Stewart M. Landefeld

Stewart M. Landefeld: Leading Corporate Governance and M&A Attorney in Seattle

Stewart M. Landefeld is a highly respected and experienced attorney specializing in corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and complex financial transactions. With 30 years of dedicated service, he provides strategic legal counsel to companies and boards of directors across a diverse range of industries, including technology, retail, sports, and financial services. Mr. Landefeld’s deep understanding of regulatory compliance, public offerings, and private equity investments, combined with his unique experience navigating high-stakes situations like the FDIC seizure of Washington Mutual Bank, makes him a uniquely valuable resource for clients seeking to navigate complex legal challenges.

Mr. Landefeld’s career is distinguished by a commitment to proactive legal strategies and a client-focused approach. He has advised dozens of leading companies, including Microsoft Corporation, Costco Wholesale Corporation, T-Mobile, PetSmart Inc., Orbitz (Audit Committee), Aircastle (Independent Directors), F5 Networks, Intermec Inc., Outerwall Inc., Cardiac Science Corporation, The Seattle Mariners, The Tacoma Rainiers (Baseball Club of Tacoma, LLC) and The Seattle SuperSonics among others, demonstrating his breadth of experience and ability to consistently deliver exceptional results.

Notably, Mr. Landefeld’s tenure as interim Chief Legal Officer, interim Chief Compliance Officer, and Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Washington Mutual Inc. provided invaluable insights into the operational and regulatory considerations surrounding financial institutions facing extraordinary circumstances. This experience significantly informs his approach to advising clients across a broad spectrum of legal needs.

Mr. Landefeld is a sought-after speaker and author, evidenced by his role as the Editor-in-Chief and co-author of “The Public Company Handbook: A Corporate Governance and Disclosure Guide for Directors and Executives” (Third Edition), published by Bowne. He was recently honored with the Burton Foundation’s 2009 Distinguished Law Firm Award for his co-authored article, “Cost Effective Improvements in Governance: Enhancing Communications Among Board Committees,” published by the Corporate Governance Advisor. His involvement in director training programs, including the founding and faculty membership of the Seattle University Directors Training Academy, underscores his dedication to fostering best practices in corporate governance.

Recognized consistently as one of “America’s Leading Business Lawyers” by Chambers USA (since 2005), Mr. Landefeld is also a frequent recipient of accolades such as “Washington’s Super Lawyers” (Washington Law & Politics) and inclusion in prestigious listings including Lawdragon 500’s “Leading Lawyers in America” and Who’s Who Legal USA – Corporate Governance. His unwavering commitment to excellence has solidified his reputation as a trusted legal advisor and a leader in the field.

• Corporate Governance Law
• Corporate Law
• Mergers and Acquisitions Law
• Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law
• Securities / Capital Markets Law
• Securities Regulation

Awards & Recognition: Mr. Landefeld’s achievements are consistently recognized, including: Lawyer of the Year: Corporate Governance Law, Seattle (2025); Lawyer of the Year: Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Seattle (2025); Lawyer of the Year: Corporate Law, Seattle (2019); Lawyer of the Year: Corporate Governance Law, Seattle (2016); Lawyer of the Year: Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Seattle (2015); Lawyer of the Year: Corporate Law, Seattle (2011). He is also consistently recognized as “America’s Leading Business Lawyers” by Chambers USA (2005-present), “Washington’s Super Lawyers” (2003-present), and is listed in Who’s Who Legal USA – Corporate Governance (2006-2010). He has received the Burton Award for Legal Achievement (2009).

Education & Credentials: Stewart M. Landefeld is a highly accomplished attorney with a proven track record of success. His legal expertise encompasses a comprehensive understanding of corporate law, securities regulations, and complex transactions. He is a dedicated professional committed to providing his clients with strategic guidance and effective legal solutions.

• Bar Admissions: Washington State

Special Focus Areas: Mr. Landefeld’s expertise extends to a wide range of specialized areas, including Financial Services Regulation Law, Banking, Closely-Held Businesses, Corporate Compliance, Corporate Finance, Corporate Governance, Family Businesses, General Corporate, Leveraged Buyouts, Mergers & Acquisitions, Private Funds, Publicly-Held Companies, Securities, and Sports. His work includes significant involvement in transactions affecting Sports and increasingly, closely-held businesses.

Recognition: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 1993, as “America’s Leading Business Lawyers” by Chambers USA (2005-present), and recognized repeatedly as “Washington’s Super Lawyers” by Washington Law & Politics.