Fennemore
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Duncan E. Manville

Director

Seattle

P: 206.749.0500

F: 206.749.0600

dmanville@fennemorelaw.com
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Overview

Duncan E. Manville

Duncan Manville is a creative, solution-oriented advisor and litigator. Dedicated to client-centered representation, he helps entities (both private and public) and individuals avoid disputes, and, when necessary, resolve them through negotiation, mediation, arbitration and litigation. He consistently achieves excellent results for his clients through a mix of pragmatic counseling and strong advocacy.

Duncan understands that every case presents unique issues and challenges, and that legal disputes – whether embryonic or active – don’t lend themselves to cookie-cutter solutions. In each case, he works closely with his client to develop a clear picture of the background giving rise to the conflict, to clarify business objectives and strategic options, and to develop and efficiently implement a case plan aimed at accomplishing his client’s goals.

Duncan has deep experience in a wide range of litigation matters. He has helped clients resolve disputes valued at a few thousand dollars, and has successfully represented large corporate clients in multi-million-dollar bet-the-company litigation. He handles breach-of-contract, employment, intellectual-property, real-estate and securities cases, lawsuits involving a variety of tort claims, and other commercial disputes. He regularly serves as local counsel for out-of-state clients litigating cases in Washington. He also represents government entities in employment cases, landslide and land-use litigation, and other complex disputes that defy categorization. He is well-versed in all phases of trial and appellate work, and has argued multiple cases before the Washington State Supreme Court.

Over the years, Duncan has been a cooperating attorney with the ACLU, and has represented the Fremont Sunday Market and many other clients pro bono. He has been active in the Federal Bar Association of the Western District of Washington, and is a Past President of the Board of Directors of On the Boards, a contemporary performing arts organization. He graduated cum laude from the University of Chicago Law School.

When not in the office, Duncan spends as much time as he can with his wife (also a lawyer) and their two lovely daughters. His other interests include cycling, hiking, and taking many, many photos, some of which are in focus.

Education

  • J.D., University of Chicago Law School, cum laude
  • A.B., Princeton University

Areas Of Practice

Business Litigation

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

Employment & Labor

Our attorneys practicing in the employment and labor relations area advise and defend management in virtually all aspects of the employment relationship.

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Cannabis Business

Guiding You Through the Establishment & Growth of Your Cannabis Business

REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS

  • Sound Mind & Body, Inc. v. City of Seattle, et al.  Defended operators of Fremont Sunday Market against lawsuit alleging that market was injuring adjacent business; obtained dismissal of all claims on summary judgment, and appellate order affirming dismissal.
  • Lane v. Port of Seattle, et al.  Defended King County in class action alleging that acquisition of rail corridor for use in trail system exceeded governmental authority; obtained dismissal of all claims on summary judgment.
  • Bradburn v. North Central Regional Library District.  Constitutional free speech challenge to library district’s Internet filtering policy; argued case before Washington Supreme Court.
  • Simmons v. State of Washington and Simmons v. Arnold-Williams, et al.  Represented State of Washington and several individual defendants in state and federal lawsuits alleging race discrimination; obtained dismissal of all claims on summary judgment.
  • Eagle Harbor Holdings LLC, et al. v. Ford Motor Company.  Served as local counsel in defending against $250M patent-infringement lawsuit relating to automobile collision-avoidance and infotainment systems; litigation ended in defense verdict.
  • Gamble v. City of Seattle, et al.  Defended City of Seattle against discrimination and failure-to-accommodate claims; obtained dismissal of some claims on summary judgment, and defense verdict on remaining claims after three-week jury trial.
  • Public Utility District No. 1 of Snohomish County v. City of Everett.  Defended City of Everett against claims for negligence, inverse condemnation, trespass and nuisance arising out of flooding that allegedly resulted from backup of combined sewer and stormwater system during severe thunderstorm; obtained settlement for fraction of damages claimed.
  • Plausible Products, LLC v. Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.  Represented cannabis retailer in appeal challenging WSLCB’s issuance of administrative violation notices related to advertising signage; obtained order holding that statutes at issue unconstitutionally burdened commercial speech, and granting relief from agency action.
  • GunUp, Inc. v. Media Lodge, Inc.  Represented firearms media and marketing company in lawsuit against entity that had acquired client’s subsidiary in exchange for cash and stock, and against certain officers of defendant entity; obtained summary judgment on liability under Washington State Securities Act and merger agreement, and $2.5 million judgment after bench trial.
  • Coalview Centralia, LLC v. TransAlta Centralia Mining LLC.  Represented owner and operator of coal-fired power plant in $16 million dispute with contractor hired to dredge and reprocess waste coal slurry; obtained favorable settlement.
  • Himmelman v. City of Everett.  Defended City of Everett against homeowner claims for inverse condemnation and negligence arising from landslide; after protracted litigation, plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed all claims with prejudice.
  • A and R Solar SPC v. American States Ins. Co.  Represented solar installer in bad-faith action against insurance carrier; obtained favorable settlement.
  • Kulinovsky v. City of Everett and Credible Commodities, LLC.  Represented cannabis retailer in competitor’s LUPA appeal challenging City of Everett’s approval of client’s application to establish marijuana retail use; obtained dismissal of appeal.
  • Wallace/Scott Bellevue II, LLC v. City of Bellevue.  Defended City of Bellevue against lawsuit seeking declaratory judgment and injunction that would have allowed developer to encroach on City-owned sidewalk and utility easement; obtained dismissal of claims on summary judgment.

Awards and Honors

  • Best Lawyers in America, 2018-2025
  • Washington Super Lawyers Top 100 List, 2015 and 2024
  • Washington Super Lawyers, 2008-2024
  • Washington Rising Stars, 2002-2008
  • 4.9 AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell
  • 10.0 Rating on Avvo.com

Articles and Presentations

PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

  • Former member and Past President, Board of Directors, On the Boards
  • Former Cooperating Attorney, American Civil Liberties Union of Washington
  • Member, Federal Bar Association of the Western District of Washington
  • Member, Washington State Bar Association

Admissions

  • Washington
  • United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
  • United States District Court, Western District of Washington
  • United States District Court, Eastern District of Washington