Pallavi Mehta Wahi, a member of Arnold & Porter’s Litigation group, serves as Arnold & Porter’s new Chair of Western U.S. Strategic Growth and is head of the firm’s newly established Seattle office.
A Chambers-ranked litigator, Pallavi represents national and international clients in complex commercial litigation, with an emphasis on corporate, healthcare, and intellectual property matters. She has successfully argued before various tribunals and courts in hearings and at trial, and has handled high-stakes and high-volume litigation involving multiple lawsuits, parties, and jurisdictions. Pallavi is equally known for her civic impact and values-driven leadership through her service on the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco’s board, the Chamber of Commerce, and multiple other nonprofit boards. She has been recognized as one of the top 100 most influential lawyers in the U.S by Best Lawyers®, recognized among the “Most Influential People” by Seattle Magazine, and named to the “Power 100” as one of the top 100 business people in Washington state by the Puget Sound Business Journal.
Pallavi is also a committed and passionate community advocate for the community and the people and companies who help it thrive. She is currently the Deputy Chair (and incoming Chair) of the Board of Directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. Pallavi previously served on the Seattle Branch of the Head Office Board for three years. She also serves on the board of the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce and recently served as Chair of that board. Pallavi has also previously served on the boards of the Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle Rep Theater, South Asian Bar Foundation (first woman President), and King County Bar Foundation, among others.
Experience
- An international software company in a multi-million-dollar breach of contract litigation involving claims of tortious interference and violation of the Washington Consumer Act. Successfully argued and prevailed on summary judgment motion. Case was settled on the eve of trial.*
- National healthcare system in multiple lawsuits in different subject areas across the country and internationally in a variety of subject areas.*
- International food and beverage producer and retailer in a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against a global supplier of kitchenware products involving the recall of a co-branded kitchen device. Obtained dismissal of certain claims, shielding client and foreign affiliates from liability, and secured a favorable settlement.*
- Merging producer of premium fresh soup products in a dispute with a flagship soup company regarding a co-manufacturing agreement. Won an early partial motion for summary judgment that secured termination costs and obtained a favorable settlement.*
- International food and beverage producer and retailer in a telecommunications agreement dispute with a multinational internet service provider. Secured a favorable settlement in an arbitration with the American Arbitration Association.*
- National healthcare system in a claim against a supplier of personal protective equipment for breaching the parties’ agreement and retaining a significant amount of funds for which the supplier had no claim. The case was vigorously litigated and settled after mediation.*
*Reflects experience at previous employer.
Perspectives
Recognition
Credentials
Education
- M.A., University of Cambridge, 1999
- B.A., University of Delhi, St. Stephen’s College, 1997
Admissions
- Washington
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- U.S. District Court, District of Colorado
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Washington
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan
- U.S. District Court
Clerkships
- Court of Appeals of Washington, Division 1, Honorable Commissioner William H. Ellis (2000-2002)
Activities
- Deputy Chair, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (2025-present)
- Seattle Branch Board of Directors, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (2022-2025)
- Board of Directors, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce (2021-present)
- Chamber Board Chair, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce (2021-2022)
- Chair, Seattle Advisory Committee, Cambridge in America (2025-present)
- Industry Advisory Board, University of Washington Global Business Law Institute (2017-present)
- Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Community Development Roundtable (CDRT)
- International Women’s Forum
Languages
- Hindi