Sean K. Griffee

Admissions

• Washington, 2002
• Oregon, 2007

Education

• University of Washington School of Law, J.D. (2002)
• University of Washington, B.A., Phi Beta Kappa, magna cum laude (1999)

Recognition & Honors

• Washington Super Lawyers (2022 - 2024)
• The Best Lawyers in America for Real Estate (2019 - 2025)
• Top-Rated Lawyer, West Coast, National Law Journal (2017)
• Rising Star, Washington Super Lawyers® (2009 - 2012, 2014 - 2016)
• AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell's highest ranking
• Rated Superb by Avvo.com

Representative Work

• Represented corporate clients in mergers and acquisitions in a variety of industries including manufacturing, retail and professional services.
• As co-counsel for large estate with significant business interests, helped resolve valuation dispute with the IRS and completed stock redemption and administration plan.
• Represented local developer groups in financing, acquisition, and development of several multi-family and mixed use projects in the Seattle area.
• Drafted loan and security agreements for national bank in private banking transactions.
• Negotiated and drafted dozens of commercial leases for industrial, office and retail uses.

Publications & Presentations

• "No More Anonymous Companies: Part 2 - The Corporate Transparency Act and its Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Final Regulation," co-author with Sean Griffee, blog post, StokesLaw Briefs (November 2023)
• “Non-Competes and Restrictive Covenants: Expanding on Core Knowledge,” co-presenter with Kathleen Burton, Drafting and Reviewing Washington Business Contracts, National Business Institute (December 2022)
• "No More Anonymous Companies: The Corporate Transparency Act and its Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting," co-author with Kathleen Burton, blog post, StokesLaw Briefs (August 2022)
• Presenter, "Key Issues in Multi-Member LLC Operating Agreements," Stokes Lawrence Presents Webinar Series (June 2022)
• "Asset Deals vs. Stock Deals: Factors to Consider," co-author with Olivia Gonzalez, blog post, Stokes Law Briefs (December 2019)
• "Real Estate Family LLCs," co-presenter, WSBA Real Property, Probate & Trust Mid-Year Conference (June 2017)
• "Drafting and Practice Considerations - Preparing Purchase and Sale Agreements and Deeds," presenter, National Business Institute seminar (July 2015)
• "Avoiding Personal Liability: Advice for Owners and Managers of Privately Held Businesses," Co-presenter with Brad Axel, Shannon Jost, Stokes Law Brief (October & November 2014)
• "Purchase & Sale Transaction Forms for the Commercial Real Estate Practitioner," Co-presenter with Mike Garner, Commercial Brokers Association (September 2014)
• "How Bankruptcy Affects the Lease," Presenter, Commercial Leases: Negotiating Key Provisions, National Business Institute CLE (June 2014)
• "Preparing for Business Succession," Panel Discussion (March 2014)
• "Succession Planning for Owners of Closely Held Businesses," Panel Presenter, Washington State Bar Association RPPT Fall Probate and Trust Seminar (December 2013)
• "Competition Strategies," Presenter, Business Contracts A to Z, National Business Institute CLE (July 2012)
• Contributing Author, Washington Real Property Deskbook (4th Ed.)
• “Corporate Governance," Presenter, Stokes Law Briefs for Closely Held Businesses (June 2011)

Professional & Community Activities

• Certified Real Estate Instructor (Washington State Department of Licensing)
• Downtown Seattle Association

Background & Interests

In his free time, Sean enjoys CrossFit, skiing, UW Huskies football and travel with his wife and kids.