Michael S. DeLeo

Mike DeLeo doesn’t just understand complex commercial disputes; his mediation practice is built on resolving them. With more than 30 years of experience across Washington and the Pacific Northwest, he brings seasoned courtroom judgment to every mediation. From major construction litigation and high-stakes commercial conflicts to personal injury, bankruptcy, and creditor rights matters, experienced attorneys rely on Mike for clear answers, strategic thinking, and decisive results.

In addition to his ADR practice, Mike’s litigation practice is focused on resolving complex business disputes. He has been involved in some of the largest construction disputes in Washington State and is trusted by clients for his ability to evaluate case value, understand trial strategy, and guide parties toward efficient resolution. His background as both a litigator and neutral provides practical insight into how disputes are decided and settled.

Mike serves as a Subchapter V Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Trustee, appointed by the U.S. Department of Justice. He regularly advises on banking law, creditor rights, and regulatory matters, including licensing issues in the construction industry. He also maintains a long-standing track record representing clients in complex insurance defense matters.

Recognized as a Super Lawyer in Alternative Dispute Resolution and holding Martindale-Hubbell’s AV Preeminent rating, Mike is actively engaged in the continued growth of Bellevue, Seattle, and surrounding communities, helping clients resolve disputes, protect their interests, and achieve practical, results-driven outcomes.

Mediation and Arbitration

In addition to his legal practice, Mike is a Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution trained mediator.  He serves as both an arbitrator and a mediator.  Mike has successfully mediated several exceedingly complex cases, including convoluted business matters, difficult partnership disputes, complicated consumer claims, bankruptcy disputes, and many property damage and personal injury claims (some of which involve confounding insurance coverage issues).

• Panel Mediator and Executive Committee Chair, for the Honorable Thomas T. Glover Bankruptcy Mediation program 
• Panel Arbitrator for Pierce, King, and Snohomish Counties for nearly 10 years
• Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, Pepperdine’s Caruso School of Law, Mediating the Litigated Case, completed October 2020
• Pierce County Pro Tem settlement judge, appointed 2021
• U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Trustee appointed Subchapter V small business bankruptcy trustee (the paramount role of the Sub V trustee is mediating a plan of reorganization between the small business debtor and its creditors)

Mike is a Certified Mediator for bankruptcy matters, and also a panel arbitrator in King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties.

Banking and Creditors’ Rights

Mike represents banks and other financial institution clients in federal, state, and bankruptcy courts.  He provides strategic business advice and general counseling covering a wide variety of issues.  Mike has represented some of the world’s largest institutional lenders, regional banks, and numerous private lenders.  The broad range of work he provides includes:

• Loan documentation
• Loan workouts
• Litigation
• Collection actions
• Defense of avoidance actions
• Wrongful foreclosure defense
• Bankruptcy matters
• Receiverships
• Attorney for Receiver
• Regulatory issues
• Commercial Bankruptcy Trustee

Construction Law

As the fastest growing state in the nation – for a second consecutive year – Washington’s construction market is like no other; and for almost three decades Mike has remained a solid presence in the industry.   His work includes representing one of the largest building and construction supply companies in the world.  He has truly done it all.  Mike advises and represents owners, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, developers, and professionals (architects-engineers) with business-related issues, and also litigates and arbitrates on their behalf.  He is a committed advocate for his clients, working tirelessly to seek quick and effective resolutions.  When conflicts cannot be resolved outside the courtroom, Mike is fully prepared to represent clients in trial.  His work in this area includes:

• Development and drafting of contracts
• Defending defective design and workmanship claims
• Payment and delay disputes
• Purchase and supply agreements
• Bid stage issues
• Bond releases
• Construction lien and public works claims

Personal

Outside of the office, Mike is an avid outdoorsman and sports enthusiast.  He enjoys spending time with his family exploring the endless hiking trails of the great northwest.   He’s also a long-time soccer and basketball player as well as recreational golf when time and weather allow.