John T. Bender

Served as special litigation counsel and lead trial counsel in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings of In re iCap Enterprises. Obtained dispositive "Ponzi finding" from US Bankruptcy Court at trial.

Served as special counsel to the Committee of Unsecured Creditors in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings of In re WaterStation Technology. 

Served as lead counsel in a high-profile securities fraud action on behalf of more than two dozen investors in a Bellevue, Washington real estate investment firm with over US$20 million in losses. Obtained groundbreaking injunctive relief freezing bank accounts and real estate assets, and requiring resignation of the company's CEO.

Served as lead counsel in a high-profile breach of contract and securities action on behalf of 60+ investment companies who invested in WaterStation Technology with nearly US$70 million in losses. Obtained sweeping injunctive relief against the enterprise and a preliminary finding that the company likely sold unregistered securities.

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

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

Successfully represented investors in securities fraud and breach of contract litigation against a failed cryptocurrency and blockchain venture – recovered nearly US$4 million in investment funds for investors. Successfully obtained early ruling that cryptocurrency offering likely constituted a security. 

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.