Featured Practices
Ray Seilie is a trial lawyer who helps his clients efficiently and effectively resolve their civil disputes and leads them through criminal investigations. A graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Law School, he has tried and won numerous criminal and civil trials, secured notable victories at the pretrial stage, and is trusted by his clients to provide strategic advice on how to navigate complex legal problems before and during litigation.
Ray’s recent experience includes obtaining a complete defense judgment as trial counsel for a Fortune 200 company against claims seeking over $100 million in damages for tortious interference with contract and wrongful termination after winning a rarely granted motion for nonsuit before the case reached the jury. He also successfully defended worldwide K-pop sensation BTS against copyright-infringement claims, securing a complete defense judgment after the first motion to dismiss. He has also represented clients in litigation arising from two of the largest oil spills in the country’s history, securing favorable results in both cases.
In addition to his trial practice, Ray has also briefed and argued appeals before the California Court of Appeal and the Ninth Circuit. He has conducted numerous internal investigations for his clients, after which he has provided legal and strategic advice and, where needed, presented findings to the government. He is regularly asked by clients to negotiate seemingly intractable disputes before they reach litigation.
Before joining Bird Marella, Ray practiced for several years at Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP after clerking for the Honorable Jay S. Bybee of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. He also served as a Deputy City Attorney for the City of Los Angeles, where he tried multiple cases to verdict as sole trial counsel. He has been recognized as a Southern California Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine and among the “Ones to Watch” list by Best Lawyers in America®. He is also an avid poker player.
Education & Admissions
- Harvard Law School, J.D., cum laude, Notes Editor, Harvard Law Review; Finalist/Oralist, Ames Moot Court Competition, 2010
- Stanford University, B.A., honors, 2007
- California, 2011
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Notable Matters
Won dismissal with prejudice of copyright claims against international K-pop sensation BTS and its label, HYBE Corporation. The plaintiff alleged that the idea for CJ E&M and HYBE’s reality show I-Land was stolen from a written treatment for his original television series idea. In a rare “first round” victory, the district court granted the firm’s first motion to dismiss without giving the plaintiff leave to amend—concluding that the plaintiff’s claims failed as a matter of law—and entered judgment in favor of the firm’s clients.
As trial counsel, defended a Fortune 200 information technology services company in a four-week jury trial of an 18-plaintiff lawsuit alleging claims for wrongful termination and intentional interference with contract. Secured a rare judgment of nonsuit in favor of the client and an order requiring plaintiffs to reimburse his client over $150,000 in litigation costs.
As trial counsel, represented a real estate developer charged with illegally bribing a Los Angeles City Councilmember.
As trial counsel, represented Plains All American Pipeline, a Fortune 150 company, in a four-month jury trial defending against criminal charges arising from an oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara, during which he devised, briefed, and argued several critical legal motions that resulted in a penalty amount that was a tiny fraction of what prosecutors were seeking. Obtained dismissal of 37 of the 46 initially charged counts.
Represented Virgin Hyperloop One in a variety of commercial disputes and obtained favorable resolutions.
Represented an oilfield services company in “bet-the-company” litigation that would have shuttered the business and required the termination of all employees.
Defended a magazine publisher against a defamation lawsuit, securing a voluntary dismissal of all claims by the plaintiff in exchange for an agreement not to seek attorneys’ fees and costs.
Represented a for-profit educational institution and its executives in False Claims Act litigation related to its receipt of federal funds. Secured complete dismissal of the lawsuit before any pretrial discovery.
Defended a financial services company in an adversary proceeding brought by a bankruptcy trustee alleging claims for fraudulent transfer and breach of fiduciary duty. Successfully obtained a dismissal of all claims in an order that was ultimately affirmed by both the district court and the Ninth Circuit.
Represented the liquidating trust of a satellite programming distribution partner in a successful appeal from an order vacating a multi-million-dollar arbitration award against a major broadcast service provider.
Represented a major hotel company in federal civil litigation involving over 50 defendants arising from the unauthorized disposal of hazardous materials by a non-party contractor. Negotiated and obtained court approval of a favorable consent judgment.
Represented a drilling company in litigation arising from the 2010 BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, including through a multi-phase trial in federal court.
Awards & Recognition
- Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch, Commercial Litigation, Best Lawyers®, 2022-present
- Impact Case of the Year: People v. Plains All American Pipeline, Benchmark Litigation, 2020
- Southern California Rising Stars, Super Lawyers Magazine, 2019-present
News & Insights
Benjamin Gluck and Ariel Neuman Named Lawyers of the Year as 20 Bird Marella Attorneys Recognized Among the 2023 Best Lawyers in America®
Bird Marella is proud to announce the inclusion of 20 lawyers in the 2023 edition of Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch by U.S. News. Benjamin …
Friday, August 19, 2022
Go to the postBird Marella Wins Copyright-Infringement Lawsuit for International K-Pop Sensation BTS and Record Label HYBE
Bird Marella attorneys Ekwan Rhow, Timothy Yoo, and Ray Seilie won a judgment in favor of their clients BTS and HYBE Corporation (formerly Big Hit Entertainment) in a copyright-infringement lawsuit brought against …
Tuesday, April 5, 2022
Go to the postBird Marella Showcases Top-Tier Legal Talent with 19 Attorneys Named Among the 2022 Best Lawyers in America®
Bird Marella is proud to announce its inclusion in the 2022 edition of Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch by U.S. Articles. Nearly half of the firm’s entire roster of …
Thursday, August 19, 2021
Go to the postMultiple Bird Marella Attorneys Named 2021 Southern California Rising Stars
Attorneys Julia Cherlow, Gopi Panchapakesan, Ray Seilie, and Fanxi Wang have been selected for inclusion in the 2021 Super Lawyers Rising Stars list. All four attorneys have been recognized consecutively as a “Top Rated Business Litigation Attorney” in Southern …
Thursday, June 10, 2021
Go to the postBird Marella Elevates Three Attorneys for 2021
Bird Marella is proud to announce the elevations of Julia B. Cherlow to principal, Marc E. Masters to senior counsel, and Ray S. Seilie to counsel, effective January …
Monday, January 4, 2021
Go to the postFive Bird Marella Attorneys Selected by Super Lawyers as 2020 Rising Stars
Bird Marella attorneys Gopi Panchapakesan, Naeun Rim, Julia Cherlow, Ray Seilie, and Fanxi Wang have been named to the Southern California Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” list for 2020. …
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
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