Sean V. Small
Principal
Practice Emphasis
Sean Small is a business litigation lawyer who has been practicing law since 2005. His practice focuses on the resolution of complex litigation disputes where he has assisted businesses and individuals resolve contract, real estate, and employment disputes. In addition to his litigation practice, Sean works closely with entrepreneurs, startups, and emerging companies offering legal support through all stages of a company’s development by providing strategic business planning. Sean has worked with a wide range of clients across various industries, including real estate, construction, and technology.
In addition to his business litigation practice, Sean is a trusted advisor to family members, beneficiaries, trustees, and personal representatives regarding all aspects of probate and estate litigation.
Sean’s clients appreciate the proactive and creative advice he provides to solve problems and achieve individual and business objectives.
Education
Seattle University School of Law
- Juris Doctor, cum laude, 2005
- Seattle Journal for Social Justice, Member
- Seattle University Moot Court Board, Member
St. Joseph’s University
- Bachelor of Arts (Elementary Education/Special Education), cum laude, 1998
- Men’s Soccer Team
- Education Society Member
Representative Cases
Business Planning
- Sean’s corporate practice involves counseling and solving the problems faced by his clients in today’s complex business environment. These issues include negotiating and documenting supplier and customer agreements, structuring financings, assisting in the resolution and navigation of corporate control disputes, protecting clients’ interests in copyright, trademark, and trade secrets, among a myriad of other items.
- Sean works closely with entrepreneurs, startups, and emerging companies offering legal support through all stages of the company’s development.
- For more established businesses, Sean understands the importance of focusing on his client’s business objectives and ensures that any advice given aligns with the company’s long-term strategies.
- Sean’s clients span a broad range of industries, including real estate, communications, media, technology, e-business, and life sciences.
Business Litigation
- By taking a practical approach with close attention to detail, Sean has successfully represented clients in litigation, on appeal, and through alternative dispute resolution.
- Sean’s business litigation cases may include any number of different claims and they regularly involve claims based on breach of contract, misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duties, fraud, corporate dissolution, shareholder oppression, and unfair competitive practices.
- Sean works closely with in-house counsel at all stages of litigation, and assists clients with stragegic planning and thoughtful resolution of disputes.
Employment
- Sean works with his clients to continually assess risk and avoid litigation. When it is necessary to litigate, Sean has the depth of expertise to do so both effectively and efficiently in state and federal courts.
- Sean has experience defending employers and prosecuting claims on behalf of employees. His practice has included cases concerning age discrimination, disability discrimination, FMLA and related state leave law violations, gender and pregnancy discrimination, harassment, race/national origin discrimination, religious discrimination, wrongful termination, trade secrets, non-compete agreements, wrongful discharge, retaliation, and wage and hour violations.
Trust & Estate Disputes and Litigation
- Sean counsels individuals and families on the preparation of estate plans, including wills and trusts.
- Sean advises individual fiduciaries and beneficiaries during estate litigation matters involving Will contests, recovery of assets, contested accountings, tax matters, insolvent estates, defense or removal of fiduciary, breaches of fiduciary duty, contested heirship, Slayer’s Statute defense, contested creditor claims, etc.
Presentations
- “Indemnification and Liquidated Damages,” National Business Institute CLE, December 2017
- “Advanced Business Contracts: Strategically Draft & Negotiate Key Clauses,” National Business Institute CLE, April 2015
- “Bridging the Gap – Checklist for Going to Trial,” KCBA Young Lawyers Division, March 2015
- “Using Accounting and Financial Records as Evidence,” National Business Institute CLE
- “Ethical Considerations for the Litigation Attorney,” WA Bar CLE presentation
- “Stipulated Settlements Pursuant to RCW 4.22.060,” WA Bar CLE presentation
- “Window Claims in the Construction Defect Arena,” Presented at the WDTL Annual Construction Law Review
Professional & Civic
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington
Washington Supreme Court
Washington Court of Appeals
Washington State Courts
Named to “Best Lawyers” by Best Lawyers in America® in the practice area of ‘Litigation – Trusts and Estates’ 2025 edition
Washington Law & Politics magazine “Super Lawyer,” 2022 – 2024
Washington Super Lawyers magazine “Rising Star,” Business Litigation, 2013-2016
Washington State Bar Association
WSBA Construction Law Section
King County Bar Association
KCBA Young Lawyers
American Bar Association
Communities Rise, Partners for Thriving Organizations (formerly Wayfind)
