J. Christopher Briggs

Andrew Moore, a partner in the firm’s Business practice, focuses his practice on public offerings and corporate finance, securities regulation, corporate governance and mergers and acquisitions. Andrew is a leader of the firm’s public companies group, regularly advising public companies on best corporate governance practices, disclosure matters and SEC compliance. He has a wide range of securities offering experience, including initial and follow-on public offerings, and shelf off...

Rhys M. Farren is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Trusts and Estates. Rhys M., who practices law in Bellevue, Washington, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Rhys M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Margie Aoki collaborates with clients to develop strategies to protect their intellectual property, working closely with inventors to craft robust utility and design patent applications that highlight the client’s innovations. During examination, Margie encourages open communication with patent examiners to find the most efficient path towards allowance. Margie’s experience extends to freedom-to-operate and validity opinions, design-around strategies, and due diligence for portfol...

Nicholas S. Franzen is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Nicholas S., who practices law in Bellevue, Washington, has been recognized since 2027. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Nicholas S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Melissa M. Harwood is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice and Patent Law. Melissa M., who practices law in Seattle, Washington, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Melissa M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Rob Weber, who joined Carney Badley Spellman in 2008, focuses his practice on real estate and corporate transactions with an emphasis on commercial leasing. He represents landlords and tenants in commercial, retail, office, tech, and medical lease negotiations, and advises multiple retail and shopping center developers on all aspects of their centers, from leasing to development. He also represents owners and purchasers in the purchase and sale of commercial and residential properties —...

Chris S. Brown is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law. Chris S., who practices law in Seattle, Washington, has been recognized since 2017. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Chris S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Sommer B. Clement represents developers, contractors, design professionals, property owners, and businesses in construction law, construction defect litigation, real estate disputes, and contract matters. With more than 20 years of litigation experience, she helps clients address disputes efficiently while protecting their business and project objectives. Sommer advises clients on construction contracts, design and consulting agreements, real estate transactions, and risk management issues ar...

Gregg Barton, a partner in the firm’s Business practice, has 25 years of experience focusing on state and local taxes principally in Washington (including Seattle, Bellevue and Tacoma matters), Oregon and Alaska. His experience includes advising clients with respect to gross receipt, sales and use, net income, ad valorem , real estate excise and public utility taxes, seeking private rulings, handling administrative appeals and litigating in state courts.

Ragan L. Powers is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Bankruptcy. Ragan L., who practices law in Seattle, Washington, has been recognized since 2001. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Ragan L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal prac...