Steve Seward
206.920.4129
steve@ascentllp.com
Practice and Background
Steve’s practice focuses primarily on business transactions, such as the acquisition and disposition of companies and their assets (including consideration of tax, financing, and other issues for those transactions), and business counseling on the financial, legal, and regulatory issues faced by startup and operating companies. In addition, Steve advises operating entities on strategic planning, succession, and similar business life-cycle considerations. While Steve’s practice has been national in scope, much of his work has been in Alaska, with a particular focus on representation of Alaska Native Corporations in business operations and transactions, natural resource development, and implementation of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.
Steve has practiced in national law firms, founded three law firms, and served as general counsel of a Forbes 200 company. Alongside his law practice, Steve is a senior vice president of a $100+ million equipment business. He was also the Senior Assistant to Idaho Governor John V. Evans and the State Budget Director of the State of Idaho.
Education
J.D., cum laude, Harvard Law School, 1986
LL.M., Taxation, University of Washington
B.A., Special Honors in Economics, University of Texas, 1972
Honors and Distinctions
Super Lawyers
Boyd Martin Award for outstanding service benefiting Idaho cities
Martindale Hubbell AV Rated
Bar and Court Admissions
Alaska
Idaho
Washington
United States Supreme Court
United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
Professional Affiliations
Board of Directors, Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition, 2017-2020; Chair 2019-2020
Board of Directors, EarthCorps, 2017-2020
Board of Directors, Puget Sound Restoration Fund, 2017-2019
Board of Directors, Student Conservation Association, 2009-2017; Chair, 2014-2017
Member, Board of Directors, Independent Colleges of Washington, 2004-2010, 2011-2017
Inaugural Adjunct Professor, Seattle University School of Law, Alaska Satellite Campus, 2016, 2017
Adjunct Professor, University of Washington School of Law, Graduate Tax Program, 2004, 2005
Chair, Condominium Act Study Committee, 2004-2005
Member, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, 2001-2006
Chair, Washington State Intangibles Taxation Committee, 1995-1996
Chair, Washington State Higher Education Coordinating Board, 1991-1993
Chair, Washington State High Technology Study Committee, 1992-1993
Chair, Washington State Software Taxation Committee, 1990-1991
Member, Washington Governor’s Capital Forum, 1990
Member, Governor’s Committee on Washington’s Financial Future, 1987-1988
