Inspiring confidence in a word of uncertainty.
Keith graduated with honors from Northwestern University School of Law before clerking for the Honorable Sue E. Myerscough in the United States District Court, Central District of Illinois. After leaving Judge Myerscough’s chambers, Keith is proud to have spent his entire career practicing law alongside the brilliant attorneys and great people of Davis Rothwell Earle & Xochihua PC.
At DREX, Keith specializes in navigating the minefield that is Insurance Coverage/Claims-Handling/Bad Faith Law in Washington. Keith serves as coverage counsel for insurers throughout the country, large and small, across all lines of coverage. He advises on policy interpretation and claims-handling issues, monitors ongoing claims, from ROR defense files to environmental clean-up, and litigates insurance law issues in courts across the state, whether prosecuting declaratory actions or defending against allegations of breach of contract or bad faith. Keith also serves as a regular consult and advocate for colleagues, clients, and insurers on insurance and risk transfer issues that arise in claim and litigation defense.
Keith also maintains a broad defense practice, defending a diverse clientele in complex and high exposure claims, including liquor liability, toxic tort, defamation, products liability, property, premises liability, and wrongful death, and perhaps most importantly, in unique and complex matters that do not fit neatly into any particular area of law. Keith also defends professionals against allegations of negligence or misconduct in all professional fields, including lawyers, real estate agents, mental health providers, civil engineers, and insurance agents.
Keith fosters a reputation for inspiring confidence and security for clients in the worlds of insurance and litigation, which are ripe with uncertainty, ardently advocating for clients, whether in motions practice, negotiation, trial, or in the Courts of Appeal. “One of the first things I always tell a new client is that this process is going to be uncomfortable and inconvenient, but I am going to make it as comfortable and convenient an uncomfortable and inconvenient experience as possible.”
Most of all, Keith takes great pride in his work as the primary manager of DREX’s Seattle office and a leader in associate training and development, growing future generations of attorneys, to not only excel in the field, but also develop a balanced life and practice that can sustain success and satisfaction over a legal career. Keith mentors young attorneys handling litigation matters in all fields of law, through resolution, arbitration, or trial. He also chairs DREX’s Associate Training Program.
After the laptop screen is finally pushed down, Keith enjoys spending time with his wife, Kelly, and their two beautiful little boys, Charlie and Dylan, whether exploring new worlds or appreciating the comfort and familiarity of the local parks in Queen Anne.
- Illinois State Bar Association
- Washington State Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Washington Defense Trial Lawyers
- Defense Research Institute
- Obtained nominal settlement in defense of landlord against $100,000+ claim of damages by former tenants alleging mold issues.
- Obtained complete dismissal of disciplinary grievances filed against attorney by opposing parties to prior litigation and settlement.
- Successfully argued before Division I COA and successfully opposed Petition to Supreme Court, resulting in affirmation of summary judgment dismissal and fees and sanction award in defamation claim filed against attorney.
- Obtained 12(c) dismissal on the pleadings in W.D. Wash. of litigation filed against attorney by opposing party in prior litigation.
- Obtained summary judgment and fee award in King County of claim by former tenants against apartment complex owner related to fire.
- Secured settlement without any contribution from insurance agent client accused of negligence by former insured in the face of pending summary judgment motion.
- Obtained summary judgment dismissal and fee award, and affirmation from Division I COA, on behalf of HOA sued by homeowner disputing common property allocations.
- Secured settlement during jury deliberation for 50% of pre-trial demand in admitted liability auto accident jury trial case.
- Obtained $200,000 settlement for dram shop client facing $2,000,000 demand from party injured by minimally-insured drunk driver.
- Successfully immunized numerous clients from liability, including landlords, contractors, and retail stores, via successful defense and indemnity tenders.
- Obtained dismissal of CPA and FDCPA claims upon motion for reconsideration of summary judgment for attorney serving as trustee in property default
- Obtained summary judgment dismissal in King County for manufacturer client under borrowed servant doctrine related to worksite injury later settled for well over $1,000,000.
- Washington Appellate Court Says Bad Faith Law Truly Applies to “All Persons” Involved in Insurance – May 10, 2018
- The Forgotten Duties of Bad Faith Beyond IFCA – Washington Bad Faith Claims Under Common Law and the CPA – July 27, 2017
- Unreasonable Denial of Coverage or Benefits Required for IFCA Acceptance – February 15, 2017
- The Three “I”ngredients to Staying “Reasonable” Under IFCA – December 19, 2016
- Earned verdict for client successfully defending against ejectment action, allowing continued use of historical septic easement.
- More than halved trespass damages trial verdict for client via post-trial motion practice on evidentiary and legal grounds.
- Earned full dismissal with attorney's fees and stautory damages award for Church facing claims of defamation and discrimination.
- Obtained nominal settlement for developer facing expansive claims of tortious interference and defamation.
- Super Lawyers Rising Star 2023
- Marquis Who’s Who
