in and out of the courtroom

Firm News:Rebecca Boatright Joins Baker Sterchi in Seattle

FEB 5, 2026

Rebecca Boatright Joins Baker Sterchi in Seattle

Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice is pleased to announce that Rebecca "Becca" Boatright has joined the firm's Seattle office as senior counsel.

Results:Defense Win Obtained in Multi-Car Rear End Accident

FEB 5, 2026

Defense Win Obtained in Multi-Car Rear End Accident

On Jan. 16, 2026, after a four-day jury trial in Pierce County Superior Court, Washington, Baker Sterchi attorneys obtained a significant defense win on behalf of an individual client.

Healthcare Law Blog:U.S. Supreme Court Limits Application of Healthcare Affidavit of Merit Requirements in Federal Court

FEB 3, 2026

U.S. Supreme Court Limits Application of Healthcare Affidavit of Merit Requirements in Federal Court

In Berk v. Choy, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that a state court healthcare affidavit of merit requirement is procedural and cannot be enforced in federal court when it conflicts with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The decision impacts healthcare litigation strategy nationwide while re-affirming the legitimacy of early suit-screening policies.

Results:Defense Victory in Delayed Diagnosis Medical Malpractice Case

FEB 2, 2026

Defense Victory in Delayed Diagnosis Medical Malpractice Case

On January 23, 2026, Baker Sterchi's Wisconsin litigation team secured a complete defense victory in a medical malpractice action pending in Jackson County, Wisconsin, alleging a delayed cancer diagnosis against a primary care provider and her clinic.

Results:Defense Win Secured on Behalf of Benton County, WA

JAN 29, 2026

Defense Win Secured on Behalf of Benton County, WA

On Dec. 5, 2025, following a four-week trial in Walla Walla County Superior Court, attorneys with the Law Office of Andy Cooley and Baker Sterchi secured a defense verdict on behalf of Benton County, Washington.

Drug / Device Law Blog:Weight Loss Wonders, Legal Woes: The Price of GLP-1 Popularity

JAN 28, 2026

Weight Loss Wonders, Legal Woes: The Price of GLP-1 Popularity

Explores GLP-1 drugs' surging use, alleged risks and defenses in emerging product-liability suits centralized in MDL-3094, and compounding disputes, with attention on pivotal discovery, Daubert rulings, and bellwethers shaping outcomes ahead.

Speaking Engagements:Phil Sumner to Serve as Panelist During CLM Webinar on Time-Limited Demands

JAN 27, 2026

Phil Sumner to Serve as Panelist During CLM Webinar on Time-Limited Demands

Baker Sterchi Member Phil Sumner will serve as a panelist during the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance (CLM) webinar "Assessing Reform Efforts on Time-Limited Demands" on Jan. 29.

Results:Summary Judgment Secured for Municipality in COVID-19 Case

JAN 26, 2026

Summary Judgment Secured for Municipality in COVID-19 Case

Baker Sterchi secured summary judgment, with prejudice, for a municipality in a Title VII action filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.

Speaking Engagements:Heather Shore to Present on AI in Construction Estimating

JAN 23, 2026

Heather Shore to Present on AI in Construction Estimating

On Feb. 5, Baker Sterchi Member Heather Shore will present "Construction Estimating and Project Management in the World of AI" at the KC Construction Estimating Academy being held in Olathe, Kansas.

Employment & Labor Law Blog:Seventh Circuit test for issuance of notice to prospective ADEA/FLSA collective plaintiffs balances employee and employer interests, offering employers a chance at pre-notice rebuttal evidence

JAN 22, 2026

Seventh Circuit test for issuance of notice to prospective ADEA/FLSA collective plaintiffs balances employee and employer interests, offering employers a chance at pre-notice rebuttal evidence

The Seventh Circuit held that in ADEA lawsuits, before the court may permit "opt-in" notice to a class of prospective plaintiff employees, plaintiffs must furnish evidence that prospective class members are "similarly situated" in that they were victims of a common illegal employment practice or policy, and defendants must have the opportunity to rebut that showing.