About Ben
Ben Damstedt is an attorney who combines an Ivy League law degree with years of courtroom experience. He earned his J.D. from Yale Law School in 2003 after completing a Bachelor of Science at Utah State University in 2000. Those academic credentials sit alongside admissions to a range of federal and state tribunals.
After law school Damstedt built a practice that includes both trial and appellate work. He is a partner at Cooley Godward Kronish LLP and works out of the firm's Palo Alto office. Colleagues describe him as steady in court and exacting in preparation. He has responsibility for managing matters that move between district courts and appellate panels, and he coordinates multi-jurisdictional litigation when cases require it.
Damstedt is admitted to the bar in California and to several federal courts. His federal admissions include the U.S. District Courts for the Central and Northern Districts of California and the Eastern District of Texas. He is also admitted to the Federal Circuit and the Ninth Circuit. That range of admissions allows him to handle federal trial litigation and appeals for clients with matters that cross regional lines.
In practice Damstedt pursues legal strategies in courtroom settings and on appeal. He prepares pleadings, argues motions, and presents oral argument when a matter reaches the appellate level. Inside the firm he mentors junior lawyers on litigation technique and appellate briefing. Outside the courtroom he engages with clients on case assessment and risk analysis, helping them understand the consequences of different procedural choices.
Colleagues and opposing counsel note his measured approach to advocacy. He favors careful record-building and clear legal writing. He is methodical in exchanging information and practical when assessing settlements. Those qualities guide how he handles difficult litigation calendars and deadlines.
At Cooley Godward Kronish LLP Damstedt continues to represent corporate and institutional clients in federal courts and on appeal. He is based in the Palo Alto office and manages matters that require coordinated work across district and appellate jurisdictions. His current practice concentrates on federal trial and appellate litigation across the courts where he is admitted.
