BCLP Expands in Seattle with Two Senior Disputes Partners Hire

BCLP Expands in Seattle with Two Senior Disputes Partners Hire

Two senior litigation partners have been appointed to spearhead Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner's (BCLP) new Seattle office, which marks the US-based international law firm's latest expansion.

Jennifer Campbell and Allison Krashan will lead the office, both coming from Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt, where they had been shareholders for an extended period. Campbell and Krashan are accomplished litigation specialists and are expected to play a vital role in BCLP's growth in the region.

BCLP has announced that the location of the new office is in the final stages of confirmation and will be disclosed soon. This new office is to be BCLP's first US launch since Miami in 2014 and will be their 21st base worldwide. BCLP currently operates offices on the West Coast in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

BCLP's co-chairs, Lisa Mayhew and Steve Baumer, referred to the new arrivals as a dynamic and well-positioned litigation team. They also stated that the opening of the new office would serve as a perfect springboard for a vibrant market for their clients.

BCLP termed Seattle as a crucial hub for disputes concerning its technology and life sciences clients, including major IT corporations, technology spinouts, startups, and pharmaceutical businesses. The firm anticipates expanding its presence in the area by hiring locally throughout the remainder of the year.

Jennifer Campbell, a member of the Bar in both Washington and Orego, spent nearly 20 years at Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt where she built up her practice in several spectrums such as product liability, toxic torts, and commercial litigation claims. Her responsibility included defending pharmaceutical, heavy equipment, and food manufacturers.

Allison Krashan, on the other hand, had an 18-year stint at Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt. She has a practice similar to that of Campbell and adds retailers and property owners to her mix of clients.

According to Lee Marshall, global head of BCLP’s litigation practice, handling the explosive growth in class actions and mass torts is a major priority for the firm’s clients internationally.

“In Seattle, we’ve had the opportunity to work side-by-side with Jenn and Allison, who provide us with a tremendous – and proven – presence on the ground to help lead and expand the important work we’ve been doing there for years,” Marshall said.

BCLP has bolstered its practices with the addition of eight partners hired through lateral appointments since the beginning of 2023. These include the most recent appointment of Rob Crea, who joined the firm from Vedder Price in San Francisco earlier this month as its new US head of fund formation.