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Attorney bio

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
St. Joseph’s University
Bachelor of Arts (Elementary Education/Special Education), cum laude, 1998
Recognition & Activities
  • 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
  • Washington Law & Politics magazine “Super Lawyer”
  • Washington Super Lawyers magazine “Rising Star,” Business Litigation
  • 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)
Representative Work and 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.
Publications & 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
Our company has been using LHSE for our small business matters for almost a year now. They have helped our company achieve a high level of professionalism and savvy in dealing with employee and contract issues. Sean Small and his associates are responsive, easy to work with, and knowledgeable in the areas that affect our small business.
—Anonymous - via AVVO
With its team and effort, Lasher Holzapfel Sperry & Ebberson is spectacular. Having the team on your side, you will feel secured! I had a case with Sean Small and fighted [sic] for years and he was always thinking ahead and prepared for numerous situation. Not only he supported and fought for the case but also he and his team had supported me mentally. Which was the most toughest time I had in my life. Sean is very hard working and super sharp. Sean had beautifully solved the case and now my life is bright and I am enjoying my work and time spending with my family. I would never want this situation in my life again but if I do, I have Sean and Lasher Holzapfel Sperry & Ebberson and I am set for the unexpected event. The price is not cheap, but you get what you paid for and you will not go wrong with them!
—TK Carpenter via Google Reviews
I have been working with Sean Small since 2016 with an estate matter. He has stood by me worked tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome. I can’t even begin to imagine where I’d be without him. When you venture in to litigation you need someone who’s both extremely knowledgeable and someone who can look at all possible situations and can navigate the way to success. Sean has gone above and beyond in more ways than one and kept me informed in every step/process. There’s no way I can put into words the gratitude I have for not just Sean but everyone at this firm. They have all exceeded every expectation I could have ever dreamt up. Thank you from the very depth of my soul Sean & everyone at the LHSE team.
—Malena Eden via Google Reviews
My wife and I were in a very complex and tricky situation where we needed a Real Estate and Construction lawyer and we were so pleased by our experience with Sean Small at LHS&E. They were very responsive and we got them on retainer and working on our case the same day. Sean was really helpful in helping us obtain an optimal solution to our problem and was also very aware of cost. We are definitely going to be working with them again!
—Trevor White via Google Reviews
Sean Small of Lasher Holzapfel Sperry & Ebberson is extremely knowledgeable and professional. I appreciate that I have someone on my side that I can trust.
—Ryan Stephenson - Stephenson Design Collective - via Best Lawyers Client Comments
Eugene Wong and Sean Small of Lasher Holzapfel Sperry & Ebberson are responsive and highly competent.
—Kim McBride via Best Lawyers Client Comments