Career
Don Scaramastra represents businesses, particularly those in the Pacific Northwest’s maritime, fisheries, transportation, and industrial sectors, in complex insurance recovery and high‑stakes disputes. Companies turn to Don when facing major losses, denied claims, insurance coverage disputes, environmental liabilities, commercial contract matters, antitrust issues, and challenges related to corporate transactions. He works to guide clients to efficient, negotiated solutions that avoid costly, resource‑intensive litigation. When litigation is unavoidable, Don draws on trial and appellate experience gained in courts throughout the West Coast.
Don’s practice includes significant insurance recoveries for environmental remediation under federal and state Superfund laws; coverage for products, professional liability, and D&O claims; and disputes involving maritime and transportation losses. He has secured coverage victories against many of the largest national insurers. Don is consistently recognized for his insurance coverage work, including a Band 1 ranking in Insurance in Washington by Chambers USA.
A passionate believer in the power and obligation of lawyers to give back to their communities, Don devotes part of his practice to pro bono work. His work includes impact litigation to protect the constitutional rights of foster children to a safe home, to defend the procedural protections that ensure a fair trial for those accused of crimes, and to restore driver's licenses to impoverished individuals who lose those licenses simply because they were too poor to pay a traffic fine.
In addition to his practice, Don has a history of leadership in the legal profession, including senior roles in bar associations, and in community nonprofits. He is also co-leader of the firm’s insurance recovery practice and co-chair of its pro bono committee.
Don earned his J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law and later clerked for Judge Kenneth L. Ryskamp, U.S. District Judge, Southern District of Florida.
Don is licensed to practice in Washington and Oregon.
Professional Memberships
King County Bar Association, Board of Trustees, 2017-2019; Young Lawyers Division, Board of Trustees, 2001-2004, Chair, 2003-2004
King County Bar Foundation Board of Trustees, Member, 2008-2017; Chair, 2015-2016
Risk Management Society, Washington Chapter, Member
Awards
The Best Lawyers in America, Insurance Law, 2024-present
Washington Super Lawyers, 2009-present
Champion for Children Award
Children’s Alliance
2007
Civil Libertarian Award
ACLU of Washington
2006
40 Under 40 List
Puget Sound Business Journal
2005
Dallaire Public Service Award
Garvey Schubert Barer
2004