Overview
As an Associate in Dorsey’s Trial Group, Kayla assists clients with matters involving commercial disputes, business torts, and intellectual property disputes across a wide range of industries. She draws from her experiences working in various jurisdictions to help clients efficiently navigate all stages of litigation, from pleading and discovery through trial and appeal.
Prior to joining Dorsey, Kayla served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Diane J. Humetewa at the United States District Court for the District of Arizona. Kayla oversaw more than 100 civil cases, drafted all necessary substantive and procedural orders, and assisted with multiple civil and criminal trials. Her time in federal court gave her critical insight as to what constitutes effective advocacy in a variety of matters, including contract and securities disputes, copyright and trademark infringements, employment discrimination, bankruptcy, and class action suits. During law school, Kayla gained a deep understanding of appellate litigation while serving as a judicial extern for Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis of the Washington State Supreme Court.
Education & Admissions
University of Washington School of Law (J.D., 2022),
- Gregoire Fellow
- Academic Success Fellow
- Chief Notes and Comments Editor, Washington Law Review
Seattle University (B.A., English Literature, Minor in Writing Studies, 2019), Editor, Seattle University Undergraduate Research Journal
Admissions
- Washington
Clerkships
- U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, Honorable Diane J. Humetewa, 2022-2024
Experience
Representative Experience
Commercial Litigation
- Confidential (CPR Arbitration)
Defended one of the world’s largest wholesale retailers against claims for breach of contract, breach of the implied duty of good faith and fair dealing, and violation of the Washington Consumer Protection Act in a three-day arbitration. Achieved dismissal of all claims with prejudice and prevailed on a counterclaim for breach of contract. - Confidential (AAA Arbitration)
Defended general partners of a closely held commercial real estate company against claims for breach contract, mismanagement, and judicial dissolution. Achieved summary judgment on the judicial dissolution claim and obtained a favorable ruling following a one-week arbitration. - Te-Moak Tribe v. Zions Bancorporation (Clark County Nevada District Court)
Defended a national bank against breach of contract claims stemming from an intra-tribal election dispute. Obtained voluntary dismissal of suit upon filing a motion to dismiss under principles of tribal sovereign immunity.
IP Litigation
- Representing a video game developer to prosecute various copyright infringement and preliminary injunction matters (ongoing in the federal district courts of California)
- Defending a global social media and entertainment platform with over 1 billion users against claims for copyright infringement (ongoing in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California)
- Defending a database device manufacturer against claims for breach of contract, copyright infringement, and negligence. Obtained a stay of the case pending a related international litigation after successfully arguing application of a forum selection clause and the doctrine of forum non conveniens (ongoing in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California)
- Representing a developer of educational tests and assessments in the veterinary field to prosecute claims for breach of contract and copyright infringement. Prevailed on multiple motions for sanctions (ongoing in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California)
- Represented a world-renowned liquor and distilled spirits manufacturer asserting its trademark rights. Obtained cease and desist of all infringing activity.
Pro Bono Litigation
- Ortiz v. Pierce County (U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington)
Represented a Section 1983 plaintiff in a civil rights case challenging unconstitutional prison conditions. Obtained a favorable settlement.
Industries & Practices
Intellectual Property Litigation
Explore This Practice View client achievements related to this practice View resources related to this practice- Commercial Litigation
- Construction Litigation
- Healthcare Litigation
- Indian & Alaska Native
- Intellectual Property Litigation
