Practice Areas:

• Business and Corporate
• Labor and Employment
• Litigation
• Construction

Education:

• J.D., Southern Methodist University, 1994, cum laude, Order of the Coif, Southern Methodist Law Review Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Air Law & Commerce Editor
• B.A., Economics and Political Science, Yale University, 1989

Boards & Memberships:

• Greater Spokane, Inc., Board Member, General Counsel
• Inland Northwest Yale Club President
• Sacred Heart Hospital Children’s Foundation, Board Member
• Federal Bar Association for the Eastern District of Washington, former President
• Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference, Lawyer Representative, Delegate to the Lawyer Coordinating Committee

William M. Symmes, Principal

Spokane

P: 509.755.2026

F: 509.458.2728

wms@witherspoonkelley.com

Legal Assistant: Collette Robbins

William Symmes represents corporate and individual clients in a variety of commercial, intellectual property, employment, labor, and construction-related litigation matters. He has successfully defended many of the firm’s clients in an array of matters, including harassment, discrimination, breach of contract, real estate, and retaliation. William also represents clients in arbitrations under Collective Bargaining Agreements and before the National Labor Relations Board. In connection with many of these matters, William has gained particular experience in drafting, reviewing and litigating executive contracts, covenants not to compete, confidentiality and non-disclosure, non-use agreements. William also uses his litigation experience to frequently advise clients in structuring commercial transactions to minimize the risk of costly disputes and litigation.

• Licensed to practice in Washington, Idaho and Oregon.
• Joined Witherspoon Kelley in 1994.

• United States District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Washington
• United States Court of Federal Claims
• United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
• United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

Highlights/Achievements:

• AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell

Representative Cases:

• Dixson v. Empire Health Svc., Inc., 136 Wn. App. 1050 (2007) (Employment).
• Keystone Masonry, Inc. v. Garco Construction, Inc., 135 Wn. App. 927 (2006) (Construction).
• Sterling Savings v. U.S., 57 Fed cl. 234 (2003) (Complex commercial).
• Sterling Savings v. U.S., 57 Fed. cl. 445 (2003) (Complex commercial).
• Sterling Savings v. U.S., 53 Fed. cl. 599 (2002) (Complex commercial).
• Baker v. Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corp., 951 F. Supp 953 (E.D.Wa 1996) (Employment).