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Donna L. Barnett

Profile photo for Donna L. Barnett
Profile photo for Donna L. Barnett
Partner

Donna L. Barnett

  • Bellevue
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Donna is a trusted advocate, guided by a deep understanding of the rules and statutes affecting her energy, utility, and transportation clients' highly regulated businesses.

Donna Barnett appears regularly before the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission to secure approvals for her clients' regulated activities and to defend them in investigations and enforcement actions. She concentrates on helping energy and utility clients obtain approvals in cost proceedings, property transactions, and mergers. She also counsels companies in other industries such as transportation, telecommunications, and solid waste. Donna is a strong litigator and frequently appears in state court to address allegations related to breaches of contract, lease disputes, the Washington Public Records Act, and administrative appeals.

With more than 30 years of experience in regulated industries, Donna has developed strong relationships with regulators, opposing counsel, and industry leaders. These relationships are helpful as Donna seeks to secure regulatory approvals and demonstrate compliance with complex regulatory obligations.

Education & Credentials

Education

  • University of California, Davis, B.S., Resource Sciences, 1993
  • Willamette University College of Law, J.D., 2005

Bar and Court Admissions

  • Washington
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington

Related Employment

  • Washington State Attorney General’s Office, Public Counsel Section, Seattle, WA, Law Clerk, 2004    
  • Public Utility Commission of Oregon, Administrative Hearings Division, Salem, OR, Law Clerk, 2003-2005  
  • Chelan County Public Utility District No. 1, Wenatchee, WA, Environmental Coordinator, 1997-2002  
  • Environmental Consultants Inc. (consultant to Pacific Gas & Electric Company) Davis, CA, Senior Consulting Utility Arborist, 1994-1997

Professional Recognition

  • Listed in Chambers USA “America’s Leading Lawyers” for Energy & Natural Resources, 2023-2024

  • Listed in Washington Law & Politics, "Washington Rising Star," 2013-2015

Impact

Professional Leadership

  • King County Bar Association Judicial Candidate Evaluation Committee, Member, 2018-present
  • Energy Bar Association, 2010-present
  • American Bar Association, 2005-present
  • Washington State Bar Association, Litigation Section, 2005-present
  • King County Bar Association, 2005-present
  • East King County Bar Association, 2005-present

Community Involvement

  • Pacific Northwest Ballet, Board of Governors, 2016-present
  • Bellevue Arts Museum, Board of Trustees, Board Operations Committee Chair, 2009-2016
  • ArtsFund, Associate, 2008-2010
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