BENJAMIN JUSTUS

Benjamin Justus maintains a broad civil litigation practice in the state and federal courts of Washington, representing a wide array of clients in insurance, construction, personal injury, commercial, copyright and professional malpractice matters. He is also involved in pursuing appellate matters.  He is one of the few attorneys in the nation with many years of experience representing individuals and families that have been sued or threatened with suit by the recording and film industries for alleged internet-based copyright infringement.

Mr. Justus represents health care providers, Adult Family Homes and other assisted living and care facilities with respect to licensing issues, disciplinary proceedings, enforcement actions and other regulatory matters. He has assisted clients with the formation of corporations, limited liability companies and other business entities, and has prepared and reviewed operating agreements and property management agreements.  He also assists clients with regard to real property liens, mortgages and foreclosures. 

Before joining Lybeck Pedreira & Justus, PLLC and his prior years working in Washington State, Mr. Justus had a practice involving similar matters in New Jersey’s state and federal courts. Prior to entering private practice, Mr. Justus served as law clerk to the Honorable Victor Ashrafi, Judge of the Superior Court of New Jersey, after completing law school at the George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

 
Practice Emphasis 
Professional Liability
Health Care and Assisted Living
Copyright Litigation
Residential Care Facilities
Construction Defects
Insurance Coverage and Defense
Personal Injury
Premises Liability
Products Liability
Appellate Litigation
Corporate Formation and Management
Liens and Foreclosures

Education

  • The George Washington University Law School, JD, 2003 Student Scholar

  • University of Washington, BA, 2000 cum laude (CEP, Sociology)


Admitted to Practice
New Jersey State Courts
U.S. District Court, New Jersey
Washington State Courts
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington

Professional Experience 

  • Lybeck Murphy LLP, Associate, 2006 to 2013

  • Burke & Potenza, PC, Associate, 2004-2006

  • New Jersey Judiciary, Judicial Clerk to Honorable Victor Ashrafi, JSC,         2003-2004

  • Law Offices of Laurance J. Ochs, Law Clerk, 2002-2003


Professional and Community Associations

  • American Bar Association

  • Washington State Bar Association

                    - Elder Law Section
                    - Health Law Section                 

  - Law of Commerce in Cyberspace Committee

  • King County Bar Association

                    - IP Section

  • Electronic  Frontier Foundation, Subpoena Defense Resources 

  • Board of Directors, Montessori Academy at Spring Valley


Presentations
The RIAA's Campaign of Intimidation on Campus: Record Industry Threats and   Potential Responses by College Students 
Presented May 8, 2008, University of Washington School of Law

Legal and Regulatory Issues for Adult Family Home Providers
Presented June 14, 2014, Highline Community College.

Unemployment Insurance 101: Assessing and Responding to Claims for U.I. Benefits   
Presented May 19, 2011, Renton, WA.

Arbitration Invasion: Recent Developments in the Law of Arbitration:   Unconscionability and Non-Signatory Claims 
Presented June 17, 2010, Mercer Island, WA.