Neukom Bill

In the dynamic and influential legal landscape of Washington State, few names resonate with the global impact and local significance of William H. "Bill" Neukom. While not operating a traditional local "lawyer's office" in the everyday sense for walk-in consultations, understanding Bill Neukom's extensive career and ongoing contributions provides invaluable insight into the highest echelons of legal practice and advocacy that originate right here in Seattle. His influence extends from the foundational legal strategies of one of the world's largest technology companies to leading international initiatives promoting the rule of law.

Bill Neukom is a retired partner from the Seattle office of the international law firm K&L Gates, where he also served as chairman. Prior to that, he was the lead lawyer for Microsoft Corporation for nearly 25 years, overseeing its legal, government affairs, and philanthropic activities. His career highlights include leading Microsoft's efforts in intellectual property rights, defending against antitrust claims, and even serving as the CEO of the San Francisco Giants baseball team. Beyond his corporate and firm leadership, Neukom is the visionary founder and Chief Executive Officer of the World Justice Project (WJP), an independent, multidisciplinary organization dedicated to advancing the rule of law worldwide. His work through the WJP directly impacts global standards of justice, which in turn underpins stable societies and economic development everywhere, including right here in Washington. For locals, understanding his legacy means appreciating the profound contributions a Seattle-based legal mind can make on both a local and international scale.

William H. Neukom's professional affiliation, particularly as a retired partner, is with the Seattle office of K&L Gates, located at 925 4th Ave #2900, Seattle, WA 98104, USA. This address places him within a prominent building in Seattle's vibrant downtown core, a hub for legal and business activity.

The 925 4th Avenue location boasts excellent accessibility for those in the greater Washington region. The area is exceptionally well-served by Seattle's comprehensive public transportation network. Numerous King County Metro bus routes have stops in the immediate vicinity, providing convenient access from various neighborhoods and suburban communities. For individuals utilizing the Link Light Rail system, the University Street Station and Pioneer Square Station are within comfortable walking distance, offering direct and efficient transit options for commuters from diverse parts of the city and surrounding areas, including those traveling from Sea-Tac Airport.

For clients or visitors who prefer to drive, the central downtown location means that a variety of parking garages and lots are available in the surrounding blocks. While urban parking always benefits from advance planning, options are generally plentiful within a short walk of the building. Furthermore, the building's strategic placement offers straightforward access from major roadways, facilitating visits for individuals coming from other Washington cities or suburbs. This prime and well-connected location underscores the high-level legal resources that operate within Seattle's central business district.

While William H. Neukom is a retired partner from K&L Gates and his primary focus is now on the World Justice Project, his extensive career and past roles indicate a profound expertise in several high-level legal areas. For the purposes of understanding the scope of his influence and the types of legal matters he was involved in, his expertise generally covers:

• Corporate and Commercial Law: Having served as the lead lawyer for Microsoft for nearly 25 years, he possesses unparalleled experience in managing the legal affairs of a global corporation, including commercial transactions, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance.
• Intellectual Property (IP) Litigation: During his tenure at Microsoft, he was instrumental in leading efforts to establish, distribute, and protect intellectual property rights, including high-profile cases such as the seven-year legal dispute with Apple over intellectual-property rights.
• Antitrust Defense: He led Microsoft's defense against significant antitrust claims brought by the United States, the European Union, and various other countries, demonstrating expertise in complex regulatory litigation.
• International and Domestic Arbitration: As listed in legal directories like Justia, his expertise includes arbitration, both international and domestic, suggesting a deep understanding of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms for complex commercial and international disagreements.
• Rule of Law Advocacy and Promotion: Through the World Justice Project, he actively engages in advancing the rule of law globally, which involves research, advocacy, and practical programs aimed at strengthening legal systems, combating corruption, and ensuring access to justice. While not direct client representation in this capacity, this work fundamentally shapes legal principles.
• Legal Ethics and Governance: His roles as President of the American Bar Association and chairman of a major international law firm, combined with his work on corporate boards, indicate a strong command of legal ethics, governance, and the broader legal profession.

It is important for locals to understand that while Mr. Neukom's phone number is provided, it typically connects to his office at K&L Gates, where he is a retired partner. His current activities are largely focused on his extensive philanthropic and rule of law initiatives rather than direct client intake for new cases. However, his legacy and ongoing influence shape the legal landscape.

William H. Neukom's career and current endeavors are marked by extraordinary achievements and significant contributions, making him a unique and highly respected figure in the legal world originating from Washington State. Here are some of his key features and highlights:

• Global Legal Influence: As the founder and CEO of the World Justice Project, he is at the forefront of advancing the rule of law worldwide, impacting justice, human rights, and economic development on a global scale.
• Decades of Corporate Legal Leadership: Served as the lead lawyer for Microsoft Corporation for nearly 25 years, managing its extensive legal, government affairs, and philanthropic activities during a period of immense growth and complex legal challenges.
• Leadership in the Legal Profession: Held the prestigious position of President of the American Bar Association (2007-2008) and received the ABA Medal, demonstrating his standing as a leader in the national legal community.
• Distinguished Academic Affiliations: He is a lecturer at Stanford Law School, where he teaches a seminar on the rule of law, and serves on advisory boards for institutions like the University of Washington's Population Health Initiative and Stanford Law School's Dean's Council.
• Philanthropic Commitment: Co-founded the Neukom Family Foundation, which supports non-profit organizations in vital areas such as education, the environment, health, human services, and justice, showcasing his dedication to societal betterment.
• Broad Expertise: His background encompasses a diverse range of legal fields, from complex intellectual property and antitrust litigation to international arbitration, reflecting a comprehensive understanding of law.
• Leadership Beyond Law: His experience as CEO of the San Francisco Giants baseball team (2008-2011) highlights his multifaceted leadership capabilities beyond traditional legal practice.
• Retired Partner Status at K&L Gates: His continued association with a prominent international law firm underscores his esteemed professional standing and the enduring impact of his legal career.

William H. Neukom is a legal luminary whose current focus is on global advocacy through the World Justice Project and his philanthropic endeavors, rather than actively engaging in new client intake for a private legal practice that would offer "promotions" in a commercial sense. His services and contributions are on a systemic and policy level.

Therefore, typical "promotions" or "special offers" like free consultations for new cases or contingency fee arrangements are not applicable to his current primary roles. His value to the legal community and to the public lies in his:

• Global Impact and Thought Leadership: His work through the World Justice Project provides invaluable data, research, and advocacy that ultimately contributes to stronger legal systems worldwide, benefiting all citizens by promoting justice, equity, and opportunity.
• Legacy of Excellence: His career path exemplifies the highest standards of legal professionalism and strategic thinking, offering a benchmark of quality and ethical practice.
• Philanthropic Support for Justice Initiatives: Through the Neukom Family Foundation, he supports organizations working to improve legal access and justice, which indirectly benefits communities, including those in Washington.

For individuals or organizations in Washington seeking to engage with the principles and work championed by William H. Neukom, the best approach would be to explore the resources and initiatives of the World Justice Project or to learn more about the Neukom Family Foundation's philanthropic efforts. Direct legal representation for new cases is not his current focus.

For those in Washington interested in learning more about William H. Neukom's professional affiliations and the foundational aspects of his legal career in Seattle, his office is associated with:

• Address: 925 4th Ave #2900, Seattle, WA 98104, USA (This is the address for K&L Gates, where he is a retired partner)
• Phone: (206) 623-7580
• Mobile Phone: +1 206-623-7580

It is important to note that these contact details are primarily for the K&L Gates Seattle office. For inquiries related to the World Justice Project or his philanthropic activities, it would be more appropriate to visit the World Justice Project website or inquire through relevant foundation contacts. Direct legal consultation for new cases is not the primary purpose of these contact details given his retired partner status and current focus.

For locals in Washington, understanding the immense contributions and global impact of William H. Neukom, whose professional roots are firmly planted in Seattle, offers a unique perspective on the power of legal expertise and dedication. While not a conventional local practice for everyday legal needs, his legacy and ongoing work profoundly shape the principles of justice that affect everyone. His decades as Microsoft's lead lawyer, his leadership of the American Bar Association, and particularly his founding of the World Justice Project, demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the rule of law. This commitment ultimately fosters more just, equitable, and stable societies, benefits that trickle down to communities in Washington and beyond.

The fact that a legal mind of his caliber operates from Seattle's central business district underscores the city's position as a hub for significant legal and ethical thought. For any Washingtonian interested in the foundational principles of law, corporate governance, or global justice initiatives, Bill Neukom serves as an inspiring example of how legal acumen from our local community can profoundly influence the world. While you may not retain him for a personal case, his very presence and enduring work elevate the standard of legal discourse and advocacy that Seattle is part of.