Gregory Leigh Bertram

Gregory Leigh Bertram, M.A., J.D., LL.M., passed away unexpectedly November 13, 2020. He is survived by his fiancée Leslie Coaston, his children Travis Bertram, Sean Bertram, Reid Bertram and Keira Bertram, sister Carole Bleistein, brother in law Steve Bleistein, and nieces Laura Chutich and Vanessa Ryan. He was preceded in death by his parents Clifford and Cecelia Bertram.

Gregg grew up in Magnolia and spent happy times on Bainbridge Island with close family friends. He raised his children in Edmonds, WA. and on Bainbridge Island. Gregg graduated from Lakeside School (Seattle), Occidental College (Pasadena), University of California (Berkeley), and the University of Puget Sound Law School (Tacoma) which included a specialty in marine and environmental law.

In 1983 Gregg co-founded the Seattle law firm now known as Bennett, Bigelow and Leedom, PS, focusing on complex commercial litigation and grew to become one of the most experienced and successful mediators/arbitrators in Washington State. From 2000 to 2008 he was a principal at JAMS ADR (Alternate Dispute Resolution), a nationwide provider of ADR services, and Washington Arbitration and Mediation Services, where he earned the “Master Mediator” designation. In 2015, Gregg founded and subsequently became President and CEO of Pacific ADR Consulting, LLC. a Pacific Northwest dispute resolution company. As President and CEO, Gregg, grew the organization with a commitment to providing mediation, arbitration and other neutral evaluation services at the highest professional level. His passion and belief in the utility of alternative dispute resolution developed over many years and thousands of mediations and arbitrations in virtually every area of law.  

He was the Chair of the Federal Bar Association Alternative Dispute Resolution Section, a member of the American Arbitration Association, an Accredited Neutral of the World Intellectual Property Organization and International Center of Dispute Resolution, the ADR Roundtable and National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals and chair of the ADR committee of the Washington State Bar Association. Gregg had been recognized as a “Super Lawyer” for ten consecutive years in Washington Law & Politics Magazine, and had received repeated recognition in Seattle Magazine through peer surveys as a “Top Lawyer.” Gregg and Leslie recently had traveled to Austria where he was a featured speaker on mediation.

Gregg was of course more than a top lawyer. He was a kind and caring person who loved his family and life. Gregg was a natural athlete playing basketball, running, skiing and eventually his favorite, tennis. Gregg was always interested in sports. While in Palm Desert often could be seen at the Tennis Garden enjoying the greatest in the world in match play. He had many passions including (throughout his life) his passion for Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs. His hobby was cars. He was well versed on so many and loved researching them (& owning some wonderful ones).

Anyone who knew Gregg will miss his powerful intellect and even more, his incredible wit. He loved to make people laugh and was so good at it.

Remembrances should be to The American Heart Association.