Bullivant Houser Bailey

We want to thank those of you who have reached out to us to offer condolences, and those you who have posted to share memories of our friend Doug Houser. As many of you already know, Doug passed on September 30th this year, and the firm has felt the reverberations of his loss. While Mr. Houser was recognized nationally for his many professional accomplishments, in our halls, he will be remembered most for his positivity, integrity, tenacity, humor, and kindness. We’ve shared a brief message about his legacy here: https://lnkd.in/gKNh8kGx

This weekend, we got the entire team of Bullivant attorneys together for a retreat in beautiful Sunriver, Oregon – our Associates attended an interactive deposition bootcamp put on by Tammy Armentrout, everyone took part in training and teambuilding, and we closed out the weekend with a celebratory dinner and awards ceremony. Pictured here are the recipients of two awards: Shareholder Mary Butler was given the Bullivant Trial Lawyer of the Year award, also known as “The Piranha,” in recognition of her excellent performance in a recent Med Mal trial. The award was presented by the previous recipient, Matt Wojcik, and she is pictured here with Penn Gheen. Our immediate past President, Loren Podwill also received the Richard J. Whittemore Checkered Flag Award, given in recognition of exceptional commitment and loyalty to the firm, presented by friend and partner Lloyd Bernstein. While accepting the award, Loren shared some words with the group: “We work hard together, we play hard together, and we have a great history as a firm. I want to thank you all for having made my career the best career I could have imagined. You all are my family.” Congratulations to our award winners and thank you to all who attended, and especially to our leadership team and Board of Directors, who made this retreat possible. Laura Caldera Loera, Michael Guadagno, Megan Cook, Peder Rigsby, Matt Sekits, and especially Sheri Lagassé.

Next up in our Employee Spotlight Series, we interviewed Ginger Erickson-Gettel, our ace Human Resources and Benefits Administrator, and learned about her philosophy on making HR approachable and accessible, as well as her garden and her four cats! Read it here: https://lnkd.in/gvwuvpAU

Join us in congratulating 30 Bullivant attorneys for their inclusion in the 2025 Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers Ones to Watch lists. This talented team was recognized by their peers for their leadership, skill, and judgement in a range of practice areas, from Insurance Law and Commercial Litigation to Intellectual Property Law and Mass Tort Litigation, among many others. Our ranked Best Lawyers include: Andrew Downs, Penn Gheen, Evelyn (Evie) Winters, Jeanne Loftis, John Kreutzer, John Osburn, Laura Caldera Loera, Lloyd Bernstein, Loren Podwill, Marilyn Raia, Matt Casey, Matt Wojcik, Megan Cook, Michael Guadagno, Nicole Brodie Jackson, Peder Rigsby, Randy Arthur, Ron Richman, Samuel Ruby, Thomas Hutchinson, and Wilhelm Dingler. Our listed Ones to Watch include Bryce Adams, Amanda Bryan, Jackie Mitchson, Richard Williams, Jared Kiess, and Owen Mooney. https://lnkd.in/g5D9USUh

Jeanne Loftis – A fearless champion in sports and in courts – is expanding her team and looking for the right candidate. Jeanne Loftis is a nationally-recognized trial attorney passionate about defending companies in the Pacific Northwest during the most stressful situations they will ever face. Not only is Jeanne passionate about defending her clients in the courtroom, she is a champion for underdogs and people’s rights. As a mother of a child with an intellectual disability, she started a Catholic education nonprofit promoting inclusivity of students with special needs. A self-proclaimed thrill seeker, she enjoys outdoor activities and sports; she was a rock climber, ski instructor and rafting guide before becoming a lawyer. Read about the open position with Jeanne's team here: https://lnkd.in/g8VWe9gg

Important news from California: Shareholders Andrew Downs and Samuel Ruby explain the California Supreme Court's John's Grill decision and its implications for insurers. https://lnkd.in/gQDKwDRv

We are proud to announce that nine Bullivant Houser Washington and Oregon attorneys have been named to the 2024 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists. Congratulations to Super Lawyers, Evelyn (Evie) Winters, Matthew Sekits, Matt Wojcik, Michael Guadagno, Jeanne Loftis, and Loren Podwill, and also to Rising Stars Hayley Hollis, Jackie Mitchson, and Stu Cassel for their outstanding achievements in personal injury, business, insurance, surety, and civil litigation. Read more about this recognition and their accomplishments: https://lnkd.in/gAGa7cam

Well, this anniversary crept up on me. 24 years ago today my partners at Derby, Cook, Quinby & Tweedt and I merged Derby Cook into Bullivant Houser Bailey. It's still the best business decision I've ever made.

Man has this been a challenging year so far! I am ready for some fun in Walla Walla at the Washington Defense Trial Lawyers (WDTL) Annual Convention. What better way to connect than to mix wine, sun, and CLEs. Check out the list of events - great puns abound. I'll be speaking on a panel on Saturday and look forward to seeing you there! https://lnkd.in/g9dAmyZj