Foster Garvey is pleased to announce that Ben Hodges and John Ray Nelson are now serving as Co-Practice Group Leaders of the Litigation practice. Seattle-based partner Tim Filer served as the Litigation Practice Group Leader over the last several years.
Ben is a patent attorney and focuses on guiding clients’ IP portfolios and protecting them through litigation when necessary. His litigation experience includes managing complex civil litigation cases of all types, including post-grant IP matters, patent, unfair competition, trademark and trade dress, copyright, property disputes and breach of contract cases. He also handles litigation related to the Consumer Protection Act, false advertising and defamation claims as well as constitutional issues. In addition, Ben maintains an active pro bono practice. His pro bono work includes counseling and litigation for veterans denied disability benefits, prisoners, victims of domestic violence and IP counseling for artists.
John is a trial attorney based in Spokane, Washington, who has represented clients in state and federal courts across the country as lead counsel in litigation. His practice encompasses a wide variety of commercial and environmental claims, both plaintiff and defense side. Over the past 40 years, John has tried more than 35 cases to decision before juries, judges, administrative bodies and arbitrators. He has successfully defended two different nine-figure cases.
“We’re thrilled to see Ben and John work together to lead our Litigation practice,” said Diana Shukis, Firm Co-Chair. “Their combined experience, strategic insight and commitment to clients make them an outstanding team. We also thank Tim for his dedicated service and leadership.”
Foster Garvey’s litigation team provides litigation and dispute resolution services across virtually all industries served by the firm. This group works closely with clients to assess their needs and objectives at the outset of a dispute, prioritizing creative resolution options ranging from immediate injunctive relief to trial or arbitration.
Foster Garvey PC, a preeminent law firm with offices on both coasts, offers an extended national and international reach to serve many influential and innovative companies, government entities and individuals across a full spectrum of legal services. The firm's attorneys are consistently recognized for their deep industry knowledge and superior client service by prominent legal industry publications, including Best Lawyers in America©, Chambers USA, Chambers Global and “Best Law Firms.” In addition to providing efficient and effective counsel, Foster Garvey upholds a strong commitment to community service, pro bono representation, diversity and inclusion efforts and a collegial and equitable work environment. The firm has offices in Seattle, Portland, Washington, D.C., New York, Spokane and Tulsa.
