Bob Nelson

ATTORNEY Coeur d'Alene, Spokane

Born in Coeur d’Alene, Bob is a fifth generation Idahoan. Upon graduating from law school, Bob joined the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps where he served for twenty-five years (active duty and reserve) and retired as a Captain. Prior to joining Smith Malek, Bob was General Counsel of Trident Seafoods Corporation in Seattle, one of the largest privately held companies in the state of Washington. After more than thirty years of practicing law in Seattle, Bob and his wife moved back to the Spokane – Coeur d’Alene area to be closer to family.

At Smith + Malek, Bob focuses on business transactions; joint ventures; mergers and acquisitions; and risk management. Bob enjoys sharing his experience as a General Counsel, developing relationships with new and existing clients, and telling sea stories. When he is not working, Bob likes to spend time with his family, hiking, and traveling.

BAR/COURT ADMISSIONS

  • Washington 
  • Federal District Court for the Western District of Washington
  • Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
  • United States Supreme Court

EDUCATION

  • LL.M., University of Washington School of Law
  • J.D., University of Idaho College of Law
  • B.A., Northwest Nazarene University

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Idaho Law Review, Notes and Comments Editor
  • Order of the Barristers
  • Ford Foundation Fellow
  • Legion of Merit; Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal