Jacob P. Freeman

Jacob P. Freeman is an experienced litigator recognized for his client-centric advocacy and comprehensive legal analysis. He effectively represents both plaintiffs and defendants in various high-stakes cases in federal and state courts and arbitral proceedings. Skilled in evaluating the intricacies of litigation, he often resolves disputes without formal proceedings, but is fully prepared for court when needed, handling cases from pre-complaint demands to trials and appeals. His diverse caseload includes disputes involving intellectual property, restrictive covenants, business acquisitions, and commercial leases.

Jacob started his career at Sullivan & Cromwell in New York where he focused on securities fraud and government investigations, and he later worked at Davis & Gilbert in New York, handling litigation for marketing and communications firms. He clerked for the Honorable Sandra Lynch of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit after graduating magna cum laude from Harvard Law School, where he was an editor for the Harvard Law Review. Jacob’s background highlights his ability to navigate complex legal scenarios.

Jacob is a native of Western Washington, and thus grew up in a pair of hiking boots. In his free time, Jacob still enjoys camping and hiking, as well as bird watching.

Education

  • J.D., magna cum laude, Harvard Law School
  • B.A., summa cum laude, Pacific Lutheran University

Areas Of Practice

Experienced, forward-thinking advocates who go beyond the expected for clients in dispute prevention and resolution.

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Representative Matters

  • Residential Mortgage Backed Securities Litigation for Barclays Capital Inc.  Defended global investment bank and related entities in lawsuits and investigations concerning alleged securities law violations, breach of contract, and fraud; developed key arguments regarding securities, fraud, statutes of limitations/repose, personal jurisdiction, and standing; obtained favorable settlement.
  • The Beanstalk Group, LLC v. London Luxury LLC.  Prosecuted breach of contract and related claims on behalf of licensor to obtain improperly calculated and withheld royalty payments; obtained favorable settlement during discovery.
  • Vioni v. Providence Investment Management LLC & Russell Jeffrey.  Defended hedge fund manager and its principal against quantum meruit claim for damages brought by “finder”; dramatically reduced possible damages before trial, then obtained directed verdict for defendants after federal jury trial, and defended judgment on appeal.
  • 55 Washington Street LLC & Brooklake Associates LLC v. Clear Channel Outdoor Inc.  Defended outdoor advertising company against claims brought by building owner alleging improper lease terminations for billboards that ran afoul of city regulations; obtained favorable settlement while case was on appeal from summary judgment.
  • BP 399 Park Avenue LLC v. Pret A Manger (USA) Limited & Pret 399 Park, Inc.  Defended owner of international chain of sandwich shops against commercial landlord’s claims asserting chain subsidiary’s breach of lease and seeking to pierce the corporate veil to recover damages from the chain’s owner; obtained favorable summary judgment; case favorably settled after appellate ruling substantially upholding summary judgment.
  • 47 Degrees, LLC v. FINN Partners, Inc.  Represented tenant against subtenant in dispute over unpaid rent and whether client unreasonably withheld consent to a sub-sublease of premises.  Obtained favorable settlement at mediation before potentially costly depositions and expert discovery.
  • Funko, LLC v. Manchanda.  Defended independent blogger against claims of misappropriation of trade secrets based on his posting “leaks” he received from third parties regarding upcoming unannounced product releases.  Obtained favorable settlement during discovery.
  • Hendrickson v. Twin Apartments, LLC.  Represented, pro bono, former tenant who, with his family, was illegally evicted from his apartment during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Obtained favorable settlement during discovery.
  • Anderson v. Gibraltar.  Defended former owner of assisted living facility against wrongful death claim by survivors of deceased resident who died of COVID-19 at the beginning of the pandemic.  Helped obtain full dismissal of claims against former owner and obtain full coverage of his legal costs from insurer.
  • Kennewick Public Hospital District v. The University of Puget Sound.  Represented university in adversary proceeding in bankruptcy in dispute over enforceability of client’s settlement agreement with bankrupt municipal entity.  Obtained favorable settlement after cross motions for summary judgment.

Awards and Honors

  • Washington Rising Stars, 2020-2022

PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

  • Member, Federal Bar Association of the Western District of Washington
  • Member, Washington State Bar Association

Admissions

  • Washington
  • New York
  • United States Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
  • United States District Court, Western District of Washington
  • United States Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Washington
  • United States Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Washington
  • United States District Court, Southern District of New York
  • United States District Court, Eastern District of New York