James B. Stoetzer
Of Counsel
stoetzerj@lanepowell.com
206.223.7019
Areas of Practice
Jim Stoetzer is an experienced litigator who focuses his active trial practice on complex commercial
disputes. Jim represents clients in multi-state arbitrations and litigations regarding class actions,
management liability, securities, employment, insurance, construction, intellectual property and
regulatory investigations.
Professional Experience
Alaska Bar Association
American Bar Association
Washington State Bar Association
National Institute for Trial Advocacy, Faculty (1988, 1994)
United States Navy; Legal and Personal Officer, USS LaSalle, LPD-3, LTJG (1969-1972)
Admitted to Practice
Washington (1975)
Alaska (1979)
United States Federal District Courts, Alaska and Washington; and pro hac vice in California, Oregon and Hawaii
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals; United States Supreme Court
U.S. Court of Claims
Academics
University of Michigan (J.D., cum laude, 1975; B.A., cum laude, 1969)
Michigan Journal of Law Reform, Member (1974-1975)
Practice Group and Specialty Team Memberships
Class Action Defense
Construction
Director and Officer Liability
Insurance
Intellectual Property and Technology
Professional Liability
Representative Matters and Clients
FDIC-R v. NUFIC: Fidelity bond litigation following demise of Washington Mutual Bank
Coinstar/Redbox v. NUFIC: Insurance coverage dispute regarding cyber risk policy
Hall Street v. Mattel Inc.: Seminal Federal Arbitration Act case on remand from U.S. Supreme Court
Borders Group: Seven figure judgment sustained on appeal in favor of Liquidation Trustee
The Mission Corporation: Patent law attorney malpractice litigation (defeated alleged inventor of Nintendo Wii Box game control)
Ala Wai Boat Harbor: National consumer class action regarding parking industry, pending at Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
BP Alaska oilspill investigation matters
In Re Hawaiian and Guamanian Cabotage MDL: Part of team securing dismissal of national antitrust class action claims
WizKids: Patent law attorney malpractice litigation involving game device
Metropolitan Mortgage and Securities Bankruptcy: D&O/E&O insurance litigation
NCAA Division One Football Walk-On’s litigation: National class action antitrust litigation
United States of America v. John Doe: Former CEO/CFO of public company facing SEC complaint and a parallel indictment by the DOJ alleging Sarbanes-Oxley violations, accounting fraud and securities fraud
Anchorage International Airport Terminal Redevelopment Litigation: Seismic design, delay and impact construction claim
Rosie O’Donnell v. Entercom: Copyright and trademark suit
Shoen v. Amerco, Inc., Arbitration, Reno, Nevada (Advocate Arbitrator in successful enforcement of registration rights agreement taking public the parent company of U-Haul Truck Rental Company)
Gerry Sportswear Co. v. Amerex USA Inc., Arbitration, New York City (Represented former owner of sportswear company in an action for breach of the acquisition and employment agreements by Amerex USA Inc., collecting in excess of $2 million in damages and fees)
Callison Architecture Inc. v. Cordax Inc.: Software design dispute
Getty v. Harmon & Sun America: Class action securities suit
Local counsel in national litigation regarding transportation, tobacco and pharmaceutical industries
Speaking Engagements
“Building Information Modeling (BIM): Managing Risk with High Tech Design”
“Assessing Litigation Risks and Strategies in Sexual Harassment Retaliation Claims”
“Tank in the New Millennium”
“Effective Use of Arbitration, Mediation and Negotiation,” Washington State Bar Association Seminar
29th Annual Meeting of Invited Attorneys, Moderator
“Limiting the Duty to Defend Contractor Claims for Additional Compensation”
“The Perils & Pitfalls for Counsel Representing A&E Joint Ventures”
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Awards and Honors
Named one of the “Top 100 Litigation Lawyers in Alaska” by the American Society of Legal Advocates (2014)
Named as a “Washington Super Lawyer,” Super Lawyers® magazine, Business Litigation (2007-2016)
AV Preeminent® in Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™
Avvo Rated 10/10 “Superb”
Professional and Community Activities
Board of Trustees, Inglewood Golf Club (2014-Present)
Board of Directors, Starlight Washington Children’s Foundation (2009-2013)
Board of Directors, Seattle Children’s Museum (1997-2004)
Member, Seattle Architecture Foundation
Member, Professional Liability Underwriting Society
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