Michael D. Pierson
Principal
Mike’s practice focuses on commercial and complex litigation. He has handled a wide variety of litigation and quasi litigation matters, including contract, partnership, unfair competition and trade secrets matters, environmental and land use, healthcare and medical disciplinary, trusts, securities, fisheries, antitrust, real estate, personal injury, bankruptcy, and construction disputes. He is a graduate of the National Institute of Trial Advocacy (NITA), and has been a repeat NITA faculty member.
Mike’s medical disciplinary work has been at public and private hospitals, representing medical executive committees in connection with fair hearing proceedings, and Mike also has served as a hearing officer.
Mike has also provided pro bono legal representation to a variety of individuals and nonprofit organizations, including handling a successful Growth Management Act case before the Washington Supreme Court in 2005.
Prior to joining Riddell Williams in 1985, Mike was a law clerk for the Honorable James A. Redden of the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon.
Education and Admissions
Mike received his B.A. from the University of Oregon, with honors, in 1978 and was a Fulbright Scholar to West Germany from 1978 to 1979. He received his J.D. from Harvard Law School, cum laude, in 1983. He is admitted to practice in Oregon and Washington.
Memberships
King County Bar Association, Oregon State Bar Association, Washington State Bar Association, Washington Society of Healthcare Attorneys
Professional and Community Activities
Board of Trustees, Alpine Lakes Protection Society; Co-Chair, Judicial Screening Committee of the King County Bar Association; Board, Washington Appleseed, the Washington State chapter of the national Appleseed network; Stewardship Committee, Plymouth Congregational Church.
Publications
Chief Author, Civil Trial Practice Section, Washington Lawyers Practice Manual, 1989-91.
