Brandi B. Balanda
Partner

Brandi has wide-ranging experience successfully litigating large, complex cases, from defending a senior executive against the largest trade secret claim asserted in Washington to prosecuting fraud, contract, and fiduciary duty claims related to the financing of major real estate development projects. She is a passionate advocate, driven to achieve outstanding results for her clients through creative problem solving and collaboration. Brandi has resolved disputes in many different forums, including federal and state trial and appellate courts, administrative agencies, and in arbitration.

Prior to joining Savitt Bruce & Willey, Brandi practiced law in Hawaii at Starn O’Toole Marcus & Fisher. Brandi graduated from Boston College Law School where she was a member of the 2009 European Law Moot Court team. At the European Law Moot Court Competition in Naples, Italy, she argued in English and French to advance with her team as regional semi-finalists.

Outside of the office, Brandi enjoys sharing laughs with her family and friends, traveling, and outdoor adventures. She is inspired by Tolkien’s words, “Not all those who wander are lost” – although she now also carries a compass.

Areas of Practice

Prior Professional Experience

  • Starn O’Toole Marcus & Fisher, Honolulu HI, 2009-2015

Education

  • Boston College Law School, J.D., 2009
    • European Law Moot Court Team, Regional Semi-Finalist (Naples, Italy)
  • University of Washington, B.A., International Studies, 2004
    • Phi Beta Kappa

Bar Admissions

  • Washington
  • Hawaii
  • United States District Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
  • United States District Court, Western District of Washington
  • United States District Court, Eastern District of Washington
  • United States District Court, District of Hawaii

Representative Cases

  • Quackenbush et al. v. Lehua USA et al. Represented major cannabis industry player and senior executives in the prosecution of trade secret theft and trademark infringement claims against former executive and former employee, and in defending against employment and defamation claims; obtained preliminary injunction ordering the immediate return of intellectual property and equipment, and the cessation of the use of client trade secrets and trademarks, and then ultimately a permanent injunction against trade secret or trademark use and the dismissal of all claims against our clients.
  • Asia Optical Co., Ltd. v. MicroVision, Inc. Defended publicly-traded company against tort and breach of contract claims and prosecuted conversion counterclaim in international arbitration; obtained dismissal of tort claims, demonstrated absence of merit of remaining claims against client, and obtained favorable settlement.
  • City of Seattle v. Kaseburg et al. Represented the City in appeal of decree of public use and necessity in eminent domain action involving Open Public Meetings Act, appearance of fairness doctrine, and constitutional claims; obtained affirmance by the Court of Appeals and denial of review by the Washington Supreme Court.
  • Move, Inc. v. Zillow, Inc. Represented executive defending against trade secret and employment claims in lawsuit seeking $2 billion in damages and career-ending relief; obtained summary judgment on purported trade secret document, defended at evidentiary hearing spoliation allegations, and obtained favorable settlement prior to trial.
  • Continental Western, Inc. v. Crump; Continental Western, Inc. v. Ohmott et al. Prosecuted trade secret theft claims against former employees and competitor; demonstrated destruction of evidence and obtained favorable settlement.
  • Sisley v. City of Seattle. Defended the City against Washington Public Records Act claims; succeeded on summary judgment; executed offer of judgment strategy to preclude recovery of certain attorneys’ fees.
  • Brown v. City of Seattle. Defended the City against Washington Public Records Act, constitutional, tort, and statutory claims; obtained early favorable settlement.
  • Vandeveer, et al. v. American Savings Bank.  Defended federal savings and loan association against tort, statutory, and equitable claims in putative class action involving overdraft fees and related disclosure issues; filed pre-certification dispositive motion based on federal preemption; obtained favorable settlement while federal preemption appeal was pending.
  • Gross, et al. v. University of Hawaii, et al.; University of Hawaii v. Lexington Insurance Company.  Defended state university system against putative class action regarding alleged data breaches; favorable settlement obtained after filing motion to dismiss; subsequently litigated claims on behalf of state university system against insurer for related coverage; favorable settlement obtained prior to any discovery.
  • Pasion v. County of Kauai, et al.  Represented appointed public official facing retaliation for whistle-blower activities and prosecuted subsequent related employment claims; obtained favorable settlement.
  • Charles et al. v. Kapalua Bay, LLC, et al.  Represented approximately forty purchasers of fractional ownership interests in a luxury development prosecuting consumer protection, tort, statutory, and equitable claims against developer, multinational hotel company, and related entities.
  • Complex Multiparty Real Estate and Finance Litigation. Defended claims against personal guaranty of multi-million dollar revolving construction loan; developed and prosecuted claims for corporate fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and breach of contract involving approximately $40 million of debt, mezzanine, and equity financed real estate projects; obtained favorable settlement for individual and developer entity clients.

Recognition and Leadership

Professional Recognition & Honors

  • Selected to Best Lawyers in America, 2024
  • Selected to Washington Super Lawyers, 2022-2023
  • Selected to Washington Super Lawyers Top Women Lawyers in Washington, 2023
  • Selected to Washington Rising Stars, 2014-2020
  • Selected to Hawaii Rising Stars, 2014, 2015

Professional Associations & Leadership

  • Federal Bar Association of the Western District of Washington
  • Associate Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
  • Member, Diversity Law Institute
  • Member, Trial Law Institute
  • Federal Bar Association, Young Lawyers Delegate, Hawaii Chapter (2011-2012)

Civic & Community Leadership

  • Alexander Hamilton Scholars (formerly the Alexander Hamilton Friends Association)
    • Board of Directors, 2015-2016

Publications & Presentation

  • Beyond Oso: Understanding, Avoiding, and Mitigating Spoliation Issues, Landslides in Washington CLE Conference, Law Seminars International, presenter, 2017
  • Michele L. Stephen, Brandi B. Balanda, & Ryan Solomon, Provisional Remedies: Washington, Practical Law, http://us.practicallaw.com/w-000-6380