About the BDR Principals
Direct Access to Decades of Experience.
Gregg L. Bertram
Gregg Bertram has resolved thousands of cases in 22 years as one of the Pacific Northwest’s most recognized mediators and arbitrators.
From 2000 to 2008 Gregg was a principal at JAMS, the nationwide provider of alternative dispute resolution services, and before that was affiliated with Washington Arbitration and Mediation Services, where he earned the “Master Mediator” designation. Prior to full-time ADR practice, Gregg was a practicing attorney. In 1983 he co-founded the Seattle law firm now known as Bennett, Bigelow and Leedom, PS, where he focused on complex commercial litigation. He also served as corporate counsel to Jack Benaroya, the leading Seattle commercial real estate developer.
Gregg is past chair of the ADR committee of the Washington State Bar Association. He has been recognized as a “Super Lawyer”® for ten consecutive years in Washington Law & Politics magazine, and received repeat recognition as a “Top Lawyer” in Seattle Magazine surveys.
Gregg Bertram earned BA and MA degrees in English from Occidental College, his law degree from Seattle University School of Law, and a Master of Laws degree in Law and Marine Affairs from the University of Washington School of Law.
Karen R. Bertram
Karen Bertram brings BDR special experience in estate litigation, estate planning and probate and trust administration honed for ten years at Garvey Schubert Barer of Seattle, Portland, New York, Washington DC and Beijing. Karen currently serves as chair of Garvey Schubert Barer’s Trust & Estate Practice Group. She has been certified as a US District Court Rule 39.1 mediator and serves as an arbitrator in King County Superior Court.
Karen launched her legal career defending insurance coverage, maritime, product liability and personal injury matters, initially at the Seattle law firm Bradbury Bliss & Reardon. She has authored chapters for the Washington State Bar Association Probate and Motor Vehicle Accident Deskbooks, and has been regularly recognized since 2002 as a “Super Lawyer”® in Washington Law & Politics magazine.
Karen Bertram earned her undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Washington and her law degree from Seattle University, both magna cum laude.