John T. Bender

Served as court-appointed Counsel for the Committee of Unsecured Creditors and Special Trial Counsel in In re Refreshing USA, i.e. the bankruptcy proceedings involving "Water Station Technology". As Special Trial Counsel, John prevailed at trial and obtained pivotal dispositive rulings that Water Station operated a US$400+ million Ponzi scheme—the largest such scheme in Washington state history.

Served as court-appointed Special Litigation Counsel and Lead Trial Counsel in In re iCap Enterprises. As Lead Trial Counsel, John prevailed at trial and obtained pivotal dispositive rulings that iCap operated a US$250+ million "Ponzi" scheme—at the time, the largest Ponzi scheme in Washington state history. In such role, John was an indispensable member of the professional team that obtained M&A Advisor's Restructuring of the Year Award in 2025. The case and John's representation was reported on by Seattle Times.

Lead Counsel in high-profile securities fraud action on behalf of over two dozen investors in Bellevue, Washington real estate investment firm with over US$25 million in losses. Obtained sweeping injunctive relief freezing bank accounts and real estate assets and requiring resignation of the company's CEO. The case and John's representation was reported on by Seattle Times.

Lead Counsel in high-profile securities fraud action on behalf of 60+ investment vehicles alleging nearly US$75 million in losses in alleged nationwide investor-franchise scheme. Successfully obtained sweeping, first-in-the-nation injunctive relief against enterprise and preliminary finding that company likely sold unregistered securities. The case and John's representation was covered by local and national media, including Seattle Times and Wall Street Journal.

Successfully represented publicly traded media holding and publishing companies in defense of high-profile multiparty breach of contract matter brought by public entity in Washington claiming US$200 million in damages.

Successfully represented Pierce County Housing Authority in connection with civil and criminal investigation and litigation efforts to recover approximately US$6 million of embezzled assets in one of largest public misappropriation cases of record in state history.

Successfully represented multilocation food and beverage chain and ownership group in contentious shareholder and partnership dispute between company’s founders. Ultimately obtained complete forfeiture of minority interest.

Successfully represented minority owner in “reverse stock split” and breach of fiduciary dispute involving competing claims to approximately US$50 million portfolio of profitable hotels.

Successfully represented AI-startup in obtaining injunctive relief against founder for alleged misappropriation of trade secrets.

Successfully represented 30+ franchisees in complex securities and breach of contract suit against financial institution, obtaining highly favorable settlement.

Successfully represented investors in securities fraud and breach of contract litigation against failed cryptocurrency and blockchain venture - recovered nearly US$4 million in investment funds for investors. Successfully obtained early ruling that cryptocurrency offering likely constituted a security, likely first of its kind in Washington state.

Represented high-profile blockchain/NFT project and its founders in response to SEC investigation following launch of digital token or "ICO". The case and John's representation were covered in investigative reporting by Time.

Successfully defended a publicly traded company against trade secret misappropriation charged by a competing brokerage asserting over US$30 million in damages. Part of team that obtained US$150,000 sanctions award against opposing party for discovery violations.

Represented a private hedge fund against a Washington Department of Financial Institutions enforcement action.

Represented a renowned New York art foundation in multiple trademark actions to enforce the foundation's marks. 

Represented a publicly traded virtual currency ATM company in an action to enforce a vendor agreement.

Represented an early stage stablecoin startup to enforce a technology services agreement against a financial services corporation.

Defended a local coffee chain in a high-profile trademark infringement action brought by a Seattle, Washington landmark.