Overview

Craig Simmons is an associate attorney at the Firm. A native of Washington, he returned home and joined the Firm in 2009 after serving as the law clerk to the Honorable Russell W. Bench of the Utah State Court of Appeals. Craig earned his law degree from Michigan State University, graduating with honors.

Craig regularly counsels business owners and individuals on developing practices and procedures to avoid litigation and looks for creative ways to avoid litigation when possible, understanding that litigation, while a necessary aspect of doing business in today’s world, is not the best initial option for resolving disputes and getting on with business as usual.

Craig’s practice focuses on solving complex commercial disputes of all kinds, before and after litigation begins, particularly in the areas of employment, construction, family owned and closely held businesses, and real estate. He also assists in the handling of the Firm’s appellate work

Experience

Representative cases and disputes that Craig has helped clients resolve:

• Represented investors/ownership group in wrongful termination suit brought by former employee seeking $3.8 million in back wages, stock and unpaid benefits. During the jury trial, several of Plaintiff’s claims were dismissed on Directed Verdict and Defendants won a jury verdict on all other counts.
• Represented medical care provider against former employee who was violating the terms of an employment agreement related to non-competition and non-disclosure of proprietary information. Successfully defeated Defendant’s Motion for Summary Judgment and negotiated a favorable settlement for the employer.
• Represented earthwork contractor against prime contractor and owner for failing to pay full amounts due for work performed on major construction project in downtown Seattle. Successfully defeated Defendants’ Motion for Summary Judgment and negotiated a favorable settlement for Plaintiff.
• Assisted in the defense of a seller of commercial real estate in Seattle, sued by purchaser for breach of contract, fraud, and negligent misrepresentation, helping to defeat various claims on Summary Judgment and ultimately obtaining a favorable verdict at trial for Seller and its owners.
• Represented restaurant owners against claims brought by former employees for alleged unpaid wages. After discovery and successful motions practice, reached a settlement favorable to the owners.
• Successfully defended small business owner against multi-million dollar claim by insurance company for fraud, defeating insurer’s Motion for Summary Judgment and obtaining a negotiated payment to Client on its counterclaim.
• Negotiated the resolution of dozens of distressed properties when owners and lenders have been unable to do so on their own.
• Defended seller of an apartment building against fraud and negligence claims brought by purchaser seeking to pierce the corporate veil. After extensive discovery, Plaintiff’s Motion for Summary Judgment was defeated and a favorable settlement was reached.
• Regularly represents parties involved in commercial and residential landlord/tenant disputes.
• Assists various corporate clients with resolving permitting and other land use issues with municipalities throughout Washington.

Outside the Office

Outside of work, Craig volunteers in local (Maple Valley) church and community organizations, and when he and his wife aren’t chasing after their four children (12, 9, 5, and 1), he enjoys reading, skiing, golf, training for Tough Mudder, and movies.

Services

• Real Estate
• Construction
• Employment Law
• Landlord/Tenant