Lucio Maldonado
Admitted in Washington
Lucio’s practice focuses on complex commercial litigation and appellate law. He takes pride in producing excellent briefing that clearly and forcefully supports his clients’ objectives. Lucio emphasizes professionalism and civility in working with opposing counsel and is consistently recognized for employing solution-oriented approaches to complex litigation, favoring results over unnecessary disputes.
Lucio has litigated a broad range of matters including federal qui tam investigations, class action defenses, white collar criminal defense, mass toxic torts, trade secret misappropriations, telecommunications service provider disputes, professional malpractice, school district tort liability, agricultural disputes, data breaches, government investigations into elected officials, and more. He handles these disputes for individuals, small local businesses, and Fortune 500 companies alike.
Super Lawyers has recognized Lucio as a Rising Star in Business Litigation each year since 2022. In 2022, he was featured in Puget Sound Business Journal’s inaugural Next Gen In Law section, which spotlights the best of the region’s up and coming lawyers who are helping the business community thrive. In 2023, he was recognized by The Best Lawyers in America as One to Watch for Commercial Litigation – an accolade he earned again in 2024, along with being recognized in two additional practice areas: Appellate Practice and Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants. Most recently, the Latina/o Bar Association of Washington honored Lucio with its 2024 New Lawyer Award.
Prior to joining Corr Cronin, Lucio clerked for the Honorable Steven González of the Washington Supreme Court. In 2021, when Justice González was elected by his peers to the role of Chief Justice – becoming the first Chief Justice of color in state history – González tapped Lucio to be his presenter at the swearing-in ceremony. Lucio is actively engaged in pro bono work. He sits on the board of the Joint Minority Mentorship Program and regularly attends events which provide mentorship to first-generation law students.
Lucio is fluent in Spanish and English, has a background in agriculture, and largely credits his work ethic to the many years spent working on his family’s farm in Eastern Washington.
Professional Associations
Education/Background
Featured Cases
Telecommunications Contract Dispute
Represented out-of-state publicly held telecommunications company in contract dispute against customer (publicly held company headquartered in Seattle) that initiated arbitration in Bellevue and sought to prematurely disconnect Wifi services in thousands of stores nationwide, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Successfully argued that a venue clause ordering arbitration “in a city other than one either party has their headquarters” operated to prohibit a hometown advantage, not merely to disqualify the parties’ respective headquarter cities. The arbitrator agreed and moved the arbitration from Bellevue to Los Angeles – the case settled shortly thereafter.
Appellate Practice
Hired as amicus counsel to represent the Ethnic Chamber of Commerce Coalition in the Washington Supreme Court.
Asset Realty v. EXP
Part of team that defended publicly traded company against suit by competing brokerage asserting $35 million in damages arising from alleged tortious interference and misappropriation of trade secrets. Team obtained $150,000 sanctions award against opposing party for discovery violations.
Real Estate Litigation
Successfully represented closely-held local business who sought to enforce a multi-million dollar purchase and sale agreement. After years of litigation the judge ruled that our clients “did everything they were required to do under the contact – everything,” ordered specific performance of the sale, and awarded our client its fees for the entire litigation. Successfully briefed and argued against a motion for discretionary review in the Court of Appeals.
Wrongful Death
Represented publicly traded company in wrongful death action. Deposed the personal representative of the estate and obtained material admissions. Case settled favorably shortly thereafter.
School District Tort Litigation
Represented middle school student who attempted suicide on school grounds due to incessant bullying. Deposed principal and obtained material admissions regarding failure to follow up on student’s self-reported suicidal plan. Case settled before trial.
Legal Malpractice
Drafted summary judgment motion dismissing legal malpractice claims against major Seattle law firm. Obtained CR 11 attorney fee award for being forced to litigate for months after a deposition which should have been dispositive.
