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 Practice / Experience
Bill Walsh is a partner in our firm and was recently selected as a 2010 Washington Law & Politics Super Lawyer. Bill is an accomplished and well-regarded trial lawyer who has successfully represented a substantial number of corporate and individual clients in a broad range of complex civil cases involving products liability, securities litigation, professional liability, personal injury, maritime and admiralty, disability, aircraft accidents, eminent domain, real property disputes and employment discrimination. Bill also serves as Disciplinary Counsel for the Washington State Commission on Judicial Conduct. Prior to joining private practice, Bill served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney and Air Force Judge Advocate, prosecuting civilian and military criminal matters as well as defending the federal government in employment discrimination cases.
Education/Background
- Byrnes & Keller LLP, 2000-2006
- U.S. Air Force JAGD (Major)/Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, 1993-2000
- Law Clerk, Hon. Gerald L. Knight, Snohomish County Superior Ct., 1992-1993
- Admitted to Practice: 1992, Washington
- J.D., Gonzaga University, cum laude, 1992
- B.A., University of Washington, 1988
Publications and Presentations
- Co-Author: Chapter 32, Washington Civil Procedure Deskbook (2005)
- Co-Author: Comment, The Joint Commander as Convening Authority: Analysis of a Test Case, 46 Air Force Law Review 195 (1999)
- Articles, The Perils of Overzealous Advocacy (February 1999); Litigation in America (April 1999); Just War Theory and the Kosovo Conflict (June 1999); Ethics in Business Magazine (UK)
- Comment, Determining Recoverable Economic Harm Under the Washington Product Liability Act, 27 Gonzaga Law Review 335 (1992)
- Co-Chair, "A Trial Lawyer's Guide to the Washington Consumer Protection Act: The Act From Every Angle"; Presentation: "The Business Necessity Defense - Defending the Uncomfortable Truth About Business Under the CPA." (August 2010)
Representative Cases / Clients
- Fisherman's Finest, Inc., – Bill represents Fisherman's Finest, one of the founding companies of the American Head & Gut fishing fleet operating in Alaskan waters. Bill serves as counsel on cases involving business transactions, personal injury, regulatory compliance, maritime and admiralty.
- Anderson v. Akzo Nobel Coatings, Inc., – Bill successfully defended Akzo Nobel Coatings, Inc., obtained dismissal on a Frye motion of a 19.5 million lawsuit involving an employee’s allegations related to work in a paint mixing facility causing in utero congenital effects to her son. The employee also claimed wrongful discharge and sought punitive damages; claims that Bill successfully had dismissed on summary judgment.
- Seaworthy v. Awl Grip – Bill represents one of the world's leading marine coatings manufacturers in a case involving allegations of product liability and breach of warranty.
- Jones v. Serco Management, Inc., – Bill successfully obtained dismissal for an air traffic control services provider in a federal lawsuit arising out of a fatal aircraft accident.
- Schafer v. Estate of Brown, et al., – Bill successfully obtained a dismissal of corporate defendants in a case arising out of a fatal aircraft accident in Skagit County, successfully arguing a lack of personal jurisdiction over the defendants.
- In re Singh, – Bill is serving as appellate counsel for a medical device company facing allegations, that its product catastrophically injured a patient during heart bypass surgery, resulting in a $40 million verdict.
- Quinton Instruments v. Agilent – During his tenure at Byrnes & Keller, Bill served as co-trial counsel with Brad Keller in a jury trial in federal court, successfully defending a medical device manufacturer in a hotly disputed, multii-million dollar contract dispute, with the case ending in a defense verdict.
- Kimball v. R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company – During his tenure at Byrnes & Keller, Bill served as co-defense counsel in a wrongful death case against R. J. Reynolds, completing deposition discovery and co-authoring motions that substantially reduced the plaintiffs claims and ultimately resulted in a defense jury verdict.
- Huntsberry v. Philip Morris, Inc., et al.; – During his tenure at Byrnes & Keller, Bill served as co-defense counsel defending a class action lawsuit filed against R. J. Reynolds and other tobacco companies under the Consumer Protection Act, successfully defeating class certification and, ultimately, obtaining dismissal of the case.
- Complex Condemnation Experience – Bill has represented Qwest Corporation, Clear Channel Outdoor and other clients in complex, high profile condemnation proceedings.
- Federal Trial Experience – As a Special Assistant United States Attorney and Air Force Judge Advocate, Bill also served as lead trial counsel in several felony-level jury trials, civilian criminal matters in U.S. District Court and administrative proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Awards & Recognition
- "Super Lawyer" - Washington Law & Politics Magazine (2003-2006 and 2010)
- Athletic Director, St. Catherine of Siena School (Present)
- Chairman, St. Catherine of Siena Pastoral Council (2006-2008)
- City of Lakewood Community Development Block Grant Committee (2000-2001)
- Kathleen Kennedy Award / Trial Advocate of the Year, U.S. Air Force in Europe (1998)
- Board of Directors, Minot Domestic Violence Crisis Center (1994-1996)
- Meritorious Service Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster)
- Company Grade Officer of the Year (1995)
- Young Leaders in India (1987)
- University of Washington Football Team (1984-5 – Orange Bowl)
Professional Memberships- International Association of Defense Counsel
- Washington Defense Trial Lawyers Association
- Marine Insurance Association of Seattle
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