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Geoffrey M. GrindelandP: (206) 812-7451 Assistant: Christine Stanley Geoff Grindeland’s practice is focused on civil litigation, with special emphasis on aviation matters, insurance coverage, and representation of municipalities and police officers. Geoff is a former Navy pilot who managed safety, flight training, and aircraft maintenance programs prior to attending law school. He particularly enjoys cases that involve scientific, engineering, or other technical issues. |
Practice Areas
Education
- United States Naval Academy, B.S., with merit, 1990
- Pi Sigma Alpha (National Political Science Honor Society)
- Naval Postgraduate School, Diploma, 1995
- Five-week Aviation Safety Officer’s Course
- Naval Flight Training, Designated Naval Aviator, 1993
- Commodore’s List with Distinction
- University of Virginia, J.D., 2004
- Executive Editor, Virginia Journal of Social Policy and the Law
- Dillard Fellow
- Dean’s Scholarship
Admitted to Practice
- Washington
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
- U.S. Supreme Court
Representative Work
POLICE LIABILITY/CIVIL RIGHTS - Represented county at a 7-day jury inquest into death of suspect shot by three sheriff’s deputies after the suspect charged at one of them with a machete.
- Represented city at a 3-day jury inquest into death of suspect armed with a 12-inch knife who was shot by two police officers after he took hostages at a convenience store.
- Represented county and its sheriff’s department at a 2-day jury inquest into death of bank robber shot by deputies when he drew a fake gun from his waistband.
- Represented city and its police department at a 4-day jury inquest into death of domestic violence suspect shot by patrol officer after the suspect charged officer with a utility knife.
- Represented county and its sheriff’s department at a 3-day jury inquest into death of domestic violence suspect shot by patrol officer after the suspect, who was believed to be armed with a knife, advanced on the officer.
- Represented county and its sheriff’s department at a 3-day jury inquest into death of barricaded suspect shot by SWAT sniper after suspect pointed scoped rifle in direction of police helicopter.
- Represented county and its jail staff at a 1-day jury inquest into death of inmate due to chronic medical conditions.
- Represented county and its jail staff at a 3-day jury inquest into death of inmate due to chronic medical conditions.
- On basis of qualified immunity, obtained summary judgment dismissal of all claims against police officers in a civil rights action alleging unlawful arrest and excessive force.
- On basis of statute of limitations, obtained summary judgment dismissal of all claims against police officers in a civil rights action alleging excessive force.
- Defended two deputy sheriffs in federal civil rights action arising out of use of Tasers during an arrest.
- Defended three deputy sheriffs in state court action alleging that detention of bystander was unlawful arrest, involved excessive force, and inflicted emotional distress.
- Defended police officer in federal civil rights action alleging unlawful arrest, excessive force, and failure to supervise other officers.
AVIATION ACCIDENTS - Obtained dismissal of all claims against helicopter medical transportation service in wrongful death action.
- Defended commuter airline and its pilot in wrongful death action arising out of midair collision.
- Defended commercial helicopter operator in personal injury case arising out of logging accident.
- Obtained dismissal of all claims against builder of experimental airplane in personal injury action brought by a pilot who crashed the airplane.
- Defended major air carriers in litigation involving in-flight medical emergencies, mechanical malfunctions, unruly passengers, boarding accidents, and discrimination claims.
PRODUCTS LIABILITY - Defended aircraft carburetor manufacturer in action arising out of fatal crash of airplane.
- Obtained summary judgment dismissal of all claims against traffic signal installer in automobile accident litigation.
- Defended airplane manufacturer in product liability action related to design of air stair door.
- Defended airplane electrical system manufacturer in product liability litigation arising out of fire on commercial airliner.
CONSTRUCTION SITE ACCIDENTS - Obtained summary judgment dismissal of wrongful death action against owner/lessor of mobile crane that was involved in fatal accident.
- Obtained summary judgment dismissal of all claims against project owner by worker allegedly injured while working around tunnel boring machine.
- Obtained summary judgment dismissal of all claims against project owner by worker who sustained chemical burns while working with wet concrete.
BUSINESS DISPUTES - Successfully represented commercial landlord pursuing eviction and unpaid rent in unlawful detainer trial.
- Successfully represented aviation client in litigation to recover commissions owed on sales of aircraft repair services.
Professional and Community Activities
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES - King County Bar Association (Aviation Section, Chair, 2007; Vice-Chair, 2006; Treasurer, 2005)
- Washington State Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Defense Research Institute
- Washington Defense Trial Lawyers
- Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES - Helpline House (Board Member, 2010-present; Treasurer, 2011; Vice President, 2012-present)
- United Way of Kitsap County (Board Member, 2010)
- Kitsap County Community Development Corp. (Board Member, 2005-2009; Secretary, 2006-2009)
Recent Publications and Speaking Engagements
- QUALIFIED IMMUNITY: THE BASICS AND THE NEW METHODOLOGY
Lorman “Police Liability” Seminar, Author and Presenter, 2011 - THE RIGHTS OF ONLOOKERS—WHEN DOES OBSERVING POLICE ACTION BECOME OBSTRUCTION?
Lorman “Police Liability in Washington,” Author and Presenter, 2009 - AVIATION CASE LAW UPDATE
Pacific Northwest Aviation Law and Insurance Seminar, Co-Author and Presenter, 2004
Recognition
- Rising Star, SuperLawyers.com, 2009-2011. Read the accompanying article, “Flight Path”, about Geoff’s career.
Background and Interests
MILITARY SERVICE - Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, 1990-2001
- Naval Aviator. Flew the MH-53E Sea Dragon with HM-15, and the UH-3H Sea King and UC-12B Huron (Beech King Air) with Naval Air Station Whidbey Island
CIVILIAN FLIGHT RATINGS - Airline Transport Pilot (Airplane)
- Commercial/Instrument Pilot (Helicopter)
MILITARY FLIGHT DESIGNATIONS - Aircraft Commander (3 aircraft)
- Crew Resource Management Instructor (3 aircraft)
- Pilot Evaluator/Instructor Pilot (3 aircraft)
- Post-Maintenance Check Pilot (2 aircraft).