News Release
Bayou Roots to Emerald Peaks: McGlinchey Expands Seattle Footprint
Read Time: 2 minsMcGlinchey Stafford is pleased to announce the opening of its new Seattle office, marking a significant step in its ongoing nationwide expansion. Situated in the iconic “Darth Vader Building” at 4th and Blanchard in the Belltown neighborhood, the nearly 3,000-square-foot space signifies McGlinchey’s strategic growth in the vibrant heart of Seattle.
Leading McGlinchey’s Seattle team are three attorneys who deploy their skills in both traditional and emerging industries, with a focus on – and more than 25 collective years of experience serving – the cannabis industry: Members Heidi Urness and Perry Salzhauer (Cannabis team co-chairs) and Associate Daniel Shortt. They are poised to leverage this move to deepen the firm’s roots in the local market and expand its services. The office will focus on growing the firm’s traditional legal services to provide a comprehensive legal offering to clients in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
“Located at the intersection of Seattle’s historic legal and financial districts and the rapidly evolving tech sector, the new office is perfectly positioned to serve a diverse client base,” said Heidi Urness, Seattle Office Managing Member. “This location offers unparalleled access to the local business community, courts, and the vibrant cultural scene, providing convenience and opportunity for the firm’s clients and employees.”
Building on its West Coast foundation, McGlinchey first established a Seattle presence by hiring prominent cannabis attorney Heidi Urness in 2022. The Seattle team grew in 2023 with the addition of attorneys and professionals from Green Light Law Group. Seattle-based attorneys collaborate closely with colleagues across the firm’s 17 nationwide offices to offer clients comprehensive legal counsel and exceptional service.
“Our goal in Seattle mirrors our near-term plans to expand service offerings in our existing offices to address the needs of local businesses, as we grow our national footprint,” said Michael Ferachi, who recently began his second term as Managing Member of the firm. “We have a reputation for providing first-class legal advice to the cannabis industry, and look forward to replicating that first-class service to serve other sectors across the Pacific Northwest.”
The firm is celebrated for its friendly, small-firm atmosphere coupled with the resources and capabilities of a large firm—a balance that continues to attract clients and legal talent alike. McGlinchey is committed to building a thriving, diverse workplace culture, a commitment recognized in several prestigious accolades. The firm was named among the 30 “Best Law Firms for Women” by Firsthand’s 2023 Vault Survey and its New Orleans and Baton Rouge offices were recognized as “Best Places to Work” in 2023.
Completing the Midsize Mansfield Certification in 2023, a rigorous 18-month process led by Diversity Lab, McGlinchey has demonstrated its dedication to providing underrepresented attorneys with better access to jobs, career advancement, and leadership opportunities within law firms. Notably, half of McGlinchey’s office leadership roles and 40 percent of its executive policy committee roles are held by diverse attorneys.
“The Seattle office’s design and location reflect McGlinchey’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and community involvement,” said Perry Salzhauer, Co-Chair of McGlinchey’s Cannabis Practice Group. “With views of both the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges and proximity to key landmarks, the office embodies the spirit of the region.”