Sean A. Russel

Admissions

• Washington, 2004
• U.S. District Courts for the Western and Eastern Districts of Washington (2010)

Education

• Seattle University School of Law, J.D. (2003)
• University of Oregon, B.S., Psychology (1995)

Recognition & Honors

• The Best Lawyers in America, Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law (2024)
• Rising Star, Washington Super Lawyers (2012 - 2014)

Representative Work

Agribusiness

• Representation of cherry growers seeking to recover damages under Washington’s Commission Merchant Act for handling and storage issues.
• Representation of apple growers and warehouses in several cases related to a failed sewage main, which leaked sewage into an irrigation canal with water that was subsequently applied to apple crops.
• Representation of an apple grower in a claim against a fruit cooperative association for damages resulting from poor handling and sales of the grower’s apples.
• Representation one of the largest carrot processors in a matter involving the development of a municipal water treatment facility.
• Representation of a company that has the marketing and licensing rights to a proprietary apple variety in a claim against a grower who has allegedly violated a trademark by producing the apple variety without a license agreement.
• Representation of homeowner who suffered property damage related to spray drift from the neighboring farm.
• Representation of a tree nursery who is defending against a claim by an apple grower for allegedly selling defective trees.
• Representation of a fruit packing warehouse in a claim against a contractor who defectively constructed a concrete slab/apron.

Employment

• Physician representation in employment dispute with hospital.
• Employer representation against employee claims for wrongful termination and failure to accommodate.

Construction

• Obtained favorable arbitration award defending general contractor against subcontractor's non-payment claim.
• Obtained favorable result litigating lien foreclosure claim on behalf of general contractor against property owner and tenant.
• Obtained favorable arbitration award for homeowner based on claims against general contractor for defective construction.
• Representation of business owner in a dispute over a development project with his partner.
• Representation of homeowners association in bridge collapse incident.
• Representation of aeronautics company in construction defect litigation involving airplane manufacturing equipment.
• Representation of public power supply company in a matter involving condemnation of property for access and utility operation.
• Representation of public hospital in construction dispute involving delay claims

Trust and Estate Administration

• Representation of estate beneficiary in successfully removal petition against personal representative.
• Representation of personal representative in successful defense against attempted removal petition.
• Successful negotiation of favorable settlement for a beneficiary in highly contested will contest.

Publications & Presentations

• "Agriculture and Water Rights Issues in TEDRA Litigation," panelist, WSBA 17th Annual Trust and Estate Litigation Seminar (April 2020)
• "Case Law Updates," presenter, WSBA Trust and Estate Litigation CLE (May 2019)
• "Who Is the Fiduciary?" presenter, Estate Planning: A How-To Guide, National Business Institute (December 2017)
• "TEDRA in Washington — Multi-County Review of Procedures," presenter, A Statewide Perspective on Trust and Estate Litigation: The Bench and the Experts Weigh In, WSBA Real Property, Probate and Trust Section (April 2017)
• "Trust and Estate Disputes – TEDRA," presenter, Fall Probate and Trust Seminar: Updates, Planning, and Disputes, WSBA Real Property, Probate and Trust Section (December 2016)
• "Where to Begin? - An Overview of Trusts," presenter, Trusts 101, National Business Institute CLE (August 2015)
• "The Duties of a Fiduciary in Washington State - Pitfalls and Practice Pointers," presenter, Guidance From the Bench: The 12th Annual Trust & Estate Litigation Seminar (April 2015)
• "Determining if Spouse's Elective Share Is a Reasonable Option," presenter, The Probate Process From Start to Finish, National Business Institute CLE (July 2014)
• "Litigating the Case in Probate Court," presenter, The Probate Process From Start to Finish, National Business Institute CLE (July 2014)
• "Wage and Hour Issues in Agriculture" and "Farm Labor Contractor Law Issues," co-presenter with Brendan Monahan and Sarah Wixson, Washington Grower's League Annual Meeting (January 2014)
• "An Introduction to Fiduciary Duties," co-presenter with Jenna Ichikawa, presented by Yakima County Bar Association (April 2013)
• "Washington's Stop Notice: An Effective Hammer in the Contractor's Tool Chest When Progress Payments are Delinquent," author, Associated General Contractors Cornerstone magazine (2008)
• "Good Documentation Practice and Maintaining Customer Relations," panelist, Associated General Contractors of Washington, Bellingham (2008)
• "Requirements for Filing Lien and Bond Claims in Washington," panelist, Associated Builders and Contractors of Western Washington, Bellevue (2008)
• "Lien and Bond Issues," panelist, Associated Builders and Contractors of Western Washington, Everett (2008)

Professional & Community Activities

• Board Member, The Seasons Performance Hall
• Board Member, Fresh Hop Group