Bruce E. H. Johnson

In Memoriam

The Davis Wright community mourns the loss of our beloved partner, Bruce Johnson, who passed away on August 20, 2024.

Bruce spent his entire career—nearly 50 years—at DWT. In every way, Bruce reflected the highest values of our firm. While clients and colleagues alike appreciated his brilliance and encyclopedia knowledge of media law, they also valued his kindness—to everyone, always. He selflessly devoted countless hours to mentoring and developing younger lawyers, including many of the partners leading our media practice today.

Bruce was instrumental in building DWT's industry-leading media practice. He was viewed for decades as one of the country's foremost First Amendment lawyers and was the author of a major treatise on media law. He also helped develop and often authored anti-SLAPP laws which protected free speech around the country.

Outside of the office, Bruce committed his time and energy to supporting Seattle's theater and music community, serving as a Board Member for the Seattle Opera and Pacific Musicworks (where he also served as President of the Board) and on the Board of Trustees of the Seattle Repertory Theater (where he also served as Chair and President of the Board).

As one DWT colleague remarked, "Bruce was singular." We miss him greatly, but are immensely grateful for the many years we shared with him.

Bruce was deeply devoted to his family and we extend our heartfelt condolences to Bruce's wife, children and grandchildren.

Brecht v. Aliment et al.

Defended a law firm against an abuse of process claim brought by a medical doctor, which related to the firm's protected litigation efforts to enforce a $13 million award for medical malpractice against the SLAPP plaintiff, obtaining dismissal with prejudice and attorneys' fees under the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act. (King Cnty. (Wash.) Super Ct. 2024)

Siddharth Jha v. Varisha Khan, et al.

In landmark case applying the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act, successfully defended an elected official against a false light claim brought by a land developer based on statements made in a political campaign article, resulting in reversal of the trial court's orders, dismissal of the suit on First Amendment grounds, and an award of all trial and appellate fees. (Wash. App. 2022)

Boohoff Law v. John Doe

Represented anonymous online reviewer opposing law firm's repeated attempts to unmask reviewer's identity through discovery, affirming First Amendment protections for anonymous speech in Washington and resulting in voluntary dismissal of suit. (King Cnty. (Wash.) Super Ct. 2019)

Universal Life Church Monastery Storehouse v. McGeever

Secured complete victory resulting in a stipulated judgment and consent decree in First Amendment action to enjoin Pennsylvania officials from forbidding ministers ordained online from solemnizing marriages. Universal Life Church Monastery Storehouse v. McGeever, 2022 WL 2040002 (W.D. Pa. June 6, 2022).

Universal Life Church Monastery Storehouse v. Nabors

Representing church that permits ministers to be ordained online in First Amendment lawsuit challenging Tennessee statute forbidding ministers ordained online from solemnizing marriages. (M.D. Tenn. Ongoing)

Admitted to Practice

Washington, 1977
California, 1992
New York, 2021
U.S. Supreme Court, 1983
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington, 1977
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington, 1980
U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, 1992
U.S. District Court, Southern District of California, 1995
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California, 1995
U.S. District Court, Central District of California, 1992
U.S. Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit, 2019
U.S. Court of Appeals, 8th Circuit, 2004
U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit, 1978
U.S. Court of Appeals, 10th Circuit, 1984
U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit, 2019

Education

M.A., University of Cambridge, 1978
J.D., Yale Law School, 1977
B.A., University of Cambridge, 1974
- First Class Honours
A.B., Harvard College, 1972, magna cum laude
- Phi Beta Kappa

Memberships & Affiliations

- Adviser, Restatement of the Law Third, Torts: Defamation and Privacy project, American Law Institute, 2020
- Member; Chair, 1999-2000, Media Law and Defamation Torts Committee, Tort and Insurance Practice Section – American Bar Association
- Member; Executive Committee, 2000-2005; President, 2004 – Defense Counsel Section, Media Law Resource Center
- Member, 2003-present; Regulation of Advertising Law Committee, 2013-2015 – Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers
- Board Member, 1992-2020; Chair, 2004-2006; President, 1999-2001 – Seattle Repertory Theatre Board of Trustees
- Board Member, 2006-present; Chair, 2011-present – Seattle Repertory Theatre Foundation Board of Trustees
- Member, National Council for the American Theater, 2005-present
- Board Member, EmcArts Inc., 2007-2013
- President and Board Member, Pacific Musicworks, 2007-present
- Board Member, Seattle Opera, 2015-present

Professional Recognition

- Named as one of "America's Leading Lawyers for Business" by Chambers USA in First Amendment Litigation (Nationwide), 2007-2017, 2019-2024
- Named by Best Lawyers as Seattle's "Lawyer of the Year" in First Amendment, 2012, 2014, 2015
- Named as one of the "Best Lawyers in America" in First Amendment Law by Best Lawyers, 1993-present; named in Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law, 2010-present; in Litigation - First Amendment 2011; in Media Law 2013; in Advertising Law, 2023
- Selected to "Top 100 Washington Super Lawyers," Thomson Reuters, 2012-2013
- Selected to "Washington Super Lawyers," Thomson Reuters, 2008-2024
- Named as one of "155 Top Lawyers" by Seattle Magazine and Seattle Business Monthly, 2007
- Avvo rated