George is a founding member of the firm. His practice has focused on a wide range of business-related matters, representing corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and individuals in domestic and international transactions. Areas of emphasis include the structuring, formation, financing and operation of start-up, emerging and mature companies; commercial agreements; mergers and acquisitions; the sale and leasing of real estate; and international business transactions. George has substantial experience in advising the management of large and medium-sized U.S. and foreign-based companies with respect to a broad range of domestic and international matters.
Representative Matters
Represented a major Japanese trading company for over 30 years in connection with the importing, exporting, financing, licensing, distribution and manufacturing of products and the acquisition of U.S. companies, including a food processing plant, a grain processing facility, seafood processing plants and a computer parts manufacturer.
Acted as local counsel to a publicly-held U.K. company in the proposed acquisition of one of the largest privately-held aircraft leasing companies.
Represented county government in Washington in the negotiation, drafting and monitoring of a long-term multimillion dollar solid waste hauling contract.
Advised University of Washington professors on the sale of their stock in a research and development company to a large privately-held national company, including the structuring, negotiation and drafting of documents.
General counsel to a national commercial reinsurance company, advising on all aspects of its operations, including the formation of subsidiary companies, indemnity agreements, agency agreements and commercial insurance matters generally.
Counsel to local and regional companies advising management on corporate governance, financing, operations, commercial agreements, mergers and acquisitions, and the sale and leasing of real estate.
Counsel to an international technology company developing composite materials for use in the aerospace and automotive industries advising on the formation, capitalization and operation of related entities and the licensing of technology.
Professional and Civic Involvement
Washington State Bar Association (Business and International Law Sections)
Montlake Capital, LLC Venture Capital Fund, Board of Advisors, 2002-present
Rural Development Institute, Board of Directors, 2005-present
University of Washington Medicine, Board of Visitors, 2003-2008
Alliance for Education; Board of Directors, 1999-2007
Meritas (worldwide affiliation of law firms) - Board of Directors, 1998-2001
World Affairs Council; Board of Directors, 1985-1991
Japan-America Society
Trade Development Alliance
Honors / Awards / Prior Experience
Selected as one of "Seattle's Best Lawyers" in 2010 by Seattle Metropolitan Magazine
Listed in "Who's Who in International Trade," Puget Sound Business Journal
Ford Foundation Fellow; Ministry of Justice, Malawi, Africa, 1966-1968.
Education
LL.B., Harvard Law School, 1964
B.A., University of Washington, cum laude, 1961
Bar/Court Admissions
Washington State Courts
Personal
I have never lost my desire to compete on the tennis court, and I continue to play in tournaments (my body willing). I am keenly interested in foreign cultures, and travel on business and for pleasure to destinations around the globe.
