John T. Bender

Served as court-appointed Special Litigation Counsel and Lead Trial Counsel in In re iCap Enterprises. As Lead Trial Counsel, successfully obtained dispositive determination that iCap operated a $200+ million "Ponzi" scheme at trial. Part of team that obtained M&A Advisor's Restructuring of the Year Award in 2025. The case and John's representation reported on by Seattle Times.

Served as court-appointed Special Counsel to the Committee of Unsecured Creditors in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings of "WaterStation Technology" involving cumulative creditor and investor losses of over $250 million.

Lead Counsel in high profile securities fraud action on behalf of over two dozen investors in Bellevue, WA real estate investment firm with over $20 million in losses. Obtained sweeping injunctive relief freezing bank accounts and real estate assets and reqiuring resignation of the company's CEO. The case and John's representation reported on by Seattle Times.

Lead Counsel in high profilesecurities fraud action on behalf of 60+ investment vehicles alleging nearly $70 million in losses in alleged nationwide investor-franchise scheme. Succesfully obtained sweeping, first-in-the-nation injunctive relief against enterprise and preliminary finding that company likely sold unregistered securities. The case and John's representation covered by local and national media, including Seattle Times and Wall Street Journal.

Successfully represented publicly traded media holding and publishing companies in defense of high-profile multiparty breach of contract matter brought by public entity in Washington claiming US$200 million in damages.

Successfully represented public agency in connection with civil and criminal investigation and litigation efforts to recover approximately US$6 million of embezzled assets in one of largest public misappropriation cases of record in state history.

Represented high profile blockchain/NFT projectand its founders in response to SEC investigation following launch of digital token or "ICO". The case and John's representation was covered in investigative reporting by Time.

Represented a high-profile blockchain/NFT project and its founders in response to an SEC investigation following the launch of a digital token or "ICO."

Successfully defended a publicly traded company against trade secret misappropriation charged by a competing brokerage asserting over US$30 million in damages. Part of team that obtained US$150,000 sanctions award against opposing party for discovery violations.

Represented a private hedge fund against a Washington Department of Financial Institutions enforcement action.

Represented a renowned New York art foundation in multiple trademark actions to enforce the foundation's marks. 

Represented a publicly traded virtual currency ATM company in an action to enforce a vendor agreement.

Represented an early-stage stablecoin startup to enforce a technology services agreement against a financial services corporation.

Defended a local coffee chain in a high-profile trademark infringement action brought by a Seattle, Washington landmark.