Stan Berman

James Sanders is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. James, who practices law in Seattle, Washington, has been recognized since 2015. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

Professional Experience As managing partner of Helsell Fetterman since 2001, Scott Collins understands the operational aspects of business and how legal issues must be addressed within greater business considerations. Utilizing that perspective, he provides clients with cost-effective legal counsel achieving practical results that serve their business goals. Scott began his career representing lenders and vendors in the fishing and boating industries of the Pacific Northwest. These were tumul...

Peter Altman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Peter, 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 Peter is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Andrew provides sophisticated estate, gift, generation skipping, and other tax-optimized wealth transfer strategies, business succession planning, trust administration, as well as customized “family office” solutions to high-net worth individuals, families, and private businesses across the Pacific Northwest. He serves as outside general counsel to many private businesses, guiding legal strategy for significant and complex matters associated with the business and legal affairs of ...

Professional Experience Rich’s practice focuses on businesses and individuals in disputes with the Internal Revenue Service and the Washington State Department of Revenue. Prior to joining Helsell Fetterman, Rich was a partner at LeSourd & Patten. In addition to his practice, Rich teaches a course in federal tax procedure in the Masters of Science in Taxation (MSTax) program at the University of Washington, Michael G. Foster School of Business. Typical cases include: Representing ta...

BACKGROUND As Managing Partner, Hayley brings a clear vision and collaborative leadership to the firm, guiding its strategic direction while continuing to serve clients with deep expertise in intellectual property (IP) law. She focuses on efficient and effective patent prosecution, licensing, and validity and infringement studies. With a background in electrical engineering, Hayley has successfully advised clients across a broad spectrum of technologies, including electrical, software, and me...

Rich Birmingham has over 30 years of experience in both employee benefit consulting and ERISA litigation. He is one of the few lawyers in the country who is listed in "Best Lawyers in America" in two employee benefit categories—ERISA law and ERISA litigation. His command of both the substantive and litigation areas of ERISA enable him to give practical proactive advice when consulting with clients and to obtain early dismissal or settlement when litigating ERISA matters. Rich is a frequ...

David Sheldon’s strong background in computer science and technical experience in software engineering help him assist his clients with patent drafting, prosecution, and counseling for software-related inventions. David's experience includes drafting patents for various complex technologies, including machine learning/artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicle control systems, bioinformatics, and medical devices. David frequently helps his clients navigate the complicated issues surrou...

Ramsey Al-Salam focuses on intellectual property litigation, with a particular emphasis on patent litigation. He has been lead counsel for large and small clients in cases throughout the country. He works hard to ensure that he understands his clients' goals, and pursues them in an efficient and effective manner. Publications such as Chambers USA (Band One), Best Lawyers in America and Washington Super Lawyers have repeatedly listed him as a leading practitioner in his field. Best Lawyers, fo...