• Natural Resource Damage Negotiation.  Representation of company in natural resource damage claim for the Thea Foss Waterway in Tacoma.  Successfully advocated for substantially lower natural resource damage allocation.  Matter is nearing completion and lodging of Consent Decree.


• CERCLA/RCRA Matters.  Representation of major chemical company at Eastern Michaud Flats Superfund site with complex issues related to CERCLA, RCRA, and Indian tribe jurisdiction.  Company’s property is located on fee land within the exterior boundaries of the Fort Hall Reservation of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes. 


• RCRA and Waste-Related Litigation.  Represented major chemical company in litigation before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals that resulted in vacated District Court order regarding third party beneficiary status of Indian tribe to enforce RCRA Consent Decree.  Currently involved with appellate litigation of Tribal ordinance regarding company’s waste activities, after successfully obtaining Tribal Court decision in favor of company and against Tribe.


• Federal Superfund Site.  Representing former owner of waterfront manufacturing site on the Portland Harbor Superfund site in natural resource damage and remedial action cost arbitration/mediation.


• Brownfields.  Representation of joint clients seeking redevelopment of Brownfield site in Seattle, Washington with historical dry cleaning operations and DNAPL solvent in soil and groundwater.


• Land Use.  Successfully obtained critical areas ordinance variance to accommodate accessory use of parcel with Class III wetlands.


• Contamination Litigation.  Defended contract-based recovery claim brought against a public company in which plaintiff sought lost rent and diminution of value (stigma) damages for contaminated site.  Plaintiff dropped claims after defense filed Motion for Summary Judgment.


• Clean Air Act.  Representation of several clients with issues related to NAAQS PM-10 compliance, redesignation of non-compliant airshed, and compliance with Washington State toxic and nuisance emissions requirements.  Served as local counsel for nine state agencies in Clean Air Act Consent Decree matter against St. Gobain Containers, Inc.


• Water Issues.  Representation of private sector clients on water banking, water rights, and Clean Water Act.


• Commercial Litigation and Arbitration.  Extensive litigation and arbitration experience, including three-phase AAA arbitration resulting in complete dismissal of $200 million damage claims.  Experience in international arbitration under International Chamber of Commerce Rules of Arbitration.  Successfully arbitrated and settled through mediation numerous commercial claims and enforced judgments through garnishment and other means. 


• Insurance Coverage.  Represented a Port in Washington State in insurance coverage litigation for historical environmental contamination.

Education: Smith College (B.A. 1995), University of Washington School of Law (J.D. 2000).

Admissions: Washington State Bar Association; King County Bar Association; American Bar Association. Admitted to practice in the Western District of Washington and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Other Experience: During law school, Maureen was Executive Articles Editor for the Pacific Rim Law & Policy Journal. Law Clerk for the Honorable H. Joseph Coleman at the Washington State Court of Appeals, Division One (2002-2004). Associate at Short Cressman & Burgess, PLLC (2000-2002). Before law school, Maureen worked as a legal assistant and translator at a major international law firm in Moscow, Russia.

Community Service: Maureen is currently a Board Member of the Crisis Clinic and Council House. Maureen has also volunteered for immigration clients who are domestic violence victims seeking legal status in United States and for low-income clients whose cars were impounded.