McGuireWoods continues its West Coast expansion with the arrival of accomplished product liability litigators Allison Kendrick and David Lassen, who join the firm’s Seattle office after concluding their service in senior legal roles at The Boeing Company.
Kendrick joins the firm as counsel after retiring as chief counsel for products liability at Boeing. Lassen, who served as the company’s senior counsel for products liability, joins as a partner. Together, they bring decades of experience in aviation product liability litigation, government investigations and complex commercial disputes to one of the nation’s leading litigation practices.
Their arrival deepens McGuireWoods’ formidable capabilities in product liability and aviation litigation, building on the elite team of nine partners who launched the firm’s Seattle office in February 2026. The Seattle team includes nationally ranked practitioners in aviation litigation, appellate advocacy and complex commercial disputes, featuring two former U.S. Supreme Court law clerks.
“Allison and David are exactly the caliber of talent we envisioned adding as we built out our Seattle office,” said Noreen Kelly, deputy managing partner and head of litigation. “They are proven leaders in aviation and product liability litigation who have managed some of the most consequential matters in the industry. Their addition reinforces our commitment to assembling the strongest litigation team on the West Coast and nationwide.”
With the addition of Lassen and Kendrick, McGuireWoods has 16 lawyers in its Seattle office, including 10 partners, five associates and one counsel.
“When we opened our Seattle office, we said we would build on the foundation with top-tier talent to deliver the highest level of service to clients in this region,” said Rike Connelly, managing partner of the Seattle office. “Allison and David are a perfect fit. They know this market, they know our clients’ industries and they share the commitment to excellence and collaboration that defines McGuireWoods. We are thrilled to welcome them to the team.”
Benjamin Hatch, chair of the firm's Environmental and Mass Tort Litigation Department, added: “Allison and David bring the kind of deep experience that sets McGuireWoods apart. Their extensive background handling complex aviation product liability matters — in private practice and at the world’s leading aerospace manufacturer — gives them a perspective that is tremendously valuable to our clients.”
Kendrick oversaw aviation product liability litigation for Boeing’s commercial airplanes and defense, space and security business units, as well as for Boeing’s subsidiaries. Kendrick also provided product liability counseling across the enterprise and advised Boeing personnel supporting civil, military and criminal accident investigations. She previously was a partner at Ashurst Perkins Coie, where she specialized in defending clients — including Boeing — in aviation accident litigation around the world.
“McGuireWoods has built something special in Seattle,” Kendrick said. “Having worked alongside many of these attorneys throughout my career, I know firsthand the quality of this team. Together, we will deliver the kind of coordinated, client-focused representation that companies facing high-stakes product liability matters need.”
Lassen co-managed product liability litigation for Boeing’s civil and military programs. Before his in-house role at Boeing, he spent nearly 15 years at Ashurst Perkins Coie, where he represented aerospace companies and other product manufacturers in U.S. and foreign courts.
“I am excited to join McGuireWoods at such a pivotal time for the Seattle office,” Lassen said. “The firm's strategic investment in the Pacific Northwest enhances its ability to serve clients in aviation, aerospace and defense. I look forward to contributing to the growth of this office and the firm's product liability practice.”
