John T. Bender

John Bender is a partner in the firm’s Commercial Disputes practice. John focuses his practice on high-stakes commercial and complex litigation and investigations. John has represented public and private companies in cases involving exposure in the tens and hundreds of millions of dollars and is a go-to lawyer for both clients and colleagues. John frequently handles matters involving securities, breach of contract, partnership and shareholder disputes, corporate governance, claims of fraud and embezzlement, trade secrets, franchising, intellectual property, FinTech, blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and other digital assets. He handles matters involving regulatory agencies including DFI, SEC, and state attorneys general. He also has handled matters involving a variety of complex torts and reputational harm.

In 2024, Benchmark Litigation named John to its 40 & Under list, the guide to the best and brightest litigators under 40 in the U.S. He has been selected to the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch^® in America every year since 2021. John has also been named to the Washington Rising Stars list since 2017 with his primary focus being in business litigation.

John has extensive experience in complex securities fraud and Ponzi scheme litigation in state, federal, and bankruptcy courts, including representing official and ad hoc creditors’ committees in bankruptcy.

As a lawyer with experience at the intersection of cryptocurrencies, DeFi, and US law, John frequently provides legal commentary and analysis in this emerging area; his analysis has been featured in major publications, including TIME Magazine.

John has a substantial record of leadership and pro bono service. He is a member of the Steering Committee for the Washington Technology Industry Association’s Cascadia Blockchain Council. He served as a volunteer and speaker for the City of Seattle’s New Citizen Campaign in 2016 and 2017. He also served as chair of the Washington State Bar Association’s Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Board, and supported the Board’s first mandatory antibias, antidiscrimination, and technology legal education proposal to the state’s supreme court.