Corporate/Commercial: Washington

THE FIRM This full-service firm holds a commanding position in the Washington market and across the wider West Coast. A leading performer in M&A transactions and financings, the team is also noted for its tax expertise and for the support it receives from the firm's deep bench of business litigators. Clients include Avista, Clearwire and Summit Power Group. 

Sources say: "The attorneys we work with are exceptionally responsive, thoughtful problem solvers who understand our objectives."

KEY INDIVIDUALS  

Greg Adams is a "calm, thorough and methodical lawyer" and a valued general outside counsel for a number of companies, including The Seattle Times Company, on whose behalf he helped settle legal claims and establish a new joint operating agreement with the Hearst Corporation worth $75 million.

The "exceptionally client-oriented" Joseph Weinstein was described by one interviewee as being "probably one of the most thoughtful lawyers I've come across." He is renowned for his work in the fishing and maritime sectors. 

Joseph Whitford acts in the capacity of a general counsel to new and developing venture-backed businesses in the biotechnology, healthcare, medical instrument, software and IT spheres.

M&A specialist Bruce Bjerke is a trusted source of counsel for Puget Sound-headquartered international corporations such as Avista, Microsoft and Starbucks. 

Marcus Williams is recommended for his knowledge of securities and capital market transactions and for his understanding of the accompanying regulatory framework.

"Excellent tax lawyer" Pamela Charles handles the tax aspects of capitalizations, reorganizations and M&A. She also heads the Seattle Tax Group, an association of the city's top tax attorneys and CPAs.

Described as exceptional, fellow tax expert LaVerne Woods specializes in the tax structuring of charities, healthcare providers, philanthropic foundations and nonprofit organizations.

James Wreggelsworth is credited for his deep knowledge of tax law as related to partnerships and real estate. Clients appreciate his "creative approach to problem solving."

THE FIRM This team is universally acknowledged as one of Seattle's top corporate practices, with a reach that extends far beyond the shores of Puget Sound. Applauded for its work across all markets, it has a particularly impressive pedigree acting for clients in the energy, manufacturing and technology sectors. Clients include Merrill Gardens, Vigor Industrial, and several public charities.

KEY INDIVIDUALS 

Kent Carlson advises local, regional and overseas clients on M&A, venture financing and corporate governance.

Stephan Coonrod is hailed by sources as "one of the best corporate lawyers around." He undertakes sales, acquisitions, joint ventures and equity financings for clients such as Laird Norton and Microsoft.

Gary Kocher is known and admired for his work counseling emerging businesses and venture startups on strategy, acquisitions, takeovers and securities offerings.

Scott Greenburg advises clients, which are often technology and research-based businesses, on IPOs, capitalizations, IP issues and all manner of corporate and commercial transactions.

Richard Dodd has a wide-ranging corporate practice and is a sure hand for board and governance issues, financings, venture capital, tender offers and securities offerings.

Charles Purcell and Andrew Zuccotti are regarded as "two of the best and most creative tax lawyers in Seattle." Their work ensuring the tax-efficiency of corporate transactions is critical to the team's success.

THE FIRM Perkins Coie's Seattle office houses one of the most respected corporate law practices in the Pacific Northwest, fielding an impressive number of experienced and expert attorneys. This is complemented, say sources, by a focus on top-of-the-line client service.

Sources say: "They really made an effort to get to know our deal team to learn how to work better with us - a customized service." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS 

Andrew Bor enjoys a "stellar reputation" for his work helping clients - often public companies - with corporate governance, transactions, ventures and SEC disclosure and other regulatory issues.

The similarly esteemed Stewart Landefeld is considered "one of the top people in Washington for securities and corporate governance." Clients include household names such as Costco, Microsoft and the Seattle Mariners.

David Clarke focuses mainly on emerging businesses, private equity and venture capital, and is experienced advising portfolio companies on M&A transactions and corporate strategy.

Clients find David McShea to be "a terrific team leader and all-around excellent corporate lawyer who inspires a high degree of confidence." He acts for a rich variety of public and privately held businesses, including corporate giants and emerging tech companies.

The "extremely knowledgeable" Evelyn Cruz Sroufe is relied upon by executives and fellow lawyers for her "solid and thoughtful" advice on high-level takeovers and filings with the SEC.

"Terrific young partner" Andrew Moore is "recommended unequivocally" for his practical approach to transactions and his mental acuity. He is already a noted and published authority on corporate governance, securities, public offerings and major transactions.

Tax expert Carl Crow is "a keen deal-maker," applying his extensive knowledge of US and offshore fiscal structures to keep deals on track and tax-efficient. His services are regularly called upon by clients such as Coinstar and Microsoft.

THE FIRM DLA Piper's Seattle-based corporate team undertakes a variety of domestic and international engagements and enjoys a steady flow of outbound and inbound cross-border work involving China and Canada. The firm also has one of the largest fund formation practices in the Pacific Northwest and is at the cutting edge of developments in early-stage technology companies in the software, IT, life sciences and renewable energy fields. 

Sources say: "They are attentive, responsive and practical, and really throw themselves into a deal."

KEY INDIVIDUALS  

Variously described as "one of the finest corporate lawyers in the state" and "a true corporate law expert," John Steel recently played a crucial role in the merger of PopCap Games with Electronic Arts in a billion dollar-plus deal, which, according to sources, "might just be the deal of the year." 

"A fine lawyer with a great demeanor," Steven Yentzer is someone clients and peers enjoy working with. He specializes in M&A and securities transactions and often advises private equity funds and venture capital groups.

Michael Hutchings is commended for being "very smart and on the ball." An indication of the esteem in which he is held is his role as regional leader of the firm's corporate and securities group.  

THE FIRM Dorsey & Whitney's corporate team is notable for its involvement in the natural resources and cleantech fields. The Seattle office in particular is key to the firm's cross-border practice with Canada, which includes advising major Canada-based entities on their operations worldwide. Kodiak Oil & Gas, Allied Nevada Gold and Wells Fargo are among its clients.

KEY INDIVIDUALS  

Christopher Barry is chair of the firm's Canada practice group. Universally acknowledged as "the go-to" for cross-border work north of the 49th parallel, he recently acted for Central Fund of Canada and Central Gold Trust in three multinational offerings of equity securities worth more than $1 billion.

THE FIRM Wilson Sonsini is recognized as a firm at the vanguard of R&D and the venture capital-backed emerging business sphere. The team is prominent in life sciences and biotechnology as well as software, IT and cloud computing. A recent highlight was the team's representation of Calistoga Pharmaceuticals in its $600 million sale to Gilead Sciences. 

Sources say: "If you're looking for a securities firm, it is among the best."

KEY INDIVIDUALS 

Manager of the firm's Seattle office, Patrick Schultheis is a seasoned and widely admired lawyer who counsels companies ranging from startups to public companies on public offerings, private financings and M&A.

Craig Sherman is praised by clients and lawyers for his powers as a securities lawyer and for his flourishing venture capital practice. Clients are impressed by his "great practical insights and excellent connections within the emerging technology business market."  

THE FIRM This national firm's Washington team remains true to its roots as a corporate counsel of choice for emerging and venture-backed companies in fields as diverse as IT, life sciences, medical devices, renewable energy and media. Notable clients include EndoGastric Solutions, GoTV Networks and Seattle Genetics.

KEY INDIVIDUALS 

Sonya Erickson is lauded for her provision of "legal advice infused with business acumen" and is celebrated too for being "steeped in venture startups."

John Robertson is also praised for his understanding of the needs of emerging companies and has a public company client roster that includes the likes of Amazon.com, Drugstore.com, Getty Images and Metawave.

THE FIRM The Seattle office of this Silicon Valley firm has established itself comfortably in the Pacific Northwest since opening its doors in 2008. It continues to represent both emerging and established technology and life science companies in M&A deals, IPOs, private financing rounds and securities transactions.

Sources say: "A highly specialized and effective team for life sciences work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS 

Stephen Graham, cochair of the firm's life sciences group, has a loyal following within the life science and biotechnology spheres. He is credited with building close relationships with his clients.

Alan Smith is highly respected for his representation of applied science companies big and small, established and nascent. He has a very good reputation in the state and beyond for his venture capital financing practice.

Colleague William Bromfield is also noted for his work in the hi-tech, venture capital and startup spheres. 

THE FIRM This Washington institution has a respected corporate practice which spans the range of services required by businesses, including corporate governance, financing, restructuring and M&A. The team is particularly noted for its work on behalf of hedge and private equity funds, for which it undertakes matters of national and international scope.

Sources say: "Sophisticated, responsive and a joy to work with." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS 

Robert Diercks attracts plaudits for his "practical, thorough and careful" approach to M&A transactions, public and private offerings, limited liability companies and partnership matters.

Allen Israel's practice straddles corporate, commercial, contract and real estate law. He is expert in all manner of business transactions and other concerns and has a particular strength in reorganizations.

Robert Kunold is noted for his ability in major M&A deals and projects in a range of key industry sectors. His practice has a strong cross-border dimension.

Michael Gamsky is adored by clients for his "responsiveness and excellent advice and his creative, strategic mind." He specializes in M&A, securities and structured finance.

THE FIRM Garvey Schubert Barer earns its position in the table this year thanks to the dynamism it shows within the fisheries, maritime and transport arenas; its thriving Asia-Pacific practice, strengthened by the firm's Beijing office; and its reach throughout the USA and Canada. Major clients include Glacier Fish, North Star Utilities Group and Saltchuk Resources.

KEY INDIVIDUALS  

Clients value Bruce Robertson's business insights, describing him as "a very seasoned business lawyer" who offers "practical and straightforward" advice. He recently represented Saltchuk Resources in its $100 million purchase of a large interstate trucking company based in Tacoma.

Gary Tober has made a successful start to his career at the firm since joining from Lane Powell in March 2011. He is well regarded for his expertise on tax structuring, often in an international and cross-border context.

THE FIRM The Seattle team at this major regional player acts as outside general counsel to businesses of various sizes in a wide range of industry sectors. Matters handled include corporate governance, M&A, public company functions and securities. The firm's distinguished client portfolio includes Nordstrom, SanMar and Wells Fargo. 

Sources say: "They take the time to really get to know our business." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS  

Michael Morgan focuses mainly on corporate governance, securities and M&A. Clients marvel at his ability "to see where the law is going" and find him someone "you want there on any business venture."

THE FIRM Stoel Rives's 17-strong Seattle corporate team is notable for its industry-specific knowledge of clean and renewable energy, forestry products, natural resources and technology. It is widely respected for its nous in corporate governance, national and cross-border M&A, IPOs and securities.

KEY INDIVIDUALS  

Clients find Christopher Voss "fantastic to work with - he's pragmatic, has a great and balanced approach to the business and doesn't get hung up on complete risk avoidance." They also appreciate his knack for developing a fruitful rapport with board members.

Also well spoken of by clients, Duff Bryant is "practical and responsive" and valued for his skill at transactional work, joint ventures and commercial documentation. He chairs the firm's M&A group.

The "seasoned, senior and knowledgeable" Charles Lewis "gets resources into gear really quickly" in his capacity as a tax expert. His input is vital to the efficiency of complex deals which are often international in scope.