William Symmes

About William Symmes

Employers, businesses, and their managers need a voice in what has become a highly regulated marketplace. Over the past few decades the law has expanded, creating ever greater risks of liability and the expense of litigation. This has increased the cost of business and perhaps more importantly, it has increased uncertainty, which also drives costs. My practice focuses on quantifying and managing that risk for regional business located in the Washington and North Idaho region. Able lawyers proactively strategize on how to prevent, plan, and train for minimizing the risk of litigation for commercial entities and key managers, officers, and directors. Preventing corporate and management liability upfront is the goal, but having the skill and knowledge to defend and defeat claims for liability in court, when need be, is a must. I represent business in various commercial matters and in litigation concerning labor and employment, director and officer liability (D&O), construction, contracts, banking and real estate. My experience has taken me to various state and federal trial and appellate courts defending business in an array of employment and business related cases. In connection with many of these matters, I have gained particular experience and knowledge in discrimination, leave, accommodation, wage & hour, retaliation, and breach of fiduciary duty disputes. I also have gained significant experience in drafting, reviewing and litigating executive contracts, covenants not to compete, confidentiality, non-disclosure, non-use agreements and other restrictive covenants. I use this litigation experience to train clients on how to preempt, manage, and minimize the risk of costly disputes and litigation.

Experience

1. Partner

   Hawley Troxell

   Jan 2023 — Present · Spokane, WA, US

Education

• Southern Methodist University

  Doctor of Law (J.D.), Law, cum laude

  1991 — 1994

• Lewis and Clark High School

  Diploma

  1981 — 1985

• Yale University

  Bachelor's degree, Economics and Political Science

  1985 — 1989