employees who had been targeted by co-workers and supervisors for sexual harassment and retaliation.

Counsel on Figueroa v. Confidential, a confidential six-figure settlement for a developmentally disabled child whose care providers failed to administer antiseizure medication, resulting in enhanced seizure activity and brain injury.

Counsel on Confidential, et al., v. Archdiocese of Seattle, et al., a variety of cases involving clergy sexual abuse with multi-million dollar settlements.  Contributions include successful motions and appellate practice expanding diocesan liability for priest sexual misconduct occurring post-priesthood, for misconduct committed by non-diocesan personnel associated with priest, and for civil conspiracy.

Counsel on Giel v. GMAC, a $125,000 jury verdict for victim of securities fraud.

Counsel on Corey v. Pierce County, a $3.1 million dollar jury verdict finding wrongful termination and defamation by Pierce County Prosecutor.

Counsel on 1119 Pacific Ave., LLC v. Dyer, a full defense verdict with award of attorney fees in commercial arbitration addressing allegations of fraud and breach of contract.