Melissa Eckstrom

BACKGROUND Jeff focuses his practice on IP enforcement, defense, and litigation matters across all industry groups. In 1999, he received a Bachelor in Electrical Engineering with Highest Honors from Georgia Institute of Technology, where he focused his studies on communication networks and signal processing. Jeff received an M.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of California at Berkeley in 2001, where he focused his studies and research on communication networks. He was a...

Thomas Buford III is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Thomas, who practices law in Seattle, Washington, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Thomas is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Wilhelm Dingler is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants. Wilhelm, who practices law in Seattle, Washington, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Wilhelm is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Professional Experience Kristy practices in the firm’s litigation department, handling cases involving personal injury, employment, business disputes, health insurance and property disputes. Kristy also represents physicians and other health care providers in licensing and disciplinary disputes. Prior to joining Helsell Fetterman, Kristy worked at a boutique law firm for fourteen years. During her time at the firm, she successfully represented clients in a number of matters. Her experie...

Sims Weymuller is an attorney and shareholder at Schroeter Goldmark & Bender who focuses on legal and medical malpractice cases, complex birth trauma, brain and spinal cord injury, wrongful death and other claims. Sims has volunteered his time as a board member of the Brain Injury Alliance of WA and has chaired several Washington State Bar Association boards. He is a frequent lecturer and contributor to WSAJ practice deskbooks. Weymuller has been recognized as a Best Lawyer since 2024.

Alexander A. Baehr is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Intellectual Property and Litigation - Real Estate. Alexander A., who practices law in Seattle, Washington, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Alexander A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jesse S. Bennett is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Patent Law. Jesse S., who practices law in Seattle, Washington, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jesse S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

P. Arley Harrel is a Seattle-based attorney who focuses on civil litigation, trust and estate litigation, and real estate and commercial disputes. He represents clients across Washington and Oregon in a broad range of litigation matters in both state and federal courts. Arley’s practice includes commercial disputes, real estate litigation, condemnation and eminent domain, construction, employment, environmental law, intellectual property, municipal liability, products liability, profess...

Bob Giles is the firm’s managing partner. Bob manages more than 900 attorneys in 19 different offices. He chairs the Management Committee, serves on the Executive Committee, and is involved with numerous other committees within the firm. Bob began at Perkins Coie in 1974. He focused his practice in the areas of partnerships, tax planning, real estate syndications and general corporate practice until 1986, when he became the firm’s managing partner.

Tom Cristy, a partner in the firm’s Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation practice, focuses on employee benefits, ERISA and executive compensation. Tom has more than 20 years of experience drafting and reviewing employee benefit plans and counseling clients with respect to employee benefits and executive compensation, including ERISA, qualified plans (pension, profit sharing, 401(k) and employee stock ownership plans), non-qualified deferred compensation, supplemental executive...