SEATTLE — July 6, 2026
Key takeaways
- Sean Knowles has joined BakerHostetler’s Seattle office as a partner in the firm’s Litigation Practice Group and a member of the Securities and Governance Litigation team.
- Knowles joins from an Am Law 100 firm, where he served as the firmwide chair of the securities litigation practice.
- He has vast experience representing clients in securities class action litigation, shareholder derivative lawsuits, mergers and acquisitions litigation and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission enforcement proceedings and investigations.
Why this matters
Key quotes
“Having led his prior firm’s national securities litigation practice, Sean will be a tremendous addition to our Securities and Governance Litigation team. He is a seasoned attorney with the type of sophisticated judgment, experience and strategic focus clients need when the stakes are highest. His arrival boosts our Seattle team and advances our strategy of investing in more top talent on the West Coast,” said Steven Dettelbach, chair of BakerHostetler’s firmwide Litigation Practice Group.
“Sean’s arrival strategically enhances the depth and profile of our Securities and Governance Litigation team. He is a standout securities litigator with a strong track record in high-stakes matters, and his addition strengthens our position as the go-to securities and governance litigation team,” said Doug Greene, leader of BakerHostetler’s Securities and Governance Litigation team.
About Knowles’ practice
Knowles helps public companies, officers and directors navigate high-stakes shareholder and regulatory matters. Clients turn to him to defend securities class actions, shareholder derivative litigation, merger and acquisition disputes, SEC enforcement actions and investigations and claims under the Washington State Securities Act, as well as to provide practical guidance on corporate governance issues.
Knowles has significant experience defending securities class actions in federal court, including matters arising from the mortgage-related financial crisis, and representing clients in SEC and state attorneys general investigations, shareholder books-and-records demands and FINRA inquiries. He also advises on corporate governance and compliance matters, helping clients manage risk and respond effectively to complex legal and regulatory challenges.
Knowles began his career in New York. Since 2007, he has been based in Seattle and defends litigation and represents clients around the country.
Knowles received his A.B. from Brown University and his J.D. from Columbia Law School.
Key quote
“Sean’s arrival is a meaningful investment in our Seattle office and in a market where companies need sophisticated counsel on fast-moving securities and governance matters. He brings a strong record in bet-the-company litigation and regulatory proceedings, and his presence strengthens our ability to serve clients in Seattle, across the broader Pacific Northwest and the West Coast,” said Timothy D. Casey, partner-in-charge of BakerHostetler’s Seattle office.
With more than 420 litigators in offices across the United States, BakerHostetler’s Litigation Practice Group represents market-leading clients in virtually every type of case and proceeding nationally and around the world. The group’s roster of litigators includes former prosecutors, veteran civil trial attorneys and former enforcement officials from various government agencies. BakerHostetler is recognized as a go-to law firm for its deep bench, commitment to client needs and tenacity and has been named by BTI for five consecutive years as “Most Feared in Litigation,” and its Litigation Practice Group successfully protects clients in and out of the courtroom. For more information, visit bakerlaw.com/Litigation. Connect with us on LinkedIn at @BakerHostetler, @SteveDettelbach or @TimothyCasey or on the social platform X at @BakerHostetler.
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About BakerHostetler
BakerHostetler helps clients around the world address their most complex and critical business and regulatory issues. Our highly ranked attorneys deliver sophisticated counsel and outstanding client service. We have six core practice groups — Business, Digital Assets and Data Management, Intellectual Property, Labor and Employment, Litigation, and Tax — and more than 1,000 lawyers coast to coast. For more information, visit bakerlaw.com.
