Frequently Asked Questions to BDR
Why Alternative Dispute Resolution Can be the Best Course.
Why do clients retain BDR?
Alternative dispute resolution is growing in popularity as a way to defuse tense disputes, avoid expensive litigation, and achieve a fair outcome rapidly and privately. BDR founder Gregg Bertram is one of the most experienced, trusted mediators in the Pacific Northwest.
Does BDR have particular areas of expertise?
BDR mediators have broad expertise, with particular credentials in commercial, personal injury, professional liability, construction and real estate, maritime law, estate planning, probate and trust issues. Please see our practice areas for specifics.
Are BDR mediators lawyers?
Yes, although Gregg Bertram has been a full-time professional mediator and arbitrator for 16 years. Gregg and Karen Bertram are members of the Washington State Bar Association with more than three decades of law practice between them.
Are BDR mediators impartial?
Yes, always. We take special pains to operate impartially and objectively. It’s the only way we earn the trust of all parties in a dispute.
Do participants in a BDR mediation forfeit legal rights?
No. If the dispute is not resolved by BDR, each side can continue to pursue satisfaction through the civil justice system.
Isn’t a large mediation and arbitration firm a safer bet?
Leading, trusted mediators can be found at firms of all sizes. Gregg Bertram worked for years at a large, nationally known mediation firm before founding BDR, where he can devote more personal attention to clients. Large firms charge higher bureaucratic and administrative costs, but the experience of their mediators varies considerably.
What does BDR mediation cost?
BDR mediation services are always economical compared to the cost of litigation, and we’ve made an effort to spell out the charges as clearly and fairly as we can. See our Fees and Policies page for more.
Why doesn’t BDR usually charge an hourly rate, like a law firm?
Three reasons. One, we don’t believe mediation constitutes the practice of law. Two, we think it’s vital to do background preparation before a mediation session and follow-up communication afterwards, and we package our services that way. This leads to more effective face-to-face sessions. Three, we think it’s better client service to charge one straightforward, all-inclusive fee instead of an itemized list of photocopies and ten-minute telephone conversations. You know what a BDR mediation will cost up front.
Are there any hidden costs?
No administrative fees or small incremental costs for office services — everything of that nature is included. If you want BDR to rent a neutral venue as a mediation site in a large case, or you want a BDR mediator to travel outside the Seattle, Washington metropolitan area, actual expenses (conference facility charges, air ticket, mileage, etc.) are charged.
What is the BDR track record?
While BDR is a new firm, its principals have successfully resolved thousands of disputes with their mediation and arbitration skills. Now, at BDR, their experience is put to work for clients like you without the overhead costs associated with large ADR firms.