Jacob is an experienced and efficient litigator who has successfully represented plaintiffs and defendants in complex and high-stakes cases in federal and state courts and arbitral proceedings. He is adept at evaluating the uncertainties, costs, and benefits of litigation and frequently resolves disputes without the need for formal proceedings. But when going to court is best, Jacob is ready:  his experience spans all stages of litigation, from pre-complaint demand to trial to appeal, and he has handled a diverse mix of disputes involving, among other things, intellectual property, restrictive covenants, the purchase and sale of companies, and commercial leases.

Jacob began his legal career in New York at the international law firm Sullivan & Cromwell,where he handled securities fraud cases and government investigations for international financial institutions.  Jacob also worked at the mid-size firm Davis & Gilbert, where he handled matters for leading marketing and communications firms. After law school, Jacob served as law clerk to the Honorable Sandra Lynch, then Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, in Boston. Jacob graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Law School, where he was an editor of the Harvard Law Review.

Jacob is a native of Western Washington, and thus grew up in a pair of hiking boots. In his free time, Jacob still enjoys camping and hiking, as well as reading literary fiction and watching birds.

Areas of Practice

• Contracts and Commercial Litigation
• Corporate Governance Disputes
• Employment Litigation
• Financial and Banking Litigation
• Intellectual Property Litigation
• Real Estate Litigation
• Securities Litigation

Prior Professional Experience

• Davis & Gilbert LLP, New York City NY, 2015-2018
• Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, New York City NY, 2012-2015
• Law Clerk to the Honorable Sandra Lynch, Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, Boston MA, 2011-2012

• Residential Mortgage Backed Securities Litigation for Barclays Capital Inc.  Defended global investment bank and related entities in lawsuits and investigations concerning alleged securities law violations, breach of contract, and fraud; developed key arguments regarding securities, fraud, statutes of limitations/repose, personal jurisdiction, and standing; obtained favorable settlement.
• The Beanstalk Group, LLC v. London Luxury LLC.  Prosecuted breach of contract and related claims on behalf of licensor to obtain improperly calculated and withheld royalty payments; obtained favorable settlement during discovery.
• Vioni v. Providence Investment Management LLC & Russell Jeffrey.  Defended hedge fund manager and its principal against quantum meruit claim for damages brought by “finder”; dramatically reduced possible damages before trial, then obtained directed verdict for defendants after federal jury trial, and defended judgment on appeal.
• 55 Washington Street LLC & Brooklake Associates LLC v. Clear Channel Outdoor Inc.  Defended outdoor advertising company against claims brought by building owner alleging improper lease terminations for billboards that ran afoul of city regulations; obtained favorable settlement while case was on appeal from summary judgment.

• BP 399 Park Avenue LLC v. Pret A Manger (USA) Limited & Pret 399 Park, Inc.  Defended owner of international chain of sandwich shops against commercial landlord’s claims asserting chain subsidiary’s breach of lease and seeking to pierce the corporate veil to recover damages from the chain’s owner; obtained favorable summary judgment; case favorably settled after appellate ruling substantially upholding summary judgment.

Professional Recognition & Honors

• Named to Washington Rising Stars, 2020-2022

Professional Associations & Leadership

• Federal Bar Association of the Western District of Washington
• King County Bar Association
• Washington State Bar Association

Civic & Community Leadership

• Pro bono volunteer with King County Bar Association Housing Justice Project