Our Practice Areas

Business Law

All Eisenhower Lawyers In Business Law

Kristen M. Blankenship

Commercial Real Estate
Common Interest Communities
Industrial
Manufacturing
Office
Retail
Warehouse
Banking & Finance
Business Law
Commercial and Corporate Transactions
Commercial Real Estate
Mergers & Acquisitions

Kristen is a commercial real estate and corporate transactional attorney. Kristen represents clients across various industries in commercial real estate transactional matters including acquisitions and dispositions, leasing, organizational and financial structuring, and common interest community formation and governance. In addition to her real estate practice, Kristen advises individuals and businesses on corporate transactional matters including mergers and acquisitions, entity formation and corporate governance.

JD, summa cum laude, Gonzaga University School of Law;
B.A., Economics, cum laude, Pacific Lutheran University Washington

Commercial Real Estate Women
Mother Attorneys Mentoring Association

Abigail G. Coffey

Banking
Commercial Real Estate
Manufacturing
Startups
Technology
Venture Capital
Banking & Finance
Business Law
Commercial and Corporate Transactions
Commercial Real Estate
Corporate Governance & Formation
Corporate Governance and Formation
Mergers & Acquisitions
Securities Offerings & Regulation

Abigail Coffey is an associate attorney whose practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, corporate formation, corporate governance, and intellectual property. She represents private companies, business owners, and individuals in a range of transactional matters, including asset and equity transactions, business formation, and the drafting of key governance documents.

In her corporate practice, Abigail supports clients through all stages of a transaction, assisting with due diligence, preparing and reviewing purchase agreements and related documents, and helping facilitate smooth ownership transitions and strategic initiatives. Abigail is known for her thorough, detail-oriented approach and her commitment to delivering clear, practical legal support tailored to each client’s objectives.

When not at work, Abby enjoys Pilates, reading, spending time with her cats, and paddleboarding.

Bachelor of Science, Biology, University of Florida, 2021
Graduate Certificate, Wildlife Management, Oregon State University, 2022
Juris Doctor, Cum Laude, Seattle University School of Law, 2025 Washington

Washington Women Lawyers, Pierce County Chapter

From Starfleet to Space Law: Science Fiction and the Future of Colonization Law

Hannah J. Cordell

Banking & Finance
Business Law
Employment Law
Land Use
Litigation

Mrs. Cordell practice focuses on counseling and representing businesses and individuals in a wide range of civil matters, including:

• Contract disputes
• Labor and employment
• Creditor’s rights
• Banking Law
• Real estate
• Personal Injury

J.D., Chicago-Kent College of Law, 2014
B.A., Business Administration, University of Washington, 2011 Washington

Arthur D. DeLong

Banking
Manufacturing
Startups
Technology
Trade
Venture Capital
Banking & Finance
Business Law
Commercial and Corporate Transactions
Corporate Governance & Formation
Mergers & Acquisitions
Nonprofit Business Law
Securities Offerings & Regulation

Arthur DeLong is a partner in Eisenhower Carlson’s corporate transactions team. Arthur’s practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, securities offerings, and corporate governance matters. Arthur has represented national and international banks, investment funds, private equity funds, private and public companies, real estate development funds, and technology companies.
Arthur’s mergers and acquisitions and securities practices often involve cross-border issues, and he advises domestic and international clients on issues involving US securities matters and international business transactions. Arthur counsels a diverse array across a number of different industries, including technology, commercial space exploration, entertainment, oil and gas, real estate development, and Islamic finance.
Arthur serves as the co-chair of the International Finance and Securities Committee for the American Bar Association Section on International Law, is the Vice President of the World Affairs Council of Tacoma, and is part of the advisory board of Tacoma Rising.

Washington
California

American Bar Association Section of International Law: Co-Chair of International Finance and Securities Committee

World Affairs Council of Tacoma – Vice President and Board Member

Tacoma Rising – Advisory Board Member

The Possible Advantages of Islamic Financial Jurisprudence: An Empirical Study of the Dow Jones Islamic Market Index

Neil A. Dial

Business Law
Commercial Real Estate
Litigation

Neil is an experienced litigation attorney and head of Eisenhower Carlson’s litigation practice group. He focuses his practice on complex commercial and real estate litigation. Neil has handled numerous matters in both state and federal court, as well as private arbitrations, on a variety of issues, including partnership disputes, consumer protection and lender liability claims, contract disputes, trade secret protection, and intellectual property disputes. Neil also works on a variety of matters involving real estate and other transactions and landlord-tenant issues. Neil was named Neil Armstrong Dial because he was born on July 20, 1969, at the exact minute of the moon landing, making him the namesake of astronaut Neil Armstrong. Neil has been featured in local, national, and world-wide news as a result.

J.D., University of Washington School of Law, 1999
B.A., Brigham Young University, 1996 State Court of Washington
U.S. District Court for the Western and Eastern Districts of Washington
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
U.S. Supreme Court

Pierce County Bar Association

King County Bar Association

Board Member for Bend Biomedical

Volunteer Coach of Gig Harbor Grizzlies Wrestling Club

Ryan A. Johnson

Commercial Real Estate
Industrial
Lending
Manufacturing
Technology
Banking & Finance
Business Law
Commercial and Corporate Transactions
Corporate Governance & Formation
Intellectual Property
State & Local Tax

Ryan advises clients in business and estate planning matters, with a focus on corporate organization and governance, drafting wills and trusts, commercial lending, probate and trust administration, mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions, securities, and intellectual property.

JD, Seattle University; MBA, Seattle University
BA Business Administration, Washington State University Washington

Ben A. Johnsrud

Business Law
Litigation

Ben is a lifelong resident of Pierce County, Washington. As a second-generation attorney, the practice of law has always been a fundamental part of his life. His practice focuses on advising and representing businesses and individuals in a wide range of civil matters.

J.D., Gonzaga University School of Law, 2024
B.A., Gonzaga University, 2021 State of Washington

Washington State Bar Association
Pierce County Bar Association

Evan W. Marques

Banking & Finance
Business Law
Commercial and Corporate Transactions
Mergers & Acquisitions
Nonprofit Business Law

Evan Marques is a partner in Eisenhower Carlson’s transactional group. He is an experienced attorney offering guidance in transactional matters, with a primary emphasis on lending matters, mergers and acquisitions, commercial transactions, corporate formation and governance, and real estate transactions. Concentrating in a comprehensive range of business-focused services, Evan excels in advising clients in all stages of transactions and his proficiency lies in combining legal acumen with a practical approach, ensuring that clients receive strategic counsel tailored to their unique needs. With a keen understanding of the intricacies of the business landscape, Evan Marques is a trusted advisor, dedicated to driving the success for his clients through sound legal solutions.

Gonzaga University, BA 2005, Cum Laude
Gonzaga University School of Law, JD 2008, Summa Cum Laude Washington
Oregon
Idaho

Thomas J. Parkes

Banking & Finance
Business Law
Commercial and Corporate Transactions
Commercial Real Estate

T.J. has more than 30 years of experience and focuses his practice on commercial real estate development, investment, and debt and equity financing. He has worked on a broad range of commercial real estate matters, including entitlement, development, acquisitions and dispositions, leasing, organizational and financial structuring, and joint ventures with high net worth and institutional investment partners. Prior to his legal career, T.J. was a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy and served onboard the USS Puffer (SSN-652) through 3 years of operational deployments.

J.D., Seattle University School of Law (cum laude), 1997
B.S., Pennsylvania State University, 1990 South Carolina
Washington

South Carolina Bar Association
Washington State Bar Association
American Bar Association, Taxation and Real Property

Eisenhower Carlson PLLC (Tacoma, WA), 2018-Present
Foster Pepper PLLC (Seattle, WA), 2000 – 2018
Gordon, Thomas, Honeywell, Malanca, Peterson & Daheim (Tacoma, WA), 1997 – 2000
Central Puget Sound Growth Management Hearings Board (Seattle, WA), Legal Intern,
1996
U.S. Navy, USS Puffer (SSN-652), Submarine Warfare Qualified, 1990 – 1994

Planning Association of Washington, Board Member, 1998-2000
Washington Department of Commerce, Editor and Lecturer for Short Course on Local
Planning, 1998-2000
Representative to Washington State Building Code Technical Advisory Group on the
Endangered Species Act, 2001-2002

Seattle University School of Law, Adjunct Professor, Basic Real Estate and Advanced Real
Estate Courses, 2004 – 2014
Tacoma Farmers Market, Board Member, 2012 – 2015

Carl R. Peterson

Banking
Banking & Finance
Business Law
Commercial and Corporate Transactions
Mergers & Acquisitions

Mr. Peterson’s practice focuses on representing businesses and individuals in real estate and transactional matters, including negotiating, reviewing and drafting purchase and sale agreements (stock and asset), earnest money agreements, leases and credit agreements. He also represents lenders in complex commercial lending matters and workout arrangements. Mr. Peterson is knowledgeable in matters concerning the Uniform Commercial Code, especially sales and secured transactions, and in matters related to corporate formation and governance.

JD, Cornell University
University of Washington (Business) Washington

Washington State Bar Association

American Bar Association

David B. Petrich

Business Law
Estate Planning & Estate Tax Planning

Estate planning, probate and trust administration, and guardianships. Mr. Petrich also focuses on representing entities and individuals in general business transactional matters, including entity formation, and the purchase and sale of businesses.

BS, Loyola University
JD, SUNY Buffalo School of Law
Masters in Taxation, Golden Gate University Washington

Michael J. Royse

Commercial Real Estate
Industrial
Manufacturing
Multifamily
Office
Retail
Warehouse
Banking & Finance
Business Law
Commercial and Corporate Transactions
Commercial Real Estate
Mergers & Acquisitions

Michael is an accomplished attorney specializing in commercial real estate and corporate law. He collaborates closely with clients across various industries, guiding them through the complexities of real estate transactions, development, secured lending, and related corporate needs.

In the realm of commercial real estate, Michael serves as a trusted advisor, offering comprehensive guidance on all aspects of real estate projects. He partners with clients of all sizes, adeptly handling real property acquisitions and dispositions, conducting thorough due diligence and feasibility assessments, analyzing construction contracts, drafting and negotiating commercial leases, and structuring financing arrangements.

Beyond his real estate focus, Michael has cultivated a corporate practice where he advises clients at each stage of the life cycle of a company. He assists with entity formation, reviews and drafts governing documents, offers guidance on operational matters, and facilitates corporate actions such as sales, mergers, and dispositions.

J.D., cum laude, Seattle University School of Law, 2014
B.S., Business Administration, University of Oregon, 2009 Washington
Utah
Idaho

Economic Development Commission – City of Maple Valley

Ann Sim

Business Law
Commercial and Corporate Transactions
Commercial Real Estate
Mergers & Acquisitions

Ann Sim is an associate attorney focusing on commercial real estate transactions and development. In the real estate and land use sector, Ann assists clients with property acquisitions and dispositions, leasing, organizational structuring, and financing arrangements, among other matters. Additionally, she supports a wide range of clients with business and transactional matters, including, entity formation, mergers and acquisitions, lending, and corporate governance.

J.D., commencement honors, Gonzaga University School of Law.
B.A., cum laude, University of Washington, Seattle.

Hayden J. Taylor

Business Law
Employee Benefits - ERISA
Estate Planning & Estate Tax Planning

Hayden’s practice focuses on estate planning for individuals and families, as well as various retirement planning and general business matters. Hayden enjoys designing and implementing thoughtful and tax-efficient estate plans, to facilitate the successful transition of assets to family and friends, charity, or otherwise. With a degree in mechanical engineering, Hayden offers a valuable blend of legal and technical acumen. In his personal time, Hayden can likely be found boating or traveling with his family and cheering on his hometown sports teams.

J.D., University of Washington School of Law
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Southern California Washington

South Sound Planned Giving Council

Tacoma Estate Planning Council

Foss Waterway Seaport – Board Member/Secretary

Charles Wright Academy – Committee Member

Our business law practice group is committed to providing strategic legal counsel and innovative solutions to businesses of all sizes, from startups to multinational corporations. With a focus on understanding our clients’ unique objectives and industry dynamics, our team of experienced attorneys offers comprehensive services across a broad spectrum of business law matters.

Services Offered

Entity Formation and Structuring:We advise entrepreneurs and business owners on the selection and formation of appropriate business entities, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and joint ventures. We assist clients in structuring entities to optimize tax efficiency, limit liability exposure, and facilitate growth and scalability.

Corporate Governance:We provide guidance on corporate governance matters, including board composition, director duties, shareholder rights, and regulatory compliance. Our attorneys help clients establish effective governance structures and internal controls to promote transparency, accountability, and legal compliance within their organizations.

Contracts and Commercial Agreements:Our team drafts, reviews, and negotiates a wide range of commercial contracts and agreements, including purchase and sale agreements, distribution agreements, licensing agreements, employment contracts, and confidentiality agreements. We ensure that our clients' contracts are tailored to their specific needs and objectives while minimizing legal risks and disputes.

Mergers and Acquisitions:We represent buyers, sellers, investors, and target companies in mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and other strategic transactions. Our attorneys provide comprehensive legal support throughout the transaction lifecycle, including due diligence, negotiation, documentation, regulatory compliance, and post-closing integration.

Intellectual Property Protection:We assist clients in protecting their intellectual property rights through trademark registration, copyright protection, and trade secret agreements. Our attorneys help businesses develop strategies to safeguard their valuable intellectual assets and enforce their rights against infringement or misappropriation.

Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution:In the event of disputes or litigation, our attorneys provide aggressive advocacy and strategic representation in commercial litigation matters, including breach of contract claims, business torts, shareholder disputes, and regulatory enforcement actions. We strive to achieve favorable outcomes for our clients through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation, as appropriate.

Industry Experience

Our attorneys have extensive experience serving clients across a wide range of industries, including technology, healthcare, manufacturing, finance, real estate, retail, and professional services. Whether advising startups on formation and securities regulatory matters or representing established corporations in complex transactions, we leverage our industry knowledge and legal expertise to deliver tailored solutions that address our clients’ unique business needs.

Client-Centric Approach

At Eisenhower Carlson, we prioritize building long-term relationships with our clients based on trust, collaboration, and results. Our business law group takes a proactive and client-centric approach, working closely with clients to understand their goals, challenges, and risk tolerance, and providing practical legal advice and strategic guidance to help them achieve their business objectives.

Our Practice Areas

CHOOSE A PRACTICE AREA

Business Law

All Eisenhower Lawyers In Business Law

Kristen M. Blankenship

Commercial Real Estate
Common Interest Communities
Industrial
Manufacturing
Office
Retail
Warehouse
Banking & Finance
Business Law
Commercial and Corporate Transactions
Commercial Real Estate
Mergers & Acquisitions

Kristen is a commercial real estate and corporate transactional attorney. Kristen represents clients across various industries in commercial real estate transactional matters including acquisitions and dispositions, leasing, organizational and financial structuring, and common interest community formation and governance. In addition to her real estate practice, Kristen advises individuals and businesses on corporate transactional matters including mergers and acquisitions, entity formation and corporate governance.

JD, summa cum laude, Gonzaga University School of Law;
B.A., Economics, cum laude, Pacific Lutheran University Washington

Commercial Real Estate Women
Mother Attorneys Mentoring Association

Abigail G. Coffey

Banking
Commercial Real Estate
Manufacturing
Startups
Technology
Venture Capital
Banking & Finance
Business Law
Commercial and Corporate Transactions
Commercial Real Estate
Corporate Governance & Formation
Corporate Governance and Formation
Mergers & Acquisitions
Securities Offerings & Regulation

Abigail Coffey is an associate attorney whose practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, corporate formation, corporate governance, and intellectual property. She represents private companies, business owners, and individuals in a range of transactional matters, including asset and equity transactions, business formation, and the drafting of key governance documents.

In her corporate practice, Abigail supports clients through all stages of a transaction, assisting with due diligence, preparing and reviewing purchase agreements and related documents, and helping facilitate smooth ownership transitions and strategic initiatives. Abigail is known for her thorough, detail-oriented approach and her commitment to delivering clear, practical legal support tailored to each client’s objectives.

When not at work, Abby enjoys Pilates, reading, spending time with her cats, and paddleboarding.

Bachelor of Science, Biology, University of Florida, 2021
Graduate Certificate, Wildlife Management, Oregon State University, 2022
Juris Doctor, Cum Laude, Seattle University School of Law, 2025 Washington

Washington Women Lawyers, Pierce County Chapter

From Starfleet to Space Law: Science Fiction and the Future of Colonization Law

Hannah J. Cordell

Banking & Finance
Business Law
Employment Law
Land Use
Litigation

Mrs. Cordell practice focuses on counseling and representing businesses and individuals in a wide range of civil matters, including:

• Contract disputes
• Labor and employment
• Creditor’s rights
• Banking Law
• Real estate
• Personal Injury

J.D., Chicago-Kent College of Law, 2014
B.A., Business Administration, University of Washington, 2011 Washington

Arthur D. DeLong

Banking
Manufacturing
Startups
Technology
Trade
Venture Capital
Banking & Finance
Business Law
Commercial and Corporate Transactions
Corporate Governance & Formation
Mergers & Acquisitions
Nonprofit Business Law
Securities Offerings & Regulation

Arthur DeLong is a partner in Eisenhower Carlson’s corporate transactions team. Arthur’s practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, securities offerings, and corporate governance matters. Arthur has represented national and international banks, investment funds, private equity funds, private and public companies, real estate development funds, and technology companies.
Arthur’s mergers and acquisitions and securities practices often involve cross-border issues, and he advises domestic and international clients on issues involving US securities matters and international business transactions. Arthur counsels a diverse array across a number of different industries, including technology, commercial space exploration, entertainment, oil and gas, real estate development, and Islamic finance.
Arthur serves as the co-chair of the International Finance and Securities Committee for the American Bar Association Section on International Law, is the Vice President of the World Affairs Council of Tacoma, and is part of the advisory board of Tacoma Rising.

Washington
California

American Bar Association Section of International Law: Co-Chair of International Finance and Securities Committee

World Affairs Council of Tacoma – Vice President and Board Member

Tacoma Rising – Advisory Board Member

The Possible Advantages of Islamic Financial Jurisprudence: An Empirical Study of the Dow Jones Islamic Market Index

Neil A. Dial

Business Law
Commercial Real Estate
Litigation

Neil is an experienced litigation attorney and head of Eisenhower Carlson’s litigation practice group. He focuses his practice on complex commercial and real estate litigation. Neil has handled numerous matters in both state and federal court, as well as private arbitrations, on a variety of issues, including partnership disputes, consumer protection and lender liability claims, contract disputes, trade secret protection, and intellectual property disputes. Neil also works on a variety of matters involving real estate and other transactions and landlord-tenant issues. Neil was named Neil Armstrong Dial because he was born on July 20, 1969, at the exact minute of the moon landing, making him the namesake of astronaut Neil Armstrong. Neil has been featured in local, national, and world-wide news as a result.

J.D., University of Washington School of Law, 1999
B.A., Brigham Young University, 1996 State Court of Washington
U.S. District Court for the Western and Eastern Districts of Washington
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
U.S. Supreme Court

Pierce County Bar Association

King County Bar Association

Board Member for Bend Biomedical

Volunteer Coach of Gig Harbor Grizzlies Wrestling Club

Ryan A. Johnson

Commercial Real Estate
Industrial
Lending
Manufacturing
Technology
Banking & Finance
Business Law
Commercial and Corporate Transactions
Corporate Governance & Formation
Intellectual Property
State & Local Tax

Ryan advises clients in business and estate planning matters, with a focus on corporate organization and governance, drafting wills and trusts, commercial lending, probate and trust administration, mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions, securities, and intellectual property.

JD, Seattle University; MBA, Seattle University
BA Business Administration, Washington State University Washington

Ben A. Johnsrud

Business Law
Litigation

Ben is a lifelong resident of Pierce County, Washington. As a second-generation attorney, the practice of law has always been a fundamental part of his life. His practice focuses on advising and representing businesses and individuals in a wide range of civil matters.

J.D., Gonzaga University School of Law, 2024
B.A., Gonzaga University, 2021 State of Washington

Washington State Bar Association
Pierce County Bar Association

Evan W. Marques

Banking & Finance
Business Law
Commercial and Corporate Transactions
Mergers & Acquisitions
Nonprofit Business Law

Evan Marques is a partner in Eisenhower Carlson’s transactional group. He is an experienced attorney offering guidance in transactional matters, with a primary emphasis on lending matters, mergers and acquisitions, commercial transactions, corporate formation and governance, and real estate transactions. Concentrating in a comprehensive range of business-focused services, Evan excels in advising clients in all stages of transactions and his proficiency lies in combining legal acumen with a practical approach, ensuring that clients receive strategic counsel tailored to their unique needs. With a keen understanding of the intricacies of the business landscape, Evan Marques is a trusted advisor, dedicated to driving the success for his clients through sound legal solutions.

Gonzaga University, BA 2005, Cum Laude
Gonzaga University School of Law, JD 2008, Summa Cum Laude Washington
Oregon
Idaho

Thomas J. Parkes

Banking & Finance
Business Law
Commercial and Corporate Transactions
Commercial Real Estate

T.J. has more than 30 years of experience and focuses his practice on commercial real estate development, investment, and debt and equity financing. He has worked on a broad range of commercial real estate matters, including entitlement, development, acquisitions and dispositions, leasing, organizational and financial structuring, and joint ventures with high net worth and institutional investment partners. Prior to his legal career, T.J. was a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy and served onboard the USS Puffer (SSN-652) through 3 years of operational deployments.

J.D., Seattle University School of Law (cum laude), 1997
B.S., Pennsylvania State University, 1990 South Carolina
Washington

South Carolina Bar Association
Washington State Bar Association
American Bar Association, Taxation and Real Property

Eisenhower Carlson PLLC (Tacoma, WA), 2018-Present
Foster Pepper PLLC (Seattle, WA), 2000 – 2018
Gordon, Thomas, Honeywell, Malanca, Peterson & Daheim (Tacoma, WA), 1997 – 2000
Central Puget Sound Growth Management Hearings Board (Seattle, WA), Legal Intern,
1996
U.S. Navy, USS Puffer (SSN-652), Submarine Warfare Qualified, 1990 – 1994

Planning Association of Washington, Board Member, 1998-2000
Washington Department of Commerce, Editor and Lecturer for Short Course on Local
Planning, 1998-2000
Representative to Washington State Building Code Technical Advisory Group on the
Endangered Species Act, 2001-2002

Seattle University School of Law, Adjunct Professor, Basic Real Estate and Advanced Real
Estate Courses, 2004 – 2014
Tacoma Farmers Market, Board Member, 2012 – 2015

Carl R. Peterson

Banking
Banking & Finance
Business Law
Commercial and Corporate Transactions
Mergers & Acquisitions

Mr. Peterson’s practice focuses on representing businesses and individuals in real estate and transactional matters, including negotiating, reviewing and drafting purchase and sale agreements (stock and asset), earnest money agreements, leases and credit agreements. He also represents lenders in complex commercial lending matters and workout arrangements. Mr. Peterson is knowledgeable in matters concerning the Uniform Commercial Code, especially sales and secured transactions, and in matters related to corporate formation and governance.

JD, Cornell University
University of Washington (Business) Washington

Washington State Bar Association

American Bar Association

David B. Petrich

Business Law
Estate Planning & Estate Tax Planning

Estate planning, probate and trust administration, and guardianships. Mr. Petrich also focuses on representing entities and individuals in general business transactional matters, including entity formation, and the purchase and sale of businesses.

BS, Loyola University
JD, SUNY Buffalo School of Law
Masters in Taxation, Golden Gate University Washington

Michael J. Royse

Commercial Real Estate
Industrial
Manufacturing
Multifamily
Office
Retail
Warehouse
Banking & Finance
Business Law
Commercial and Corporate Transactions
Commercial Real Estate
Mergers & Acquisitions

Michael is an accomplished attorney specializing in commercial real estate and corporate law. He collaborates closely with clients across various industries, guiding them through the complexities of real estate transactions, development, secured lending, and related corporate needs.

In the realm of commercial real estate, Michael serves as a trusted advisor, offering comprehensive guidance on all aspects of real estate projects. He partners with clients of all sizes, adeptly handling real property acquisitions and dispositions, conducting thorough due diligence and feasibility assessments, analyzing construction contracts, drafting and negotiating commercial leases, and structuring financing arrangements.

Beyond his real estate focus, Michael has cultivated a corporate practice where he advises clients at each stage of the life cycle of a company. He assists with entity formation, reviews and drafts governing documents, offers guidance on operational matters, and facilitates corporate actions such as sales, mergers, and dispositions.

J.D., cum laude, Seattle University School of Law, 2014
B.S., Business Administration, University of Oregon, 2009 Washington
Utah
Idaho

Economic Development Commission – City of Maple Valley

Ann Sim

Business Law
Commercial and Corporate Transactions
Commercial Real Estate
Mergers & Acquisitions

Ann Sim is an associate attorney focusing on commercial real estate transactions and development. In the real estate and land use sector, Ann assists clients with property acquisitions and dispositions, leasing, organizational structuring, and financing arrangements, among other matters. Additionally, she supports a wide range of clients with business and transactional matters, including, entity formation, mergers and acquisitions, lending, and corporate governance.

J.D., commencement honors, Gonzaga University School of Law.
B.A., cum laude, University of Washington, Seattle.

Hayden J. Taylor

Business Law
Employee Benefits - ERISA
Estate Planning & Estate Tax Planning

Hayden’s practice focuses on estate planning for individuals and families, as well as various retirement planning and general business matters. Hayden enjoys designing and implementing thoughtful and tax-efficient estate plans, to facilitate the successful transition of assets to family and friends, charity, or otherwise. With a degree in mechanical engineering, Hayden offers a valuable blend of legal and technical acumen. In his personal time, Hayden can likely be found boating or traveling with his family and cheering on his hometown sports teams.

J.D., University of Washington School of Law
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Southern California Washington

South Sound Planned Giving Council

Tacoma Estate Planning Council

Foss Waterway Seaport – Board Member/Secretary

Charles Wright Academy – Committee Member

Our business law practice group is committed to providing strategic legal counsel and innovative solutions to businesses of all sizes, from startups to multinational corporations. With a focus on understanding our clients’ unique objectives and industry dynamics, our team of experienced attorneys offers comprehensive services across a broad spectrum of business law matters.

Services Offered

Entity Formation and Structuring:We advise entrepreneurs and business owners on the selection and formation of appropriate business entities, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and joint ventures. We assist clients in structuring entities to optimize tax efficiency, limit liability exposure, and facilitate growth and scalability.

Corporate Governance:We provide guidance on corporate governance matters, including board composition, director duties, shareholder rights, and regulatory compliance. Our attorneys help clients establish effective governance structures and internal controls to promote transparency, accountability, and legal compliance within their organizations.

Contracts and Commercial Agreements:Our team drafts, reviews, and negotiates a wide range of commercial contracts and agreements, including purchase and sale agreements, distribution agreements, licensing agreements, employment contracts, and confidentiality agreements. We ensure that our clients' contracts are tailored to their specific needs and objectives while minimizing legal risks and disputes.

Mergers and Acquisitions:We represent buyers, sellers, investors, and target companies in mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and other strategic transactions. Our attorneys provide comprehensive legal support throughout the transaction lifecycle, including due diligence, negotiation, documentation, regulatory compliance, and post-closing integration.

Intellectual Property Protection:We assist clients in protecting their intellectual property rights through trademark registration, copyright protection, and trade secret agreements. Our attorneys help businesses develop strategies to safeguard their valuable intellectual assets and enforce their rights against infringement or misappropriation.

Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution:In the event of disputes or litigation, our attorneys provide aggressive advocacy and strategic representation in commercial litigation matters, including breach of contract claims, business torts, shareholder disputes, and regulatory enforcement actions. We strive to achieve favorable outcomes for our clients through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation, as appropriate.

Industry Experience

Our attorneys have extensive experience serving clients across a wide range of industries, including technology, healthcare, manufacturing, finance, real estate, retail, and professional services. Whether advising startups on formation and securities regulatory matters or representing established corporations in complex transactions, we leverage our industry knowledge and legal expertise to deliver tailored solutions that address our clients’ unique business needs.

Client-Centric Approach

At Eisenhower Carlson, we prioritize building long-term relationships with our clients based on trust, collaboration, and results. Our business law group takes a proactive and client-centric approach, working closely with clients to understand their goals, challenges, and risk tolerance, and providing practical legal advice and strategic guidance to help them achieve their business objectives.