William Burnside

will@baileyduquette.com
T.: +1 206.353.8021
Seattle

Will Burnside is a civil litigator with rare behind-the-bench experience. He spent over a decade as a career law clerk to two U.S. District Judges in Washington State, where he worked on hundreds of federal cases and participated in dozens of trials and appeals. That experience gives him unique insight into how judges think, rule, and evaluate advocacy.

Will began his legal career at K&L Gates, where he focused on high-stakes patent and antitrust litigation. Today, his practice spans complex commercial, employment, and intellectual property disputes—including Lanham Act claims, defamation, and professional negligence. Clients value Will’s sharp analysis, steady judgment, and deep familiarity with federal courts and procedure.

Given his background, Will is frequently retained as local counsel in matters pending before both state and federal courts in Washington.

Education 

Seattle University School of Law (J.D., cum laude)
University of Washington (B.A., Computer Science; B.S. Mechanical Engineering)

Bar Admission

U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
Washington

Clerkships

The Hon. Benjamin H. Settle, U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington (Tacoma)

The Hon. Robert J. Bryan, U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington (Tacoma)

Speaking Engagements

Adjunct Professor of Law, Seattle University School of Law, Introduction to Practice

Guest Lecturer, Seattle University School of Law, Civil Procedure