Atty. Kenneth E. "Ken" Payson
Ken Payson’s practice focuses on class action defense, other complex commercial litigation and appellate work, particularly with respect to claims under state and federal consumer protection laws. Ken represents clients from a variety of industries, including financial services, telecommunications, software, and digital media companies.
Appellate Practice & More Attorney · Serving Seattle, WA
Profile Summary
About Kenneth E. "Ken" Payson at a Glance
Kenneth E. "Ken" Payson is a business, litigation, and appellate attorney based in Seattle, Washington, practicing at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP. Admitted to practice in Washington, Washington State Bar Association. Educated at University of California Berkeley (J.D., 1996) and California State University East Bay (BA, 1993). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Serves clients in Seattle, WA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Kenneth E. "Ken" Payson
- Ken Payson’s practice focuses on class action defense, other complex commercial litigation and appellate work, particularly with respect to claims under state and federal consumer protection laws
- Ken represents clients from a variety of industries, including financial services, telecommunications, software, and digital media companies
- He has obtained numerous orders dismissing putative class actions or denying class certification and has successfully defended them on appeal
- He serves as lead counsel in class actions across the nation
- He has a particular practice focus defending so-called "blast text," "blast fax," and robocall class actions involving claims under the federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and similar state laws restricting unsolicited faxes and the use of autodialer, prerecorded, or artificial voice to place texts or calls
Practice Areas Explained
Kenneth E. "Ken" Payson's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Kenneth E. "Ken" Payson handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Seattle.
Business & Corporate Law in Seattle
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Kenneth E. "Ken" Payson is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Washington →
Civil Litigation in Seattle
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
Kenneth E. "Ken" Payson is one of 450,751 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Washington →
Appellate Practice in Seattle
Appellate attorneys for civil and criminal appeals at state and federal court.
Kenneth E. "Ken" Payson is one of 85,572 appellate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse appellate attorneys in Washington →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Seattle
Practicing law in Washington. Legal matters in Washington are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Seattle are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Washington state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Washington brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Washington courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Seattle Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Seattle-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Washington attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Seattle or all attorneys in Washington.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Seattle Choose Kenneth E. "Ken" Payson
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Kenneth E. "Ken" Payson's practice in the field of business, litigation, and appellate.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering business, litigation, and appellate, Kenneth E. "Ken" Payson can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Seattle
A Seattle-based practice means Kenneth E. "Ken" Payson attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Kenneth E. "Ken" Payson Handles in Seattle
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Kenneth E. "Ken" Payson has experience with under Washington law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Kenneth E. "Ken" Payson directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find Kenneth E. "Ken" Payson Online
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Kenneth E. "Ken" Payson's Practice Areas & Specializations
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Awards & Professional Honors
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