March 13, 2008

Lee & Hayes names Shaun Cross as firm's first CEO

SPOKANE – Lee & Hayes, PLLC, announced on Feb. 27 that Shaun Cross was hired as the firm's CEO, a newly established role for the growing national IP law firm.

Cross, a 1968 Ritzville High School graduate, began in his new position on March 3. He will work with the Lee & Hayes management team to guide the firm's day-to-day operations while both Hayes and Lee will focus on strategic initiatives to lead the firm's next phase of growth.

Cross brings extensive law firm management experience to Lee & Hayes and is recognized nationally as a corporate attorney. He joins the firm from Paine Hamblen LLP, where he served as managing partner for six years and on the firm’s executive committee for over a decade.

"Shaun shares our vision of developing a world-class, global IP firm headquartered in Spokane," said Lewis Lee, who co-founded the firm with Dan Hayes in 1994. "With Lee & Hayes poised for future growth, now is the right time in the firm's evolution to formally define a CEO role and add top management talent."

Lee & Hayes is a nationally recognized IP law firm specializing in development and commercialization of IP portfolios for large multinational corporations.  "Shaun's experience in attracting and motivating top talent and in executing strategic plans that build successful businesses make him the right choice to lead Lee & Hayes," Lee said.

Recent attorney hires and expansion of services have led Lee & Hayes to implement a new management structure that will better enable the firm to serve clients as it grows. The firm employs more than 40 attorneys and patent agents in Spokane and Seattle offices. Its services have extended beyond core patent capabilities to include technology transactions and licensing, portfolio counseling and IP analytical and counseling services.

"This is an unparalleled chance for me to help build a firm that serves the greatest clients and attracts the best people while leveraging the advantages of operating from a growing mid-market city," Cross said.

Cross also has an extraordinary record of civic leadership. A Spokane resident for nearly 30 years, he serves on the boards of Whitworth University, Washington State University Applied Sciences Laboratory, the George Nethercutt Foundation and Washington Policy Center. 

He has served as chair-elect and board member of the Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce and chair of the Spokane Public Facilities District.