Beresford Booth PLLC

Regional

Seattle

Practice Areas

• Assisted Reproduction

  Dimitra S. Scott and Mark M. Demaray (Of Counsel) provide legal guidance for family formation, including adoption and assisted reproduction technology (ART). They work closely with individuals and families to address the legal aspects of building a family, offering thoughtful counsel and careful attention to the details of each matter. Dimitra and Mark approach every case with professionalism and compassion, recognizing that no two family-building journeys are the same.

• Banking and Finance Law

  For decades, Beresford Booth has represented local and regional banks through a comprehensive lending and creditors’ rights practice. The firm works closely with financial institutions on a wide range of commercial lending matters, from initial structuring through enforcement.

  Our attorneys draft and review complex credit documents, including loan agreements, credit applications, guaranties, security agreements, promissory notes, and deeds of trust. We also assist lenders with loan modifications, restructurings, and workouts, helping address changing financial circumstances while protecting lender interests.

  In addition, the firm handles judicial and non-judicial foreclosures, including the foreclosure of security interests in business property and ownership interests, as well as forfeitures of real estate contracts. Our practice is focused on providing practical, thorough legal support throughout the lending and recovery process.

• Divorce

  Divorce is often one of the most challenging and emotionally taxing experiences a person can face. Beresford Booth’s divorce and family law team assists clients throughout Washington, drawing on decades of legal practice to help individuals and families navigate this transition with clarity and care.

  Our firm assists with a wide range of family law matters, including divorce, child custody, third-party and nonparental custody, child and spousal support, division of complex assets such as businesses, parenting plan modifications, relocation matters, domestic violence and protection orders, child abuse and molestation cases, non-traditional family issues, adoption, and assisted reproductive technology matters.

  We recognize that divorce often brings significant emotional strain and uncertainty about the future. Our attorneys work closely with clients to address legal concerns, explain available options, and provide steady guidance throughout the process, helping clients move forward with greater confidence during a difficult time.

• Employment Law - Management

  Beresford Booth assists employers throughout the region with the day-to-day and long-term challenges of managing a workforce. Our employment law team works with management to identify legal risks, meet compliance obligations, develop practical workplace practices, prepare effective defenses, and protect management rights while complying with applicable employment laws.

  Each year, employers devote significant resources to defending claims brought by current and former employees. Proactive planning can reduce both cost and disruption. Maintaining lawful, current workplace policies and procedures—clearly communicated and applied in a fair and consistent manner—can help limit disputes and support effective operations.

  Beresford Booth attorneys work closely with clients to gain an understanding of their business operations and workplace culture. We assist with drafting policies and employee handbooks that reflect management objectives while addressing employee concerns. We also provide counseling and training for managers and supervisors on policy application, enforcement, and proper documentation.

• Estate Planning

  Protecting your family and planning for the future are among the most important steps you can take. Our estate planning and probate team offers practical, thoughtful guidance through both the planning and administration of estates. We work with individuals, families, and family-owned businesses across Washington on matters involving simple and complex estates.

  We also assist business owners with succession planning, helping them develop clear transition plans that address continuity, management, and long-term goals.

  When disputes arise, our estate planning and probate team works to resolve estate-related disagreements as efficiently as possible. If a matter cannot be resolved through negotiation, our litigators advocate for clients in court. Our estate litigation work includes claims involving alleged breaches of fiduciary duty, TEDRA proceedings, and other disputes among heirs and interested parties.

• Litigation

  Our litigation team represents individuals, families, and businesses of all sizes in a wide range of disputes in Washington and in courts across the United States. We focus on practical, cost-conscious representation aimed at resolving complex legal issues efficiently and strategically.

  Our litigation practice includes matters involving breach of contract, securities litigation, shareholder and partnership disputes, corporate and partnership dissolutions, business liquidations, and business torts. We also handle appellate matters and provide counsel throughout all stages of the litigation process.

• Mergers & Acquisitions

  We assist business clients at every stage of their lifecycle, beginning with corporate and LLC formation, operating agreements, and shareholder agreements. Our work includes a wide range of transactions, such as mergers and acquisitions, asset purchases, stock purchases, and technology licensing arrangements. As companies expand, we advise on related employment law and banking law matters to support ongoing operations.

  When disputes or other challenges arise, we represent clients in shareholder disputes and a broad range of corporate and commercial litigation. For businesses preparing for transition or closure, we also provide guidance on dissolution and winding up, helping clients navigate the legal considerations involved at the later stages of their ventures.

• Real Estate Law

  Real estate transactions and disputes call for careful legal guidance and an understanding of local laws and practices. At Beresford Booth, our real estate attorneys advise clients on a wide range of commercial and residential matters, representing property owners, developers, contractors, buyers, sellers, real estate agents, landlords, investors, and commercial tenants throughout Snohomish County, King County, Kitsap County, and across Washington State.

  Our work includes handling purchases and sales, leasing, development issues, contract drafting and negotiation, and resolving disputes through litigation or alternative means when appropriate. With a substantial history of completed transactions and courtroom experience in Washington courts, we help clients address legal challenges, manage risk, and move forward with confidence in their real estate decisions.

• Trade Secrets

  Beresford Booth attorneys assist employers with protecting confidential business information and addressing concerns related to unfair competition. In addition to working with clients to develop practical trade secret protection programs, our services include:

  • Drafting non-competition agreements, non-disclosure agreements, assignment of invention agreements, and similar documents;
  • Preparing executive and individual employment agreements;
  • Advising on electronic information retention and data security policies; and
  • Training managers on workplace policies involving confidential information, non-competition agreements, and related issues.

  These preventative measures are designed to help businesses be well prepared if disputes arise involving non-competition agreements, misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of fiduciary duty, employee raiding, or unfair trade practices.

• Wage-Hour Law

  Ongoing changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act and Washington State wage and hour laws, combined with an increase in multi-plaintiff and class action litigation, have made wage-hour compliance an important issue for employers. Beresford Booth attorneys advise clients on federal and state requirements involving independent contractor classification, eligibility for overtime and other premium pay, overtime calculations, recordkeeping duties, and the payment or withholding of vacation, personal, and sick leave.

  We assist employers with developing and administering workplace practices that align with wage-hour and paid time off laws. This includes drafting, reviewing, revising, and auditing wage and compensation policies; evaluating the classification of exempt, nonexempt, and independent contractor workers; structuring commissions, bonuses, incentive compensation, and other pay programs; and reviewing overtime pay practices.

  Our work also includes helping clients create job descriptions, assess payroll practices, and evaluate how disciplinary measures may affect wage-hour compliance. Through practical planning and risk management strategies, we help employers address compliance obligations while managing associated costs.

Offices & Contacts