Covington Business Lawyers

As a fourth generation Washington lawyer, Hunter developed an early interest in the legal profession. He was drawn to the profession’s challenges and complexities, as well as the sound judgment required of good lawyers. Hunter pursued his interest at the University of Washington School of Law. There he researched and authored reports on modern legal issues for Law School Dean Kellye Testy and served as managing editor of the Washington International Law Journal. Hunter also served as a legal extern to United States District Court Judge Robert J. Bryan. Hunter’s practice areas include business and commercial litigation, municipal liability, insurance...

Eric’s practice focuses on the representation of individuals and business organizations in a variety of commercial contexts, including planning, organizing, and financing business entities, handling business and real estate transactions, advising on contract and employment issues, and litigating commercial disputes. He is admitted to practice in Washington and Oregon. Eric received his B.A. from the Honors Program at the University of Washington, where he rowed on the varsity crew team, and his J.D. cum laude from Seattle University. He has been named to the list of Washington Rising Stars in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.

Alex grew up on his family’s apple farm in Brewster, Washington. He learned every trade required to run a farm, but specialized in being the certified “gopher.” Alex graduated from high school ranked 2nd in the nation and top 25 in the World for his age in downhill ski racing. Alex studied at Jerusalem University in Israel, completed undergraduate studies from Seattle Pacific University, and finished his legal education at Seattle University School of Law where he was the Graduation Speaker. Alex learned trial skills by working as a Prosecutor for King...

Since joining the firm in 1994, Stephanie has worked on a wide variety of cases representing clients in employment, business and injury litigation, as well as estate litigation and business disputes. She also represents clients in matters involving misappropriation of trade secrets, noncompetition contracts, Consumer Protection Act claims, unfair competition issues, contract disputes and consults on matters of legal ethics.

In her commercial litigation practice, Stephanie focuses on complex business disputes, disputes between members of closely held companies and trust and estate litigation. She represents corporations, closely held businesses, fiduciaries as well as individual parties involved in these types of...

A partner in Mendel Owens PS, Fraser Mendel focuses his practice on corporate law, with special attention to international transactions. Mr. Mendel has extensive experience in the areas of cross-border transactions, direct investment in China, venture capital investments, mergers and acquisitions, corporate structuring, international employment issues, technology regulation, and intellectual property. He has over 25 years of experience in international corporate law, including promoting cutting-edge investment and diversification in Asia. Mr. Mendel advises multinational firms and has built a diverse practice representing companies entering the Asian market, particularly in technology industries. He has been the driving force for over...

John Guadnola is a seasoned attorney with an extensive background and impressive record of success in his practice areas, which include antitrust litigation, alcohol regulation, copyright and trademark litigation, and complex litigation. As Executive Director and General Counsel of the Association of Washington Spirits & Wine Distributors, John is also actively involved in alcohol regulation issues on the legislative level and enforcement levels.

As co-lead counsel in a case of national significance (Costco v. Hoen), John represented distributor intervenors in a successful effort to defend Washington State laws governing distribution and sale of beer and wine against an antitrust claim brought...

Kurt represents South Sound businesses and individuals in White Collar Crime matters. He advises clients on corporate criminal risks, federal grand jury investigations, financial crimes, securities frauds, bankruptcy crimes, government contract frauds, real estate schemes, Medicare frauds-and tax frauds. He is GTH’s authority on cybercrime and legal issues relating to cybersecurity and data privacy. His work includes assisting South Sound businesses in creating cybersecurity plans consistent with the US protocols issued by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). He also advises clients on data privacy requirements arising from the European Union’s General Data Privacy Regulations (GDPR)...

Born in Philadelphia and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, Bill Holt moved gradually westward—with a 7-year stop in Iowa City to pick up his undergraduate and law degrees—until he got to Tacoma in 1970. He has lived and worked here in the Northwest ever since, joining GTH in 1971 after clerking for Judge William T. Beeks in the U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington.

His primary areas of practice include the purchase and sale of businesses and large commercial real estate projects, as well as intellectual property law, privacy and publicity law, public records law, and finance.

Alan Macpherson’s primary area of practice at GTH is estate planning and taxation. He particularly enjoys working on projects that combine financial and tax as well as legal aspects, such as establishing and monitoring investment LLCs and generation-skipping trusts and helping clients build specific themes into their estate plans, like helping with the education of grandchildren.

Jemima has handled hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of real estate transactions involving almost every sector of the market. Her primary practice areas are commercial and real estate transactions. She has extensive experience with all facets of land use matters including title and survey review, development, and environmental studies and reports.

Her clients include private developers, landowners, purchasers and sellers, landlords and tenants, borrowers and lenders, regional and national banks, universities, non-profit organizations, assisted living facilities, hotels, and homeowner’s associations, each of whom have various business and real estate needs. With the passage of I-502, her work has also...

Lisa Kremer's practice focuses primarily on estate planning, probate, and guardianship. She particularly enjoys working with families to try to resolve issues with a minimum amount of stress and turmoil. Lisa also advises businesses, particularly on trademark, copyright and privacy issues, including HIPPA compliance.

Lisa began her professional career as a journalist. She was an award-winning reporter for The News Tribune. In 2005 she decided to move from writing about people’s problems to helping solve them. She commuted from Tacoma to the University of Washington School of Law in Seattle and graduated in 2008.

Lisa is a Trustee of the Tacoma-Pierce County...

Bilingual Mandarin Chinese and English attorney. Admitted to the New York State Bar, Washington State Bar, and qualified to the Chinese Bar. Has attorney experience both in the U.S. and in Beijing, China. Mainly focus on the U.S. immigration law, business law, and China practice.

Before earning her law degree, magna cum laude, from Gonzaga University School and joining GTH in 1991, Margaret Archer was a financial analyst for Westinghouse Hanford Company. She puts her business acumen and insight into the world of finance to good use in her position as Chair of our Board of Directors and in her practice areas of land use, real estate litigation and commercial litigation.

Early in his career, Don became a part of legal history when he served as counsel at the trial and appellate levels in the famous “snail darter” case (Tennessee Valley Authority v. Hill, 437 U.S. 153 [1978]), litigated under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The litigation resulted in a successful review by the U.S. Supreme Court. In addition to practicing law in Chicago and the Pacific Northwest, Don has also taught law and served in senior administrative positions at the University of Puget Sound, University of Michigan, and University of Tennessee law schools.

Since joining GTH in 1982, Don’s practice...

Shelly focuses her practice on employment law and litigation, commercial litigation, products liability, construction law, insurance defense and coverage, and appellate advocacy. She represents individuals and businesses in all aspects of commercial and employment disputes and especially enjoys working with clients to help them understand the legal process. Shelly prides herself on being a tough advocate for her clients and finding strategic and creative solutions in tough cases.

Shelly joined GTH in 2011. A graduate of the University of Washington School of Law, she began her legal career in Alaska, first serving as a judicial law clerk for...

Andrea is a trial lawyer with an emphasis in business and employment litigation for both plaintiffs and defendants. She has successfully represented clients litigating shareholder, non-competition, and employment discrimination disputes, and obtained pre-trial injunctions. She has achieved jury verdicts enforcing her clients’ contract rights, represented clients in trust and estates disputes, and obtained protection for vulnerable adults. She also regularly represents clients in the areas of regulatory monitoring and advocacy, including extensive work in alcohol regulation and policy, and with Washington's Liquor and Cannabis Board.

Andrea joined GTH in 2005 after graduating from Seattle University School of Law,...

Ellis McGehee Carter is a distinguished attorney specializing in corporate and tax matters for nonprofit, tax-exempt, and mission-based businesses, alongside advising donors on major gifts. With a profound dedication to serving organizations that make a significant impact, Ms. Carter leverages her extensive experience in nonprofit governance, tax law, and business transactions to provide unparalleled legal guidance. Her expertise extends to navigating complex tax issues for exempt entities, ensuring they remain compliant while advancing their mission. Ms. Carter's adeptness in handling intricate business transactions for nonprofits is evident through her work on reorganizations, the creation of affiliates and subsidiaries, and facilitating mergers,...

Michael T. Smith advises individuals and companies of all types and sizes regarding the proper formation and structure of a business entity (corporation, limited liability company, etc.), their general business and corporate matters, issues related to the purchase or sale or lease of real property and transactions to purchase or sell their business. Michael also focuses his practice on assisting people prepare their estate plan, including wills, trusts, community property agreements, durable powers of attorney, health care directives, and helping families navigate and administer a loved one's estate in probate proceedings. Michael can also assist with guardianship proceedings for loved ones...

David T. Lyons is a shareholder with the Northwest law firm of Lyons | Sullivan. He concentrates his practice in business transactions. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Gonzaga University in 1977; his Juris Doctorate, Cum Laude, from Gonzaga School of Law in 1979; and his Master of Science Financial Services in 1990. Mr. Lyons is a Certified Public Accountant licensed to practice public accounting in the State of Washington and an attorney admitted to practice law in the States of Washington and Alaska.

John Fetters represents individuals and businesses in a broad range of civil litigation matters, including business and complex commercial litigation, insurance coverage, municipal liability, personal injury, product liability, and aviation law. John has tried cases to verdict in state and federal court and has handled many successful arbitration proceedings. Super Lawyers Magazine selected John to its “Rising Stars” list every year since 2013.
John was recognized as one of the 2017 Top 40 Young Lawyers by the American Bar Association.
The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) selected John as one of the select recipients of the 2016 Best Lawyers Under...

John is a international lawyer with multiple post graduate degrees from both U.S. and European schools. He is a certified Fraud Examiner and Certified Controls Specialist. He has extensive multifaceted experience in business law and litigation.

Eric Johnson has practiced law throughout Washington, California and Minnesota for twenty-six years specializing in civil trial work. He has tried over fifty cases to jury verdict(s) in civil and criminal cases and is a top rated litigation attorney by peer review and by leading legal service directories. We defend or prosecute civil actions in the following areas of practice: Personal Injury/Wrongful Death: Claims concerning personal injury or death caused by alleged negligence; cases involving issues of product defect(s) (e.g., in motor vehicles, industrial tools, food, drugs); premises liability (e.g., claims alleging dangerous conditions...

Kristi O'Brien's practice is primarily in the area of business transactions and real estate transactions. Kristi represents business clients and medical practices in real estate, commercial, corporate planning, partnership, asset and stock purchase and sale, employment, and health law.

Ruth focuses her practice on labor and employment matters. Ruth has extensive experience litigating cases in both state and federal court involving wrongful termination, sexual harassment, retaliation as well as gender, race, disability, and age discrimination. Ruth specializes in litigating against corporate employers including, The Boeing Company, Microsoft, Costco, Facebook, Blue Nile, SAP, Amazon.com, Harborview Medical Center, T-Mobile, and Swedish Hospital, among others. Ruth also has experience negotiating severance packages and has a high settlement rate in mediation. Ruth handles the firm’s appellate work in employment and has experience in both Washington’s Court of Appeals and the Ninth Circuit....

The Law Office of Fred Martens offers consumers and small business clients effective legal representation with personal service in the following practice areas: Consumer Law & Debt / Collections Defense; Chapter 7 & 13 Bankruptcy

I am an entrepreneurial, collaborative senior attorney with 20+ years of experience across diverse industries, with a focus on securities, banking/finance, corporate governance, real estate and commercial finance transactions. I am a former Davis Wright Tremaine partner, technology company General Counsel, and bank Corporate Counsel, with demonstrated success in providing timely, balanced, and practical advice to senior executives teams. I also have a strong business background in banking, financial analysis, and accounting. I am highly regarded by clients and colleagues for the ability to understand and translate complex legal issues into practical business advice, and to negotiate...

Conor McCarthy is an experienced Real Estate and Estate Planning attorney, and has spent nearly 15 years helping his clients navigate and resolve complex transactions and disputes. Serving clients large and small, private and public, Conor prides himself on taking the time to listen and fully understand a client’s challenges and goals.

Conor began his career as a civil litigator zealously advocating in contract, construction, real estate, land use and commercial disputes. He then transitioned to become a skilled municipal and transactional attorney negotiating and closing complex commercial and real estate deals, and resolving difficult land use challenges. After managing...

Clients value Erik for his sense of strategy, diplomacy and willingness to jump into the trenches with them to truly understand their actual legal needs.

Erik's practice areas include contract drafting; small/mid-size business counsel; general litigation including personal injury pre-litigation and trial work.

He is heavily involved on the front lines of the cannabis industry, having been introduced to the industry during the legalization phase in Colorado and following this up with providing business counsel to the top retailers and producer/processors in Washington State.

Erik has a long track record of pro-bono public legal service, gaining him recognition in both Colorado and...

Robert Dickson practices civil litigation, with a focus on issues related to business, real property and construction law. His clients are diverse, ranging from large corporations to residential homeowners. Recently, Mr. Dickson expanded his practice to include the representation of property owners in mediating their distressed property matters through the Foreclosure Fairness Act. Another element of Mr. Dickson's practice includes contributing to various legal publications. In particular, he serves as an editor and contributing author of the LexisNexis Practice Guide: Washington Real Estate Litigation (LexisNexis 2014) and a contributing author for the Washington Lawyers Practice Manual. At present,...

Corporate Counsel - Intellectual Property / Commercial Real Estate / Corporate Law
Diverse legal background with 15+ years’ experience delivering comprehensive legal support on a variety of corporate matters including contracts, mergers, and acquisitions, real-estate, insurance, risk management, capital projects, taxation, and audits. Demonstrated expertise in managing outside counsel and associated costs. Possess the range of qualifications to function successfully in both in-house and contract capacities for companies across varied sectors including technology, food/beverage, and agriculture.

Contract Negotiations
Capital Expenditures
Corporate & Regulatory Compliance
Risk Assessment & Mitigation
Mergers & Acquisitions
Trademark & Software Licensing
Trademarks
Client Relationship Management

Travis’ practice focuses primarily on business and real estate transactions, with an emphasis on entity formation, governance, and mergers and acquisitions. Travis believes that a good process is the best way to arrive at good results. Thus, before he can provide effective legal advice, he must first carefully listen to the client’s particular situation and understand exactly what the client both needs and wants. Only then can a comprehensive strategy be crafted to help resolve the client’s current legal needs but also allow the client to continue working towards the client’s aspirations. Travis’ practice gives him great satisfaction because he...

email: gtamblyn@mercerlg.com

Mike has been practicing law for over 25 years. He focuses on making his legal practice client-focused by giving personal time and attention to each case. His proven results over the years represent a broad range of knowledge in employment and immigration law.

Gretchen Salazar concentrates her practice on employment law, representing both employers and employees. Her work for employers includes advising clients with regard to compliance; representing clients before administrative agencies; employee relations counseling; and the review and drafting of handbooks and agreements. Gretchen provides employees with advice and counsel with regard to their rights and advocates for the enforcement of those rights through negotiation, mediation, administrative action, and litigation. Gretchen also practices commercial litigation and municipal law.

Janna enjoys the constructive aspect of her business law, estate planning, and adoption practices. She offers pragmatic advice to businesses of all sizes regarding their formation and organizational needs, provides comprehensive estate planning services to families, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives, and guides all types of families through the adoption process from the dual perspective of an attorney and an adoptive parent. Janna has been selected to the Washington Rising Stars list of outstanding lawyers each year from 2009 to 2017. Outside the office, Janna spends most of her time exploring West Seattle with her...