Samantha K. Pitsch - Attorney, Seattle

Samantha K. Pitsch

Attorney | Seattle


Samantha’s practice focuses on helping airline clients resolve passenger claims involving in-flight injuries, discrimination and accommodation claims, and other tort claims related to operations above and below the wing. Across the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, Samantha provides counsel to commercial airlines, helicopter and floatplane operators, Part 91 and Part 135 operators, municipalities and airport operators, helping clients navigate complex civil litigation.

In addition to Samantha’s aviation practice, she works closely with businesses and individuals involved in contract disputes, litigates insurance coverage involving liability coverage, property damage, business interruption, and insurance bad faith, and defends product manufacturers against design defect, manufacturing defect, and other product liability claims. Samantha is an experienced litigator in both trial and appellate levels in both state and federal courts.

Admissions

  • Washington
  • Alaska
  • Oregon
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon

Education

  • University of Washington School of Law, J.D., with honors, Managing Editor, Washington Law Review (2018)
  • Willamette University, B.A., Politics, with Department Honors (2012)

Recognition & Honors

  • CALI Award: Forensics, University of Washington School of Law

Representative Work

  • Obtained summary judgment dismissal of Section 1981 claims against national airline.
  • Obtained summary judgment dismissal of claim against transit agency and operator applying sudden medical emergency defense.
  • Obtained summary judgment granting relief for Consumer Protection Act claims brought by passengers of a taxi cab.
  • Defended multiple commercial airlines in litigation involving discrimination claims, emotional support animal accommodations and injuries, and in-flight injuries.
  • Obtained multiple, favorable coverage outcomes for individuals and entities through pre-litigation advocacy.
  • Obtained multiple, favorable settlements for clients allowing them to avoid additional, costly litigation.

Professional & Community Activities

  • American Bar Association
  • King County Bar Association
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • Washington Women Lawyers
  • Vice Chair, KCBA Aviation Section
  • Mentor, University of Washington School of Law
  • Judge, Moot Court and Mock Trial Competitions
  • Volunteer, Street Youth Legal Advocates of Washington Clinic (2015 - 2018)

Publications & Presentations

  • “Importance of Model Rule 8.4(g) and Increasing Law Firm Diversity,” presenter, KCBA Aviation Section Program (2022)
  • “Please enter your password here: Updates on (and Importance of) Cybercrime Insurance,” co-presenter, GTTC Insurance Recovery Seminar (2022)
  • “The Ethics of Practicing Virtually,” presenter, KCBA Aviation Section Program (2021)
  • “Property Insurance, The Life of a Property Insurance Claim,” co-presenter, GTTC Insurance Recovery Seminar (2021)
  • “Mastering the Basics of Discovery,” co-author and co-presenter, National Business Institute (2021)
  • “Pleadings & Motions: Civil Practice Tips & Examples,” co-author and co-presenter, National Business Institute (2021)
  • “Trademark Year in Review,” co-author, WSBA 25th Annual Intellectual Property Institute: A Forum for Innovation in the Continually Evolving Field of Intellectual Property (April 2020)
  • “Whose Report Is it Anyway? Ethical Considerations in Ghostwriting Expert Reports,” presenter, KCBA 46th Annual Pacific Northwest Aviation Law & Insurance Conference (September 2019)
  • “Goodbye ‘Sweetheart.’ The Ethics of Eliminating Discrimination and Promoting Diversity in Legal Practice,” co-author, KCBA 44th Annual Pacific Northwest Aviation Law and Insurance Conference(September 2017)
  • "Quick, Stop Hiring Old People! How the Eleventh Circuit Opened the Door for Discriminatory Hiring Practices Under the ADEA," 92 Wash. L. Rev. 1605 (Oct. 2017)

Background & Interests

During law school, Samantha was an extern to Hon. James L. Robart, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. Samantha also worked as a teaching assistant for first-year legal writing classes.