The Seattle-based Summit Law Group is a compact and flexible boutique firm
with a steady stream of diverse work. Known for its bench of “next-generation”
litigators, this is a
relatively youthful group compared to other similar practices. A
peer says, “They are all recovering from large firms, and now have the freedom
to not have to deal with someone telling them ‘You can’t charge that rate to take
on some interesting work.’ They have a lot of autonomy, without hierarchical turf
wars. They
don’t carry anybody’s bags.” Fellow litigators who have served as co-
counsel say, “Summit law Group is a tremendous litigation firm in Washington.
They are trial and litigation specialists who know the Washington courts better
than anyone.”
Alex Baehr is one of the firm’s prominent litigators who leans on his in-house
counsel experience. His emphasis is
in two key areas: business litigation and
employment law. “Baehr is a tremendous trial lawyer and litigation strategist,”
notes a peer. Baehr represented OL Reign, a professional Seattle women’s
soccer team, in a discrimination case filed by one of its junior players. In another
case, Baehr is the lead attorney in a class action against Microsoft. It alleges that
code on the healthcare provider Kaiser Permanente’s website has taken patient
medical information and used it for the financial benefit of Microsoft.
Shannon Phillips is a labor and employment-focused practitioner. She defends
employers and individuals against claims of discrimination, harassment, wrongful
discharge, retaliation, and failure to accommodate a religion or a disability.
Phillips
represented the Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue in a lawsuit filed
by eight firefighters who refused the Covid vaccine on religious grounds. The
firefighters are seeking back pay dating to when they were placed on unpaid
leave. The case is now on appeal.
Jessica Goldman is a commercial litigator with a special interest in the First
Amendment and the Public Records Act. She often
represents media
organizations, newspapers, and broadcasters in
First Amendment and other
constitutional litigation. Goldman has defended public entities sued for violation
of the Public Records Act. She
represents the Washington State Legislature in a
case challenging the legislative privilege of lawmakers to withhold documents,
emails, and text on legislative matters when considering
possible litigation. She
won a summary judgment in a challenge under the Public Records Act. The case
is on appeal.
