Courtney represents a broad array of clients, including large corporations and utilities, on environmental and real estate matters. She has particular experience in environmental cleanup and remediation issues under the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and Washington state’s Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA). She works closely and collaboratively with clients, consultants, and regulators to negotiate and implement value-added, practical solutions to real-world challenges.

Courtney’s numerous environmental projects have included enforcement and remediation actions, claims for natural resource damages, and business and real estate transactions involving contaminated sites and other environmental constraints. As businesses look toward reuse of potentially contaminated properties— particularly in urban, industrial and other highly developed areas— Courtney delivers effective guidance that helps clients navigate local, state and federal compliance processes.

Courtney regularly advises clients on a variety of real estate issues with a focus on eminent domain, title disputes, and boundary, easement, access, adverse possession and prescriptive easement claims.  Among other matters, she has worked on large-scale energy projects, including power-generation and transmission facilities, for major power producers and users across the Pacific Northwest.

• King County Bar Association

• UC Davis School of Law
  JD, 2004)
  UC Davis Law Review, Managing Editor
• University of Washington
  BA, 1999

• Washington

• KIND Washington, Advisory Committee

• The Best Lawyers in America® for Environmental and Real Estate Law (2022)
• Washington Super Lawyers, Super Lawyer (2017–2021), Rising Star (2009–2010, 2014–2016)

Courtney L. Seim

• “Puget Sound Energy Easements,” CLE (November 2020)
• “Tenant Beware: Discussion of Often Litigated Lease Provisions, Contamination, and How to Protect Yourself,” CLE (May 2014)
• “Changes to the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment–EPA Adopts ASTM E1527-13,” Co-Author (January 23, 2014)
• “Selling or Buying a Business with Environmental Issues,” WSBA Business Law Section Mid-Year CLE (May 13, 2011)
• “Working with Environmental Consultants: Best Practices for Preserving Attorney-Client Privilege and Work Product Protection,” Co-Author (March 23, 2010)
• “Attorney-Client Privilege and Ethical Issues for In-House Counsel,” CLE (November 2009)
• “Supreme Court’s Burlington Northern Decision Considers the Scope of Liability under CERCLA,” Co-Author, Washington State Bar Association Environmental & Land Use Law Newsletter, Vol. 36, No. 2 (August 2009)