Bradford J. Axel
Of Counsel | Seattle
Areas of Practice
For over two decades, Brad Axel has represented companies at all growth stages across a variety of sectors, including enterprise software, telecommunications, energy, manufacturing, entertainment, aviation, agriculture, financial services, and healthcare. During that time, he has guided clients through complex transactions and bet-the-company litigation.
Brad practices law with the goal of thoroughly understanding a client’s business goals and efficiently delivering legal services to achieve those goals, whether that involves protecting core intellectual property, resolving employment or corporate governance disputes, preparing for a merger or acquisition, or negotiating with government enforcement agencies.
Passionate about accelerating the transition to clean energy, today Brad is focused on applying his broad legal experience to helping early-stage cleantech companies. An experienced trial lawyer, Brad also offers mediation and arbitration services in commercial disputes.
Brad is a former member of the firm’s executive committee and former head of its litigation team.
Admissions
- Washington
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
Education
- University of Michigan Law School, J.D., cum laude
- Stanford University, B.A. in International Relations
- Johns Hopkins University, M.A. in Sustainable Energy
Recognition & Honors
- Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® for Litigation—Intellectual Property (Seattle, WA), 2016-present
- Selected for inclusion as a Washington Super Lawyer, 2010-present
- Recognized as a Leading Trademark Professional by World Trademark Review 1000
- Recognized as a Top-Rated Lawyer, West Coast by the National Law Journal, 2017
- AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review
Representative Work
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Intellectual Property: Designed licensing programs for patent and trademark owners. Counseled companies and entrepreneurs on how to effectively create, hold, enforce, and transfer intellectual property rights. Successfully litigated dozens of intellectual property cases around the United States on behalf of both intellectual property owners and alleged infringers.
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Corporate Formation, Governance, and Employment: Guided entrepreneurs in choosing entity type and jurisdiction. Created bylaws, operating and shareholder agreements, non-compete and confidentiality agreements, and employee handbooks. Counseled executives and corporate boards on fiduciary obligations and reducing company and individual legal risks.
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Corporate Transactions and Real Estate: Advised buyers and sellers on variety of legal issues surrounding corporate mergers and acquisitions. Helped clients purchase and develop commercial real estate.
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Regulatory Compliance: Successfully resolved antitrust, securities, tax and environmental compliance matters with state and federal enforcement agencies. Counseled companies through product recalls and business interruption events.
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Consumer Protection and Privacy: Defended Fortune 500 companies in consumer class actions. Advised businesses on how to comply with consumer protection and antitrust statutes. Counseled clients on data privacy obligations and responses to alleged privacy violations.
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Litigation: Litigated dozens of complex commercial disputes throughout the United States in the areas antitrust, copyright, patent, securities, and consumer protection.
Publications & Presentations
- "Avoiding Personal Liability: Advice for Owners and Managers of Privately Held Businesses," Stokes Law Brief (Oct. & Nov. 2014)
- "The Future of Reverse Payment Settlement Agreements after FTC v. Actavis," Washington State Bar Association, 30th Annual Antitrust and Consumer Protection Seminar (2013)
- "An Essential Update for Washington Practitioners," Washington State Bar Association, 22nd Annual Antitrust and Consumer Protection Seminar (2005)
- "Robinson-Patman Act Returns to Supreme Court Docket After Long Absence," Vol. 26 Antitrust, Consumer Protection & Unfair Business Practices Section Newsletter No. 1, WSBA (2005)
- "The Federal Arbitration Act and the Future of Contract-Based Class Actions," Vol. 24 Antitrust, Consumer Protection & Unfair Business Practices Section Newsletter No. 1, WSBA (2003)
Professional & Community Activities
- American Rivers, Advisory Board (2010-2025)
- Spending Spotlight, Board Member (2024-2025)
- Seattle Ethics & Elections Commission, Commissioner (2013-2015)
- Washington State Bar Association
- Antitrust, Consumer Protection & Unfair Competition Section, Former Chair
Background & Interests
Before Stokes Lawrence, Brad worked at the Seattle firm Graham & Dunn and the Chicago office of Hopkins & Sutter. He enjoys backpacking, swimming, and attempting to surf.
