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Lou is a trial lawyer, mediator and arbitrator. He represents individuals and businesses in commercial cases of all types -- from shareholder and employment disputes to intellectual property and product liability claims. Lou also serves as general counsel and advisor to companies, partnerships and individuals. Although a significant part of his practice involves the securities industry, his experience encompasses the broadest range of activities -- from timber and airlines to biotechnology and college football. He often serves as a mediator, arbitrator, special master or judge pro tem.
Representative Matters
- Lead counsel in the defense of the University of Washington in the lawsuit brought by its former head football coach, Rick Neuheisel, after he was fired by the University. Following a six-week jury trial, this case was resolved favorably for our client. Of Lou's cross-examination of Neuheisel, one columnist wrote, "Facing Peterson in a courtroom is probably a lot like standing on a beach in a hurricane while wearing hip waders. His questions were a jackhammer blast...." Les Carpenter, Seattle Times, February 15, 2005.
- Lead counsel in the defense of Mitsubishi Corporation in an Alaska antitrust class action arising out of the Bristol Bay salmon industry. Plaintiffs alleged compensatory and punitive damages totaling $975 million; we negotiated a favorable settlement prior to trial.
- Lead counsel for Weyerhaeuser Company in trial and appellate proceedings in Atlanta, Georgia. Plaintiff sought damages in excess of $850 million arising out of the carve-out of Weyerhaeuser's private label diaper division into a publicly-held company. After a several week trial, the bankruptcy court entered a $470 million judgment for plaintiff. Following review by the federal district court, this judgment was reversed, and a judgment dismissing all claims was entered in favor of Weyerhaeuser. Weyerhaeuser's victory was affirmed by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.
- Lead counsel on behalf of plaintiff Horizon Air in a trademark infringement lawsuit filed against Frontier Horizon Airlines. Following federal court hearings, we obtained preliminary injunctive relief against Frontier.
- Co-counsel in the defense of The New England Mutual Life Insurance Company and Copley Real Estate Advisors in lawsuits brought by the Washington State Investment Board, which asserted claims totaling $1.2 billion for securities fraud and breach of fiduciary duties. We resolved this matter before trial.
- Represents securities firms -- including Merrill Lynch, Smith Barney, CIBC Oppenheimer, and Edward D. Jones -- in a wide variety of securities cases before state and federal courts and before arbitration tribunals.
- Represents other law firms in a range of complex and highly sensitive matters.
- Has served as a mediator or arbitrator in hundreds of cases.
Professional and Community
- King County Bar Association (Judicial Conferencing Committee, 1992 - 2001, Co-Chair, 2000 - 2001; Judicial Screening Committee, 1988-1993, Chair, 1990-1992; Young Lawyers Section, Judicial Selection and Discipline Committee, 1977-1981, Legislation Committee, 1975-1977, Chair, 1976-1977.)
- Washington State Bar Association (Litigation Section) Judicial Recommendations Committee, 1989-1992.
- American Bar Association (Antitrust, Litigation, and Business Law Sections)
- ADR Roundtable, Founding Member
- Broadmoor Golf Club, Board of Trustees, 2004 - 2007.
- Lakeside School, Board of Trustees, 1995 – 2004.
- Woodland Park Zoological Society, Board of Directors, 1993-1997.
- Seattle International Music Festival, Board of Directors, 1992-1996.
- Discovery Park Citizens Advisory Committee, Treasurer, 1974-1978.
Articles and Presentations
- Author, "TIE ONE FOR THE GIPPER . . . and Other Failed Cheers," Washington State Bar News, April 2007.
- Author, "A Mediator's Observations," Washington State Bar News, February 2002.
- Featured in a Cover Story, "The Player," by Washington Law & Politics, Summer 2007.
- Frequent presenter at seminars attended by lawyers on various topics, including evidentiary rules, trial strategy, mediation and arbitration.
Honors
- Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers
- Repeatedly recognized as a "Super Lawyer" by Washington Law & Politics and Thomson Rueters' Washington Super Lawyers, most recently in 2012
- Ranked "First" in the year 2000
- Ranked in the "Top Ten" in years 2000-2005, 2007, and 2009-2012
- Repeatedly listed in the Best Lawyers in America, in Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Intellectual Property Litigation, and Securities Litigation
- Recognized as one of "Seattle's Top Lawyers" by Seattle Magazine
- Recognized as one of "Seattle's Best Business Lawyers" by Seattle Business Monthly
Education
- J.D., Harvard Law School, magna cum laude, 1974
- Law clerk to The Honorable Morell Sharp, United States District Court, Seattle, 1974-1975
- A.B., Harvard College, magna cum laude, 1971.
- Phi Beta Kappa
Court Admissions
- Washington State Supreme Court
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
- U.S. District Court for the Western and Eastern Districts of Washington
Personal
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I am a classically trained pianist, but these days I am more likely to play (for my own amusement) Cole Porter than Rachmaninoff. I dabble in foreign languages. My golf game needs work.