Overview
Rachel Black, a tenacious trial attorney, specializes in high-stakes commercial litigation, representing both plaintiffs and defendants at trial and appellate levels nationwide. Her practice encompasses diverse areas such as patent infringement, unfair business practices, environmental remediation, and antitrust, showcasing Rachel’s exceptional strategic acumen, client dedication, and compelling courtroom presence across various legal domains. Notable clients include industry giants like General Electric, leading satellite manufacturer SSL, and hedge-fund manager Louis Bacon.
High Profile Litigation
Ms. Black is not deterred by any opponent, no matter how formidable. In In re Queen’s University at Kingston et al, Black and a team of Susman Godfrey attorneys represent Queens University in a patent battle against multinational conglomerate Samsung, where the team won a first of its kind recognition of patent agent privilege from the Federal Circuit. Ms. Black was recognized with the Editor’s Choice Award from Managing IP for her efforts on this case.
Ms. Black served as legal counsel to hedge fund legend Louis Bacon. The Susman Godfrey team representing Mr. Bacon secured a $203 million win in a high-profile defamation lawsuit against Canadian fashion magnate Peter Nygard. This is believed to be the highest defamation judgment in New York State history.
Ms. Black served as counsel to the largest political subdivisions in California—including the University of California system, the California State University System, and the County of Los Angeles, to name a few—in a ground-breaking suit against wireless carriers for over-billing the government. In the matter, State of California, et al., On The Go Wireless, LLC, v. CELLCO Partnership, et al, she helped secure settlements of $175 million.
Ms. Black also served as legal counsel to former members of the legendary rock group The Turtles in Flo & Eddie, Inc. v. Sirius XM Radio, Inc. in a certified class action lawsuit against Sirius XM that settled less than 48 hours before the jury trial was scheduled to begin. Sirius XM agreed to pay at least $25.5 million (over $16 million after fees and expenses) and royalties under a 10-year license that was valued up to $62 million (over $41 million after fees and expenses) as compensation for publicly performing without a license Pre-1972 sound recordings. The settlement was approved by the Court and received widespread media coverage from The New York Times, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, Law360, Rolling Stone, Variety, and Reuters.
Recognition
Ms. Black’s prowess in the legal arena has not gone unnoticed. Lawdragon named her among the Top 500 Leading Litigators in the nation for 2022, 2023 and 2024. In 2021, National Law Journal recognized her as a Plaintiffs’ Lawyer Trailblazer, and in 2020, she was honored as an Elite Woman of the Plaintiffs Bar (ALM). Her consistent recognition as a “Top 50 Washington Women Super Lawyer” (since 2015), a “Top 100 Washington Super Lawyer” (since 2017), and a “Washington Super Lawyer” (since 2012) by Washington Law & Politics Magazine attests to her ongoing excellence.
From 2018 to 2025, U.S. News – The Best Lawyers in America® acknowledged Ms. Black as a top litigator in Seattle across three areas: commercial litigation, intellectual property litigation, and patent litigation. In 2019, she was selected as a Fellow by the Litigation Counsel of America, a peer-selected trial lawyer honor society. In 2012, Ms. Black was elected to The Fellows of the American Bar Foundation, recognizing her outstanding dedication to community welfare and the highest principles of the legal profession.
ADVOCACY FOR DIVERSITY
Beyond her legal achievements, Ms. Black is a fervent advocate for women and diversity in the legal profession. In 2006, she founded the Mother Attorneys Mentoring Association of Seattle (“MAMA Seattle”), a bar organization recognized by the Washington State Bar Association. In 2022, the King County Bar Association awarded MAMA Seattle the Friend of the Legal Profession award for its meritorious service to the legal profession. MAMA Seattle has paved the way for several related groups around the country. Ms. Black also founded the national organization MAMA-USA and serves on both boards. Since 2017, Ms. Black has helped lead Ladder Down, a year-long business development and leadership training program for women lawyers.
