Seattle, Washington
Seattle Trial Lawyer
John T. Bender is a Seattle trial lawyer who tries cases. He was named 2025 Outstanding Plaintiffs' Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Washington Defense Trial Lawyers and is listed on Benchmark Litigation's Top Litigators Under 40. Clients hire John when a dispute cannot be papered over — when it has to be resolved in front of a judge, jury, or arbitrator.
Trial experience clients can rely on
Cases built for trial
Every case is worked up as if it will be tried. That posture drives better settlements and better verdicts when trial is unavoidable.
Courtroom credibility
Judges, opposing counsel, and mediators know when a lawyer will actually try a case. John's track record shortens the path to resolution.
Awards from the people who watch trial lawyers work
Recognition from Benchmark Litigation, Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Lawdragon 500X, and the Washington Defense Trial Lawyers is peer-driven, not paid for.
Full-spectrum civil practice
Commercial litigation, class action defense, partner and shareholder disputes, trade secret cases, and regulatory enforcement — in state court, federal court, and arbitration.
Representative Matters
- Prosecuted multi-million-dollar breach of contract and fraud claims through trial.
- Represented executives and boards in shareholder and derivative disputes involving governance and fiduciary duties.
- Prosecuted and defended trade secret and non-compete matters under the Washington Uniform Trade Secrets Act and Defend Trade Secrets Act.
- Advised majority and minority owners in partner and shareholder disputes, including buyouts and dissolutions.
- Handled complex commercial arbitrations before AAA and JAMS panels.
How John Approaches Your Case
Confidential intake
You speak with John directly. He hears the facts, the stakes, and what a good outcome looks like from your side.
Trial-first case assessment
John identifies the story a jury or arbitrator needs to hear, the witnesses required to tell it, and the vulnerabilities on both sides.
Discovery and motion practice
Discovery, expert work, and pretrial motions are executed to develop trial evidence, not to run up fees.
Trial, arbitration, or resolution
Most cases still settle. When they don't, you have a lawyer who has actually tried them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to discuss your matter?
Feel free to contact John here.