Dean A. Messmer
Principal
Practice Emphasis
Business and real estate transactions; mergers and acquisitions; commercial contracts and leases; commercial litigation; condemnations (eminent domain).
Drawing on years of prior experience in business and real estate litigation, as well as representation of numerous property owners in condemnation cases, Dean represents clients in real estate transactions and purchases and sales of privately-held businesses. He also represents clients in business sales disputes, and trusts and estates litigation.
Education
- Stanford University, Bachelor of Arts, 1971
- Duke Law School, Juris Doctor, 1974
Experience
- Represented sellers in stock and asset business sales, including construction contractors, manufacturers, distributors, real estate brokerages, and biotech laboratory
- Represented primary shareholders in sale of e-commerce company
- Negotiated numerous leases on behalf of restaurant, office, distribution and other commercial tenants
- Won $1,125,000 arbitration award for sellers in sale of business earn-out dispute
- Defended guarantors before trial and appellate courts in landmark non-judicial deed of trust foreclosure act cases
- Obtained multiple $1+ million settlements and judgments for property owners in condemnation lawsuits
- Obtained $1,300,000 settlement for beneficiaries in trust/estate litigation
Professional & Civic
Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® in the practice area of ‘Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law’ and ‘Real Estate Law’ (2024 ed.)
Named “Super Lawyer” by Washington Super Lawyers magazine, 2010-2022
Whidbey Island Homeowners Assn. Officer & Board Member 2006-15, 2017-19
Clyde Hill City Council, 1996-2007
Clyde Hill Board of Adjustment, 1994-1995
Medina Mayor, 1990-1991
Medina City Council, 1986-1991
Medina Planning Commission, 1983-1986
