News

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

July 27, 2011

Van Ness Feldman, a leading U.S. law and policy firm focused on energy, environmental, natural resources, health care, and infrastructure issues, is pleased to welcome Steven T. Seward to the Seattle office as a Member of the firm. 

The addition of Mr. Seward enhances the firm’s strategic business advisory and corporate practice in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.  In the last two years the firm’s work has included advising on the $175 million sale of one of the largest fishing vessels in the Pacific fleet, as well as advising the acquirers of several Washington State renewable energy generating projects valued at over $700 million.

Much of Mr. Seward’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.  In addition, Mr. Seward provides a wide range of commercial counseling and transactional services to businesses including a leading national waste management firm, real estate developers in Seattle and several startup companies in the wireless communications and internet sectors.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Seward was a founding partner of Wickwire, Greene, Crosby, Brewer & Seward, a firm that later merged with Heller Ehrman in Seattle.  In addition to his legal experience, he also brings an extensive public service background to the firm, having served as the Idaho State Budget Director and on numerous Washington State commissions including, Chair of the Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Governor’s Capital Forum, the Governor’s Committee on Washington’s Financial Future, and Chair of the Washington State Intangibles Taxation Committee.  Mr. Seward also serves on the board of the Independent Colleges of Washington and the national board of the Student Conservation Association and previously was a commissioner for the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Mr. Seward holds a B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin, and received a J.D., cum laude, from Harvard Law School and an LL.M. (taxation) from the University of Washington. 

Rick Agnew, head of Van Ness Feldman’s Seattle office, commented, “We are extraordinarily pleased and proud that Steve has joined Van Ness Feldman.  Steve has a wealth of legal knowledge and business acumen that our clients will appreciate and value.”

Mr. Seward can be reached at 206.829.1820 or via email at sts@vnf.com.

With 90 professionals in Washington, D.C. and Seattle, WA, Van Ness Feldman focuses on law and policy relating to:  Electricity; Energy Efficiency and Smart Grid; Environment; Climate Change; Renewable Energy, Cleantech, and Biofuels; Coal and CCS; Natural Gas; Nuclear Energy; Hydropower; Water Infrastructure Development; Indian Law; Oil & Products Pipelines; Public Lands & Natural Resources; Health Care; and Transportation.

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