Dustin is a director and shareholder at Le Gros Buchanan & Paul, where he assists clients with a variety of business and litigation needs. His clients include a range of companies large and small, representing small-business service providers, adventure tourism, fishing companies, insurance brokers and underwriters, yacht dealerships, marinas, maritime construction and towing companies, and neighborhood small business owners. He assists clients with business formations, drafting and negotiating contract terms, reviewing and negotiating real estate leases, drafting and negotiating employment contracts; as well as a wide variety of employment issues including workplace investigations, discrimination, training and reporting procedures. Dustin has successfully assisted his clients in completing hundreds of transactions and resolving disputes before escalation.
Additionally, Dustin is an experienced litigator successfully handling lawsuits throughout Washington, Alaska, and Oregon where he is admitted to practice in federal and state courts. He strives to resolve conflicts early when possible and avoid the expense of protracted litigation. Dustin’s experience and unique maritime background outside of law provide an edge defending his clients throughout all stages of litigation and trial when circumstances dictate. He has litigated matters including breach of contract claims; personal injury; breach of warranty; insurance bad faith; property and pollution damage, and occasionally, an “alleged” traffic infraction. He also represents clients during administrative hearings before the EEOC, Alaska Human Rights Commission, and Washington State Human Rights Commission, typically related to discrimination, harassment, hostile work environment, and wage and hour disputes.
Dustin has built a reputation for bringing his clients creative yet practical solutions in a cost-effective manner. He maintains a strong working relationship with his clients through communication, collaboration, listening to their needs, and providing consultation and guidance when needed. He strives to be both a good lawyer and friend.
Dustin graduated from University of Washington earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Informatics and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Comparative History of Ideas remaining on the dean’s list for most of his undergraduate studies. He then received his J.D. from Seattle University School of Law, cum laude, receiving awards for academic excellence. Dustin initially worked at a local law firm engaged in a varied civil litigation practice involving both plaintiff and defense work, and also clerked for the Honorable Richard F. McDermott at King County Superior Court. He continues to support access to justice opportunities and most recently was a director and the president of the Seattle Fishermen’s Memorial board.
Before becoming a lawyer, Dustin served as a U.S. Navy Deep-Sea Diver and then Ordnance Disposal Diver before becoming a commercial fisherman primarily in the Pacific Northwest and Bering Sea, Alaska.