Ramer B. Holtan
Counsel Emeritus
Following his service in the U.S. Army and graduation from law school, Ramer spent 35 years as a trial lawyer with Perkins Coie in Seattle, 29 years as partner. His trial experience is extensive, ranging from defense and prosecution of complex corporate and commercial disputes, including antitrust, securities and contract claims, to representation of individuals and corporate clients in products-liability and personal-injury claims.
Ramer enjoys the chess game that is trial work and is particularly adept at fashioning creative moves, solutions, and relations with firm clients. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois College of Law, magna cum laude, where he also earned admission to the Order of the Coif.
On the personal side, Ramer has wide-ranging extra-legal interests, including his near-scratch golf game and membership at Aldarra Golf Club, his rigorous fitness regimen at the Washington Athletic Club, vineyard development at Candy Mountain adjacent to the Red Mountain Appellation in eastern Washington, and breeding and racing horses at Emerald Downs. Ramer and his wife Clare have three children and nine grandchildren, and they are lucky to have all living nearby in the Seattle area.
Areas of Practice
Prior Professional Experience
- Perkins Coie LLP, 1973-2008
- Partner, 1979-2008
- Associate, 1973-1978
Education
- University of Illinois College of Law, J.D., magna cum laude, 1972
- University of Illinois Law Review, 1971-1972
- Order of the Coif
- Harvard College, A.B., 1966
Bar Admissions
- Washington—Honorary Member of the Bar following 50 years of service
Representative Cases
- Armbruster et al,. v. Patenta et al. Defended attorneys against claims of aiding and abetting federal securities act violations arising based on representations regarding ownership of master recordings; obtained complete defense verdict at jury trial.
- Pacific Plumbing Supply Co. v. Crane. Prosecuted claims for violations of federal antitrust laws by wholesaler against supplier for illegal tying and refusal to deal; obtained plaintiff’s verdict at jury trial plus treble damages and attorneys’ fees.
- Donovan “Razor” Ruddock v. Don King, et al. Prosecuted claims by professional boxer for breach of contract to conduct heavyweight title fight with Mike Tyson; obtained favorable settlement including agreement to conduct fight.
- Burman v. State. Prosecuted class action to recover excessive fines charged for traffic tickets; obtained summary judgment resulting in substantial recovery for plaintiffs.
- Alaska State Bank v. Bering Straits Native Corp. Defended native regional corporation in cases involving alleged breach of personal guarantees securing notes for the purchase of mobile homes; obtained summary judgment dismissing claims.
- Reel Sport and Mike Tyson v. Nintendo. Defended claims for breach of contract relating to Mike Tyson “Knock-Out” video game; obtained favorable settlement.
- Excellular v. US West. Defended claims of disparate pricing under rate plans based on status of independent carriers as favored or disfavored with US West; obtained favorable settlement.
Recognition and Leadership
Professional Recognition & Honors
- AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell (5.0 out of possible 5.0 peer review rating)
- 9.8 Rating on Avvo.com
Professional Associations & Leadership
- Federal Bar Association of the Western District of Washington
- Washington State Bar Association
Publications & Presentations
- Big Brothers of King County, Board of Directors, 1983-2003
- Emerald Downs HBPA, Board of Directors, 2000-2003
