SUCCESSFUL TRIAL LAWYER DEFENDING CLIENTS IN COURTROOMS ACROSS THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Mary Butler is a trusted litigator who defends clients against claims of negligence, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and catastrophic injury. She helps clients navigate litigation with efficiency, building trust throughout the process by effectively communicating at each step. Whether she is asked to defend a doctor in a medical malpractice case, a small fishing company against a seaman’s personal injury claim, or a university in a premises liability case, Mary uses her tenacity and empathy to develop a practical case strategy to protect her clients.
A method actor at heart, Mary believes that strong advocacy in the courtroom begins with a thorough understanding of her client’s business so she can communicate effectively to a judge and jury. Throughout her career, Mary has been fortunate to work with clients in the medical, maritime, construction, and logging industries, among others. She also helps lead the firm’s sports law practice – she has a passion for representing local sports teams and organizations managing a variety of risks.
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Prior to her work at Bullivant, Mary gained extensive experience in maritime and employment litigation at a well-respected maritime insurance defense firm. She continues to represent fisherman and companies in the industry, including the defense of seaman’s personal injury and wrongful death claims, wreck removals, cargo loss, and breach of contract claims. She also defends employers against employment-based harassment and discrimination disputes.
Her love of the law started early and solidified after college. She earned her degree in psychology and a minor in theater from Loyola University Chicago and then spent several years as a paralegal in the Windy City at two insurance defense and coverage firms. The attorneys that mentored her during those years fostered her love of the law and confirmed her decision to attend law school. She returned to the Pacific Northwest to attend Seattle University School of Law where she obtained her J.D., cum laude. While in law school, she was published in and served as Editor-in-Chief of the Seattle Journal for Social Justice, worked as a research assistant to Professor Mary Bowman, and traveled to South Africa to study at the Mandela Institute of the University of Witwatersrand Law School.
PRACTICE AREAS
ADMISSIONS
Bar Admissions
- Oregon, 2021
- Washington, 2012
Court Admissions
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
EDUCATION
- Seattle University, School of Law – J.D., cum laude, 2011
- Loyola University of Chicago – B.S. in Psychology, 2003
MEMBERSHIPS
- Puget Sound Marine Claims Association (President, Present)
- Marine Insurance Association of Seattle (Committee Member, 2015-2021, Member 2015-Present)
- Legal Voice (Violence Against Women Policy Workgroup, 2011-2016)
- Operation Nightwatch (Seattle Homeless Services Organization) (2012-2014)
PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
- Co-Author, “Abusive Litigation and Domestic Violence Survivors Chapter in the Domestic Violence Manual for Judges in Washington,” Washington State Gender and Justice Commission (2016)
- Speaker, “Ethics of Legal Marketing in Social Media” (July 2013)
- Author, “One More Battleground: Domestic Violence, Child Custody, and the Batterers’ Relentless Pursuit of their Victims Through the Courts,” 9 Seattle J. for Soc. Just. 1053 (2011)
CLIENT WINS
- Secured defense verdict as lead trial counsel defending a podiatrist in two-week medical malpractice trial involving an amputation.
- Secured summary judgment dismissal of product liability, CPA, negligence, breach of warranty, and fraud claims against an engineering company in a suit alleging $37 million in damages related to an allegedly faulty device used as part of a gas system in pulp and paper mills. Also obtained full award of attorneys’ fees and costs for client pursuant to Washington’s frivolous claims statute, RCW 4.84.185.
- Secured summary judgment dismissal of breach of contract and negligence claims on behalf of yacht dealership in a case involving total loss of boat after delivery.
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- Secured voluntary dismissal of claims against excavation subcontractor in construction defect case involving damage to newly constructed residence.
- Secured voluntary dismissal of claims against delivery and installation company in case involving damage following a water leak at customer’s residence.
- Secured voluntary dismissal of claims against property management company in a premises liability case involving claims of improper snow and ice remediation allegedly causing slip and fall accident.
OUTSIDE THE FIRM
Outside of the office, Mary and her husband can be found chasing after their two young boys, hiking, gardening, cooking, and most anything that gets them outdoors.