Michael Pierson
Principal
Mike's practice focuses on commercial and complex litigation; he has handled a broad spectrum of litigation and quasi-litigation matters over the past 25 years. In recent years, he has handled a variety of health care-related cases, too, including medical disciplinary matters. Mike is a graduate of the National Institute of Trial Advocacy (NITA), and has been a repeat NITA faculty member, most recently in 2011.
Mike has 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 and serving as class counsel in obtaining the re-enrollment of thousands of low income Washington residents disenrolled from Washington's Basic Health program in early 2011.
Mike is a member of Riddell Williams' Litigation and Health Care practice groups, and he serves on the firm's Executive Committee.
Before joining Riddell Williams in 1985, Mike was a law clerk for the Honorable James 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 highest 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 Washington and Oregon.
Memberships
King County Bar Association, Oregon State Bar Association, Washington State Bar Association, Washington Society of Healthcare Attorneys
Professional and Community Activities
Co-Chair (2009-2010), and continuing member, Judicial Screening Committee of the King County Bar Association; Member, King County Bar Association Judicial Conferencing Committee; Vice President-elect, Washington Appleseed; Board of Trustees, Alpine Lakes Protection Society; former Moderator/President, and continuing active member, Plymouth Congregational Church.
Publications
Chief Author, Civil Trial Practice Section, Washington Lawyers Practice Manual, 1989-91.
"Reward of an Honorable Career," Oregon Bar Journal, October 2005.
