

James Sanders
- Firmwide Co-Chair, Trade Secrets
- Seattle
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An experienced first-chair trial lawyer, in his 30 years with Perkins Coie, James has obtained dozens of defense verdicts, judgments, and arbitration awards for Perkins Coie client's.
James Sanders focuses on clients in high-stakes litigation, including lawsuits involving trade secrets, whistleblower claims, consumer protection issues, class actions, and employment-related disputes of all types. Clients interviewed for the Chambers USA described James as “fabulous,” “extremely efficient,” and “a naturally gifted trial lawyer.” He is frequently engaged to take over matters from other firms, often as the case approaches trial.
In his active counseling practice, James emphasizes companies in biotech, healthcare, and the technology sector. Working with clients across these and other industries, he regularly leads and counsels on executive negotiations, employee intellectual property disputes, and other complex employment issues.
Areas of focus
Education & Credentials
Education
- The University of Chicago Law School, J.D., 1994
- University of California, Berkeley, B.A., Rhetoric, with high distinction, Phi Beta Kappa, 1991
Bar and Court Admissions
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Washington
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington
Related Employment
- University of Washington School of Law, Adjunct Professor of Trial Advocacy
Clerkships
- Hon. William Shubb, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California
Professional Recognition
Recommended in Intellectual Asset Management Patent 1000, 2023; Trade Secrets, 2023
Ranked by Chambers USA as "America's Leading Lawyer" for Labor & Employment, 2022-2024
Listed in Best Lawyers in America: Employment Law - Management; Labor Law - Management; Litigation - Labor and Employment, 2015-2025
Listed in Super Lawyers Magazine, "Washington's Super Lawyers" 2007, 2011-2021
Recognized by King County Bar Association for pro bono work with the Lutheran Compass Center
Impact
Professional Leadership
- Leadership Tomorrow, Class of 2002-2003