Noelle Lea Chung is a seasoned litigator focusing on complex commercial, intellectual property, and environmental litigation. Her diverse background enables her to tackle intricate legal challenges with a nuanced understanding of regulatory frameworks, policy development, and high-stakes litigation.

Before joining RJLF, Noelle spent six years as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Washington, litigating on behalf of the State, Department of Health, and Department of Fish & Wildlife. During this time, Noelle played a pivotal role in her client’s administration of the state’s public health (Charity Care) laws, specifically ensuring access to and financial assistance for medically necessary hospital health care. She was instrumental as lead counsel in defending the Department of Health in a lawsuit by the Washington State Hospital Association, which was voluntarily dismissed, marking a rare and notable outcome. Additionally, she contributed her counsel to government-to-government negotiations and co-management of environmental resources among the state and Pacific Northwest Indian Treaty Tribes pursuant to the United States v. Washington Boldt Decision. And, as lead counsel, she successfully briefed and argued the defense of the state’s regulation of private aquaculture under the hydraulic project approval code.

Noelle was appointed by the Attorney General to the selective Opinions Committee, where she assisted the chief law officer of the state in providing official opinions on questions of law at the request of designated public officials. She also served a two-year term on the Washington State Bar Association’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion Council, where she served as Co-Chair of the Council’s Subcommittee on Pathways into the Profession.

Prior to her public service, Noelle worked at several law firms, handling commercial, intellectual property, environmental, and class action litigation. She was part of a team representing San Diego Gas and Electric in a $300 million contract dispute involving a wind farm in Montana, addressing complex energy contracts and federal wildlife preservation laws. This case involved proceedings in multiple state courts and appeals concerning privilege issues.

As a Stanford Law Fellow on a full tuition scholarship, Noelle earned her J.D. in 2010 from Stanford Law School, where she worked as an advanced student advocate in the SLS International Humanitarian Law Clinic. During law school, she externed for The Honorable Nathan D. Mihara at the California Court of Appeals and The Honorable Lucy Koh at the Santa Clara County Superior Court. She also holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea, where she graduated as valedictorian, and a B.A. in European Studies from Whitman College, graduating summa cum laude at the age of 18.

Noelle has been named to both the Southern California Super Lawyers Rising Stars List and the Washington Super Lawyers Rising Stars List.