SEATTLE, Jan. 5, 2023 – Foster Garvey today announces the elevation of five attorneys to Principal: Associates Joshua Bloomgarden, Justice Brooks, Devra Cohen, Alyssa Melter and Of Counsel Kinnon Williams. Representing three of the firm’s five U.S. office locations and a cross-section of practice areas, the promotions were effective January 1.
“Our new Principals couldn’t be more deserving given their proven commitments to clients, as well as investments in their communities, high-impact pro bono activity and the furtherance of our profession,” said Foster Garvey Co-Chair V. Rafael Stone. “2023 is shaping up to be a year of continued change, and we are confident that this group will be critical in helping clients navigate the evolving business environment.”
Joshua A. Bloomgarden (New York) is focused on business and intellectual property transactions issues across a range of industries, including sports and entertainment, food and beverage, fashion and apparel, media and technology. He has unique experience representing individuals, including athletes, brands, entertainers, creators and businesses of all sizes on either side of various deals. Bloomgarden has also provided pro bono services as a legal fellow with Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts and serves on the Advisory Board of the Filmmakers Legal Clinic (formerly the Indie Film Clinic) at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. He earned his J.D. (cum laude) from the Benjamin Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University (2013) and his B.A. (with Distinction in his Major and Honors in the Liberal Arts) from University of Wisconsin-Madison (2010).
Justice J. Brooks, I (Portland) handles litigation involving business, commercial, real estate and employment issues, as well as insolvency and bankruptcy. Heavily involved in the greater Portland legal community, J. Brooks is active on the Multnomah County Bar Association (currently Events Committee and CLE Committee Chair from 2019 – 2022) and the Oregon State Bar’s Litigation Section Executive Committee (2019 – present). He is also actively engaged in mentoring and related career development programs with his alma mater. J. Brooks earned his J.D. (magna cum laude) from University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s William H. Bowen School of Law (2014); his M.B.A. from Alaska Pacific University (2008); and his B.A. from University of Alaska Anchorage (2006).
Devra R. Cohen (Seattle) is a member of Foster Garvey's Litigation team, representing clients in environmental litigation and business disputes and complex commercial matters, at the trial court and appellate levels. She has experience before all levels of federal and state courts, including the Pollution Control Hearings Board, superior and district court, all three divisions of the Washington Court of Appeals, the Washington Supreme Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Cohen has an active pro bono practice and recently represented United States Veterans before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Prior to joining the firm, she was a judicial law clerk for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit and for the Washington State Supreme Court. Cohen is the Treasurer of and Washington State Bar Association’s representative to the Civic Learning Council. Cohen earned her J.D. (Order of the Coif) from the University of Washington School of Law (2015) and her B.A. (Phi Beta Kappa) from the University of Wisconsin (2010).
Alyssa A. Melter (Seattle) focuses on the resolution of labor issues for both public and private sector employers. Advising in all aspects of the collective bargaining process, from working with bargaining teams to drafting proposals and contract language to serving as chief spokesperson during negotiations, and preparing for interest arbitration, she is also involved in working proactively with employers to preserve their labor relationships, addressing potential issues. Additionally, Melter has experience in grievance arbitrations and settlement negotiations, unfair labor practice proceedings and related appeals. Prior to joining the firm, she was a judicial law clerk for the Washington State Supreme Court. She earned her J.D. (summa cum laude) from Gonzaga University School of Law (2013) and her B.A. from University of Hawaii (2007).
Kinnon W. Williams (Seattle) focuses on assisting public entities and private property owners in eminent domain and municipal law matters, handling negotiations and litigation, including successfully arguing cases before the Washington State Supreme Court. He provides special legal counsel to local governments and is the co-author of the 2010 Washington State Bar Association Real Property Deskbook Chapter on eminent domain and will release the updated chapter in 2023. Heavily involved in the region’s legal community, Williams is a board member of the Washington State Bar Foundation and has served in a variety of roles on the King County Bar Association. He holds a J.D. from the University of Oregon School of Law (1986) and a B.A. from University of Washington (1982).
Foster Garvey PC, a preeminent law firm with offices on both coasts, offers an extended national and international reach to serve many influential and innovative companies, government entities, and individuals across a full spectrum of legal services. The firm's attorneys are consistently recognized for their deep industry knowledge and superior client service by prominent legal industry publications including Best Lawyers in America©, Chambers USA and U.S. News-Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms.” In addition to providing efficient and effective counsel, Foster Garvey upholds a strong commitment to community service, pro bono representation, diversity and inclusion efforts, and a collegial and equitable work environment. Seattle, Portland, Washington, D.C., New York and Spokane. www.foster.com
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