Mario A. Bianchi

Managing Principal

Practice Emphasis

Mario A. Bianchi is a business lawyer who represents clients in the adversarial context of business disputes and business litigation. His primary area of emphasis is corporate ownership disputes and business dissolutions (“business divorce”). Mario’s clients are the owners, officers, and/or directors of privately held companies who need a highly skilled business attorney to creatively and aggressively represent them in their business disputes arising out of breach of fiduciary duty, breach of loyalty, minority oppression, conversion, accounting, wage claims, and unjust enrichment.

Mario is well-recognized in his field, having been selected for inclusion to the 2020 Washington Super Lawyers® List in Business Litigation and Real Estate, and named a “Rising Star” by Washington Law and Politics in Business Litigation seven times. He served as the Chair of Lasher’s Litigation Department from 2009-2013. He currently serves as the firm’s Managing Principal.

Practice Focus

Education

  • Notre Dame Law School, 2001 (Juris Doctor)
  • Seattle University, 1997 (Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Economics, and Humanities)
  • Seattle Preparatory School, 1993

Representative Cases

  • Minority Shareholder Representation (Business Divorce) – Lead counsel in lawsuit by minority shareholder against majority owners for breach of fiduciary duty, conversion, and fraud, after majority owners attempted to sell company without client’s knowledge or consent.
  • Minority Member Representation (Business Divorce) – Counsel for well-known local attorney client in litigation over buyout of client’s membership interest in law firm (a PLLC).
  • Minority Shareholder Representation (Business Divorce) – Lead counsel in litigation filed on behalf of minority shareholder for breach of fiduciary duty, oppression, conversion, conspiracy, accounting, and failure to pay wages, after discovery that majority owners were engaged in conversion of corporate assets and abuse of corporate resources.
  • Company Representation (Business Divorce) – Company counsel for orchestrated buyout of silent minority’s ownership interest in company, leaving majority owner with 100% control.
  • Majority Shareholder Representation – Litigation counsel for controlling (majority) owner of local technology firm accused by minority investors of breaching of fiduciary duties and conversion of corporate assets.
  • Minority Shareholder Representation – Litigation counsel for dissenting minority shareholder in dispute over majority shareholders’ effort to force sale of company through reverse-triangular-merger.
  • Company Dissolution – Counsel for shareholder in local construction contractor in negotiated dissolution and wind-up of company affairs, after client accused of fraud and breach of fiduciary duties.
  • LLC Dissolution – Representation of equal owner of local apparel company in negotiated dissolution of Limited Liability Company.
  • Majority Investor Representation (Business Divorce) – Lead counsel for majority investor in strategic force-out of operating minority owner’s interest in local restaurant, giving client 100% control of company.
  • Majority Investor Representation (Business Divorce) – Lead counsel for majority investor in forced dissolution and windup of Portland based whiskey distillery and restaurant.
  • Minority Member Representation – Lead counsel for minority owner in negotiated resolution of claims against majority owner for breach of fiduciary duty and breach of loyalty in connection with the operation of single asset real estate LLC.

Professional & Civic

  • Selected for inclusion to the Washington Super Lawyers List (Business Litigation), 2020-2023
  • Named to “Rising Stars” list (business litigation) by Washington Law & Politics Magazine, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and Washington Super Lawyers magazine Rising Stars list, 2011, 2012, 2016
Mario A. Bianchi

Testimonials

Mario is the very definition of what an attorney ought to be. He is so supportive and thinks of all the details so that none are missed. I could relax knowing what an organized, consummate professional he is on every level. His communication is clear, thorough, and timely. He's super sharp and proficient at his job and does it all while being kind -- the very best combination! He's an invaluable asset to the team. And THIS (mug) is what you want to see on your lawyer's desk. He IS Superman! I actually call him "Super Mario." I highly recommend his services.
Julie D. - Google
Mario Bianchi was my lawyer and advocate for over 5 years. Through a multitude of business situations, Mario's guidance, counsel and assistance was critical. Many times he counseled patience and letter writing rather than legal action. He welcomed my input to our corporate input, which led to a strengthened legal position. He also communicated strength and stability as our counsel. If you face a complicated business litigation position, and want a lawyer who has a deep understanding of how these situations play out, Mario is an excellent choice.
Alan H. - Google
Mario Bianchi is hands down the best business divorce attorney in Seattle. I had an ongoing business dispute with my divorce. I was referred to Mr. Bianchi by my attorney at the time who felt the case was getting too complicated for her scope of practice. If you are a married woman who shares business assets with your husband call Mr. Bianchi. I truly don't know where I would be without his help! I am so grateful that attorneys like Mr. Bianchi exist!
Lyss B. - Google