John Bender
Admitted in Washington
John is a partner at Corr Cronin. Named a perennial “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers, he focuses his practice on high-stakes commercial and complex litigation and investigations. John has represented public and private companies in cases involving exposure in the tens and hundreds of millions of dollars, and is a go-to attorney for both clients and colleagues.
John frequently handles matters involving securities, breach of contract, partnership and shareholder disputes, corporate governance, claims of fraud and embezzlement, trade secrets, intellectual property and disputed rights to technology, FinTech, blockchain, cryptocurrencies and other digital assets. He handles matters involving regulatory agencies including DFI, SEC, and state attorneys general. He has also handled matters involving a variety of complex torts and reputational harm.
John has significant experience in complex securities fraud litigation in state, federal, and bankruptcy courts, including representing official and ad hoc creditors’ committees in bankruptcy.
As an attorney with significant experience at the intersection of cryptocurrencies, DeFi, and U.S. law, John frequently provides legal commentary and analysis in this emerging area; his analysis has been featured in major publications including Time Magazine.
In 2024, Benchmark Litigation named John to its 40 & Under list, the guide to the best and brightest litigators under 40 in the U.S. He has been selected to the Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch” list every year since 2021. And he has been named by Super Lawyers to its “Rising Star” list in the Business Litigation practice area in Washington every year since 2017.
John has a substantial record of leadership and pro bono service. He is a member of the Steering Committee for the Washington Technology Industry Association’s Cascadia Blockchain Council. He served as a volunteer and speaker for the City of Seattle’s New Citizen Campaign in 2016 and 2017. He also served as chair of the Washington State Bar Association’s Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Board, and supported the Board’s first mandatory anti-bias, anti-discrimination, and technology legal education proposal to the state’s supreme court.
John received a bachelor’s degree from Seattle University, a J.D. from University of Washington, and a LL.M. from University of California at Berkeley.
Professional Associations
Education
Featured Cases
Tan v. iCap Enterprises
Lead counsel in high profile action alleging securities fraud and breach of contract on behalf of over two dozen investors who invested over $17 million in securities offered by Bellevue real estate development firm. Successfully obtained injunctive relief freezing bank accounts and real estate assets and requiring removal of firm’s CEO.
Law360 – Seattle-Area Development Sold To Evade Investors, Suit Says
Law 360 – Chinese Investors Say Wash. Brothers Bilked Them Of $150M
Seattle Times – Bellevue Real Estate Investment Firm Faces Bankruptcy, Fraud Allegations
In re iCap Enterprises (Bankruptcy)
Court-Appointed Special Litigation Counsel on behalf of Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors, investigating and prosecuting securities fraud and aiding and abetting claims on behalf of creditors and investors in $250 million Ponzi scheme that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Ponderay Newsprint Company v. Pub. Util. Dist. No. 1 of Pend Oreille
Represented publicly traded media-holding and publishing companies in high profile multi-party breach of contract matter brought by public entity in Washington claiming over $200 million in damages.
Armon et al. v. WSU
Represented plaintiffs in high profile data breach class action against Washington State University. Obtained class settlement on behalf of over one million victims providing over $17.5 million to the class in aggregate cash reimbursement and credit-monitoring benefits.
Pacific Water Technology LLC et al. v. Wear et al.
Representing regarding a group of investors who bought into a water vending machine company as franchisees, but then did not receive accurate information about the company’s operations and delivery, or promised returns on their investments. The company is now accused of operating as a Ponzi scheme and is facing involuntary bankruptcy.
Wall Street Journal – Water Vending Machine Maker’s Creditors Seek to Force Business Into Bankruptcy
Seattle Times – Investors in Everett firm claim it was a Ponzi scheme
Pierce County Housing Authority v. Campbell
Represented public agency in connection with investigation and efforts to recover approximately $6 million of embezzled assets in one of the largest public misappropriation cases of record in Washington state.
Asset Realty v. EXP
Defended publicly traded company against suit by competing brokerage asserting $35 million in damages arising from alleged tortious interference and misappropriation of trade secrets. Party of team that obtained $150,000 sanctions award against opposing party for discovery violations.
EB-5 Securities Litigation
Part of team that represented group of victims of $100+ million EB-5 investment Ponzi scheme in successful action to recover approximately two-thirds of lost funds from third party bank.
Apexart Curatorial Program Inc. v. Bayside Rollers LLC
Represented renowned New York-based international art foundation in trademark enforcement action to enforce foundation’s trademarks.
Space Needle LLC v. NRBM LLC
Defended Local Coffee Spot in high profile trademark infringement action brought by Space Needle that was covered by Law360 and Seattle Times. Obtained successful resolution on behalf of client.
Seattle Times: Space Needle Settles with Seattle Coffee Chain in Logo Fight
More Representative Cases
