James Howard

Sherman v. U.S.P.S. Took on this Title VII case through the Western District of Washington’s Pro Bono Panel. Represented a disabled African American military veteran pursuing a pro se retaliation claim against the United States Postal Service. Handled the case from the outset through a one week trial on the merits, at the conclusion of which the judge ruled in favor our client from the bench.
Maria Agne v. Rain City Pizza, LLC, et al. Currently defending Papa John’s International and Papa John’s USA in a putative class action seeking to recover statutory damages under state and federal law for text messages sent to customers.
In re The Petition of Whidbey Island Auto Group, LLC d/b/a Whidbey Island Mazda. Successfully represented Mazda Motor of America, Inc. in relation to a petition Whidbey Island Mazda filed with the Office of Administrative Hearings to protest its closed-doors termination by Mazda.
Currently representing Bank of America in relation to cases involving consumer loans filed in various Washington state and federal courts.
In re WSB Financial Group Securities Litigation. Defended an underwriter in a class action lawsuit in the Western District of Washington that alleged violations of §§ 11 and 15 of the Securities Act. Filed a motion to dismiss the claims asserted against our client, which was quickly followed by a settlement while the motion remained pending.
Represented owners of two Washington LLCs that held real estate throughout the Seattle area in a dispute over management and dissolution of both companies. Compelled mediation pursuant to the terms of the LLC agreements, and settled the case on terms favorable to the clients.
Stephan v. Five Diamonds LLC, d/b/a Jiffy Lube. Represented Five Diamonds LLC in a putative nationwide Jiffy Lube defendant class action pending in federal court in the Western District of Washington. A Washington class action settlement of this case was reached on favorable terms.
Represented Mitsubishi Motors Credit of America, Inc. in relation to large loan defaults by several automobile dealerships. Negotiated agreements to protect Mitsubishi’s interest and maximize recovery of loan balances.
In re Avista Corp. Securities Litigation. Represented Avista Corporation through discovery and motions practice in a securities fraud class action pending in federal court in the Eastern District of Washington. A favorable settlement was reached while dispositive motions were pending.
Trimble v. Holmes Harbor. Successfully defended Prudential Securities in a class action securities lawsuit suit brought by purchasers of municipal bonds.
1492 Crawford Place LLC v. Perovich. Brought successful declaratory judgment and breach of contract claims against office building owner when the owner refused to allow client to exercise its right to purchase the office building at the expiration of its lease term.
Kerzman & Brostrom v. NCH. Represented NCH through discovery and numerous motions in successful defense of a product liability case brought in federal court in the Western District of Washington. The case involved alleged inadequate warnings related to the use of a commercial carpet cleaning product by an industrial user.
Maria C. Federici v. UHI, et al. Trial counsel for defendant Capron Holdings in a high profile multi-million dollar personal injury/product liability case. Obtained a defense verdict for the client after a six week trial.
Menzie v. U-Haul Co. of Washington. Took over representation and successfully defended case pending in Whitman County Superior Court alleging negligent maintenance and repair of a U-Haul truck.
In re Metropolitan Securities Litigation. Counsel for Ernst and Young in a putative securities class action in the Eastern District of Washington.
Kary v. Wells Fargo Financial Bank. Counsel for Wells Fargo Financial Bank in an adversary in bankruptcy proceeding in the Eastern District of Washington that concluded with a settlement on favorable terms.
Inland Joseph Fruit Co. v. Halverson Applegate. Represented national accounting firm in a King County Superior Court case arising out of the sale of a company's assets. Drafted dispositive motions that eliminated claims pending against accounting firm. While a motion was pending for discretionary review by the Washington Court of Appeals on the sole remaining claim, a settlement was reached on favorable terms.
Norman v. Brust Development Company LLC, et al. Represented commercial real estate owner in Snohomish County Superior Court in a dispute regarding tenant’s contractual obligations under a multi-year lease. Following mediation, a settlement was reached on favorable terms.
Drafted and argued dispositive motions in numerous cases in state and federal courts that have resulted in dismissal or resolution on terms highly favorable to the client.

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