Early in his career, Don became a part of legal history when he served as counsel at the trial and appellate levels in the famous “snail darter” case (Tennessee Valley Authority v. Hill, 437 U.S. 153 [1978]), litigated under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The litigation resulted in a successful review by the U.S. Supreme Court. In addition to practicing law in Chicago and the Pacific Northwest, Don has also taught law and served in senior administrative positions at the University of Puget Sound, University of Michigan, and University of Tennessee law schools.
Since joining GTH in 1982, Don’s practice has focused on telecommunications, energy, and other utility law, state and municipal law, and business litigation, including complex litigation. He serves as General Counsel to public utilities and consortiums of public utilities engaged in telecommunication and energy, including rural area broadband projects and renewable energy.
Since 1982
Current
Gordon Thomas Honeywell LLP
1978 - 1982
University of Puget Sound School of Law
1979 - 1981
University of Puget Sound School of Law
Acting Dean, 1980; Associate Dean, 1979 and 1981
1976 - 1978
University of Michigan Law School
1974 - 1976
University of Tennessee College of Law
1972 - 1974
Private Business
1970 - 1972
Jenner & Block, Chicago
1970
J.D. | Law
Honors: cum laude; Order of the Coif; Law Review
1967
B.A. | Psychology
Honors: Phi Beta Kappa; Omicron Delta Kappa
Super Lawyers
Best Lawyers in America
Martindale Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating
City of Mercer Island
Utilities
Business Contracts, Business Dissolution, Business Finance, Business Formation, Business Litigation, Franchising, Mergers & Acquisitions, Partnership & Shareholder Disputes