“Our maritime industry continues to play a central role in Washington’s diverse, strong economy,” said Gov. Jay Inslee. “Working waterfronts are sources of technological innovation and resilience, supporting good jobs and new business opportunities from the Pacific and Puget Sound coastlines to the Columbia River and beyond.”
The Washington State Maritime Sector Economic Impact Study shows in detail how the maritime industry plays a significant role in Washington State. Anacortes, a major hub for the state’s maritime industry, provides jobs, contributes to the region and the state’s economy, as well as providing new innovation and business opportunities.
The marine trades are an important part of the economy, history, and the culture of Anacortes. And the diversity and complexity of the marine trades in this area is a good match for the Anacortes branch of the law firm of LeGros, Buchanan & Paul specializing in Maritime Law.
David Bratz serves as Managing Director. David and his wife Leona Bratz, also an attorney with the firm, had family connections in Anacortes dating back 25 years, and when opportunity arose in 2015 to move to and practice in Anacortes they jumped. They were long attracted to the Anacortes lifestyle, its vibrant and diverse community, and wondrous environment. That same year they opened the Anacortes office of LeGros, Buchanan & Paul. Attorney Merrilee Harrell and paralegal Darlene Klister, both of Anacortes, joined the firm in 2016. The office is located in the Anacortes Marina building at 2415 T Ave, Ste. 208.
For over 125 years LeGros, Buchanan & Paul has been providing legal services in maritime law from its main office in Seattle. Instrumental in the success of their clients, they provide representation in maritime law, business and corporate law, employment law, civil litigation and insurance defense. Vessel owners, businesses, employers, and insurers are an integral part of who they are and their success. The Anacortes Marine Trades and this region will benefit from the expertise and long history of these attorneys who have dedicated their careers to the marine industry.
LeGros, Buchanan & Paul has joined the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce, the Anacortes Marine Trades Group, and Fidalgo Island Rotary, as part of their commitment to building a solid local foundation and long-term relationships, dedicating resources and time to the community in which they live and work.
“We’re excited to be here,” David said. “We thought it would a great place to augment and develop our maritime business and maybe put a little footprint here and be a part of the community.”
As Governor Inslee said, “Working waterfronts are sources of technological innovation and resilience, supporting good jobs and new business opportunities.” David Bratz and LeGros, Buchanan & Paul recognized that Anacortes is a working marine trades town and they want to be a part of it.
Throughout its 125 year history the firm has provided services in the areas of admiralty, maritime and transportation law, and litigation, including personal injury defense, Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, State workers’ compensation law (Washington and Alaska), tug and tow, collision, damage to fixed structures, fire, spill response, control and cleanup, environmental and third party claims, pilotage, Customs, Coast Guard, EPA and other governmental proceedings, wreck removal, vessel purchase and sale transactions and documentation; maritime liens, vessel mortgage transactions, charter party disputes, marine insurance coverage questions, and maritime products liability.
DAVID BRATZ represents vessel owners and maritime employers in all aspects of maritime litigation and in U.S. Coast Guard casualty hearings. He also represents maritime and non-maritime employers in employment disputes in state and federal courts and in various administrative agencies, such as the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Washington Human Rights Commission. David regularly consults with employers in risk management and employment practices, and frequently conducts anti-harassment and human resources training for management and supervisory personnel of the firm’s employer clients.
David has been with LeGros Buchanan & Paul since 1991 and currently serves as the firm’s managing director. Throughout his career David has developed a reputation in the marine industry for handling difficult cases, and has represented vessel owners in many high profile casualty claims. He frequently speaks to employer and maritime groups on risk management and employment law issues, and at CLEs as well.
David lives and runs the firm’s office in Anacortes, Washington. He graduated Western Washington University in 1982 (magna cum laude) as the Outstanding Graduate in Philosophy, and is a graduate of the University of Washington School of Law (J.D. 1985 with Honors), where he was a member and published author on the Law Review.
David is admitted to practice in the state courts of Washington (1985) and Alaska (2005), and is also admitted to the bars of the U.S. Supreme Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. District Courts for Alaska and the Western District of Washington.
