Russell A. Knight

Russell is an accomplished litigator who focuses his practice on the litigation of complex business, real estate and employment disputes. He has successfully tried cases to juries, judges, and arbitrators representing both plaintiffs and defendants. He has also successfully defended and appealed cases to the Washington State Court of Appeals, Washington Supreme Court and the United States Court of Appels for the Ninth Circuit.

In representing plaintiffs, Russell has obtained multiple 7 and 8-figure judgments totaling over $100 million. In representing defendants, he has obtained multiple complete dismissals through summary judgment, other dispositive motions or trial, often including an award of attorney fees against the plaintiff.

From 2019-2021, Russell served as an At-Large Governor of the Washington State Bar Association Board of Governors, which is the governing body of the practice of law in Washington State. Russell is a Master member of the Honorable Robert J. Bryan American Inn of Court and previously served as a Trustee of the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association.

Affiliations and Recognitions

Selected as a Super Lawyer, 2017 - 2024
Master member, Honorable Robert J. Bryan American Inn of Court
Governor, Washington State Bar Association Board of Governors, 2019-2021

Representative Cases

Business

Represented a lender in a bench trial. Obtained a $91 million judgment against the borrower and guarantor and decree of foreclosure of commercial property.
Represented a lender in an arbitration against a real estate developer who refused to repay the loan and fraudulently transferred the developed property to a shell LLC. Obtained an $11.5 million judgment against the developer and shell LLC.
Represented an investor in a jury trial securities fraud case. Obtained a $4 million judgment.
Represented a lender and LLC member in bench trial to enforce a loan. Obtained a $3.6 million judgment.
Represented an LLC member in a case against the manager for misrepresentations. Negotiated a $1.9 million settlement.
Represented the seller of a bicycle store chain in defending an action brought by the buyer of the business who alleged misrepresentation in the sale. Obtained dismissal on summary judgment and an award of attorney’s fees.
Represented a cabinetmaker in a bench trial defending an action brought by its commercial landlord. Obtained a complete defense verdict and award of attorney’s fees.
Defended owners of Seattle hookah lounges in an action alleging a violation of the Smoking in Public Places Act. Negotiated a settlement imposing rules and procedures that allowed the business to stay open.
Obtained numerous arbitration awards and judgments in favor of contractors in actions for breach of contract for non-payment.

Employment

Represented an executive of a large health care organization. Obtained a favorable confidential settlement.
Represented multiple employees of a sandwich shop in an action for non-payment of wages. Obtained a favorable settlement approved by the Court.
Represented an employee of a large seafood distributer in an action for wrongful termination after reporting harassment. Obtained favorable confidential settlement.
Represented an employee of the Liquor Control Board in a breach of contract case following the implementation of Initiative 1183, which closed state-run liquor stores. Obtained a favorable confidential settlement.

Real Property

As appellate counsel, represented a concrete supplier in an action to enforce a claim of lien. Obtained reversal of the trial court in a decision that created new law in Washington for construction liens.
Represented a landowner who lost his property in an equity-skimming scheme. Obtained an arbitration award in favor of land owner returning the full value of his investment.
As a Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of Oregon, Represented the Public Utility Commission of Oregon in an action to enforce a foreign judgment through foreclosure of Washington real property. Obtained full payment on the judgment.