Summit Adds Four New Partners

Seth J Berntsen, Litigation, Labor/Employment

Mr. Berntsen represents employers in employment litigation concerning wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour issues, non-competition, and other employment matters. He also has deep expertise with advice and litigation over noncompetition agreements and trade secrets. Mr. Berntsen previously represented commercial clients in contract, tort, product liability, real estate, and personal injury litigation. He has represented educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and other employers in defense of claims brought by former and current employees. A member of the Washington Bar, Mr. Berntsen holds degrees from The University of Washington and the University of California, Davis School of Law, where he was senior articles editor of the UC Davis Law Review. When not practicing law, he is a volunteer and board member of the Downtown Seattle YMCA.

Diana Siri Breaux, Litigation

Ms. Breaux is a seasoned litigator working with individuals and corporate clients in disputes related to commercial agreements and intellectual property. She has successfully represented clients in cases involving a broad range of subject matters, including license and contract disputes, business torts, anti-counterfeiting and anti-piracy actions, patent and trademark litigation, and securities litigation. Ms. Breaux also works closely with clients in drafting and negotiating commercial agreements to minimize litigation risk. Her active and diverse pro bono practice encompasses volunteer engagements representing asylum candidates in Immigration Court and before the Board of Immigration Appeals, and representing prisoners seeking post-conviction relief. Ms. Breaux graduated magna cum laude from Barnard College, Columbia University, and Fordham University School of Law. 

David H. Smith, Litigation

Mr. Smith practices in the areas of complex civil litigation and criminal defense, with a special focus on healthcare and environmental/workplace safety. As part of his practice, he conducts internal investigations on behalf of his clients and represents companies and individuals on a broad array of criminal matters ranging from investigation through trial by jury. He also defends companies, their owners, and management in parallel civil litigation arising from allegations of misconduct. The recipient of many awards and accolades, he serves on the white-collar crime committees of the American Bar Association and the Defense Research Institute, and was co-chair of the Federal Bar Association’s Western District of Washington Criminal Law Section. Mr. Smith graduated from Pacific Lutheran University (cum laude) and UCLA School of Law.

Hathaway Burden, Litigation, Labor/Employment

Ms. Burden specializes in commercial and employment litigation. Before joining Summit Law, she clerked for Justice Mary Yu of the Washington State Supreme Court. In law school at the University of Washington, she was a member of the Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot Team, earned the CALI Excellence for the Future Award® for litigation, and served as a senior editor for the Washington International Law Journal. She graduated from the UW with honors and earned her undergraduate degree (magna cum laude) from Hamilton College.