Steven T. Seward

Much of Steve’s work involves representation of Alaska Native Corporations in business transactions, natural resource development and implementation of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.  He is especially interested in developing and sustaining viable energy supplies and economic opportunities in rural Alaska.

Steve's experience includes leading mergers & acquisitions and other organic business transactions in well over a hundred matters throughout the United States and internationally, with a focus on the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.  He also has extensive experience counseling businesses in a wide range of industries including natural resources, broadcasting, food processing, construction, technology, manufacturing and professional services.

Steve’s diverse practice emphasizes acquisitions and dispositions and the many tax, finance, and related issues associated with the purchase or sale of a business.  His counseling practice encompasses the numerous financial, legal, and regulatory issues often encountered by startup companies.  In addition, Steve advises operating entities on strategic planning, succession, and similar business life-cycle considerations.

Prior to joining the firm, Steve was a solo practitioner with a national practice. He also was a partner with Wickwire Greene Crosby Brewer & Seward, a firm he co-founded, and with the Seattle office of Heller Ehrman. Previously, he was the Senior Assistant to Governor John V. Evans (D-ID) and State Budget Director of the State of Idaho.

Representative Matters

Business Ventures and Formation

• Forming, growing and ultimately selling a television and radio conglomerate with assets on both coasts.
• Representing an internet radio streaming company from formation through sale of business.
• Managing acquisitions for a national engineering firm and the ultimate sale of that business. 
• Creating a joint venture with U.S. and Russian partners for an oil field services business on Sakhalin Island, Russia.
• Forming a joint venture between two former competitors for the primary concession at one of the nation’s premier national parks.
• Representing a wireless communications infrastructure company from formation through the sale of the business.

Business Counseling, Finance and Negotiations

• Recently representing investors in an international telecommunications company, a large natural gas storage project, and condominium projects in Eastern Europe.
• Negotiating financing and leasing for a major, mixed-use commercial project, and related refinancing in connection with the economic downturn. 
• Resolving a dispute with a foreign government in Central Asia over rights to an oil field.
•  Negotiating a large master lease for a major office building and managing subsequent subleasing activities.
• Engaging in strategic and succession planning activities for businesses ranging from small family owned enterprises to multi-billion dollar conglomerates.
• Negotiating the leases, unit agreements, exploration agreements, and related matters in connection with oil & gas and coal projects in some of the largest fields in North America.
• Settling a tax valuation dispute with the IRS involving hundreds of millions of dollars.
• Negotiating dozens of waste management franchises with large municipal governments.

Government Service

Senior Assistant,  Governor John V. Evans (D-ID), 1977-1981

State Budget Director, State of Idaho, 1981-1983

Professional and Civic Affiliations

• Board of Directors, Student Conservation Association, 2009-Present
• Member, Board of Directors, Independent Colleges of Washington, 2004-2010, 2011-Present
• Adjunct Professor, University of Washington School of Law, Graduate Tax Program, 2004, 2005
• Chair, Condominium Act Study Committee, 2004-2005
• Member, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, 2001-2006
• Chair, Washington State Intangibles Taxation Committee, 1995-1996
• Chair, Washington State Higher Education Coordinating Board, 1991-1993
• Chair, Washington State High Technology Study Committee, 1992-1993
• Chair, Washington State Software Taxation Committee, 1990-1991
• Member, Washington Governor's Capital Forum, 1990
• Member, Governor's Committee on Washington's Financial Future, 1987-1988

Honors & Distinctions

• Super Lawyers; 2002-2011
• Boyd Martin Award for outstanding service benefiting Idaho cities.
• Martindale Hubbell AV Rated

News

• Van Ness Feldman Expands Corporate, Transactional, and Finance Capabilities in the Pacific Northwest