January 1, 2025 ─ Williams Kastner is pleased to announce the promotion of two attorneys within the firm. James Bulthuis has been elevated from Member to Equity Member, and Sean Leake has been promoted from Senior Associate to Member. Additionally, Member Jessie Harris has been elected to serve on the firm’s board of directors
“We are delighted to recognize James and Sean for their outstanding contributions to our firm and clients,” said Rod Umberger, Managing Director of Williams Kastner. “Both have demonstrated exceptional legal expertise and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We are equally proud to welcome Jessie Harris to the firm’s board of directors.”
James Bulthuis specializes in cases at the intersection of land and government, assisting landowners in navigating issues such as eminent domain and environmental contamination. His extensive experience includes representing both plaintiffs and defendants, giving him a well-rounded perspective to help clients achieve their objectives. James has successfully handled jury trials, arbitrations, and has mediated hundreds of disputes. Working out of both the Seattle and Spokane offices, he serves clients statewide.
Sean Leake is a member of the firm’s Business Litigation practice group in the Seattle office. As an experienced trial lawyer, he has represented clients in state and federal courts on matters involving regulatory compliance, administrative law, shareholder disputes, banking, and related appellate issues. Before joining Williams Kastner, Sean honed his skills at a construction litigation firm, handling cases related to construction defects, bid protests, and breach of contract claims.
Jessie Harris is a member of the firm’s Labor & Employment practice group in the Seattle office. His practice focuses on civil litigation involving employment law, catastrophic and personal injury, education law, and mediations. Jessie has extensive litigation experience, including numerous jury trials and Alternative Dispute Resolution proceedings. His employment practice encompasses personnel investigations, risk management guidance, and defending employers against claims of wrongful termination, sexual harassment, retaliation, discrimination, and other allegations under state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
About Williams Kastner
Williams Kastner is a Pacific Northwest law firm founded in 1929, with more than 65 attorneys in Seattle, Portland, and Spokane. The firm is known for its trial and litigation experience and its work across a wide range of industries and practice areas, with particular strength in Construction, Insurance Coverage, Labor and Employment, Product Liability, Retail and Hospitality, and Transportation and Logistics. Williams Kastner represents clients in matters throughout the region and beyond, combining practical advice with a strong focus on results and long-standing client relationships.