Leslie G. Bottomly, Senior Judge

Leslie G. Bottomly, Senior Judge, joins JAMS as a neutral following more than three decades in the legal profession, including 10 years as a trial court judge on the Circuit Court of Oregon’s Fourth Judicial District. She is available to serve as a mediator, arbitrator, neutral evaluator and court-appointed neutral. 

Judge Bottomly’s mediation style is direct. She is efficient, empathetic and patient. She approaches each mediation based upon the nature of the case and the needs and communication styles of the participants and lawyers. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when courts were unable to hold trials, Judge Bottomly conducted multiple judicial settlement conferences each week to help parties resolve civil matters and keep cases moving forward.

The parties frequently expressed appreciation for her candor, preparation and ability to adjust to various personalities. Having served as a trial court judge in an active jurisdiction has given Judge Bottomly the experience to speak authoritatively on how juries or other fact finders may perceive different fact scenarios, witness testimony or legal approaches.  

Prior to joining the bench, Judge Bottomly was a partner at Portland law firm, where she handled litigation matters, including representing employers before the Department of Labor, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and state labor agencies. She advised clients on hiring, discipline and termination, leave laws, wage and hour compliance and workplace investigations. She also advised a broad range of health care organizations on regulatory compliance, provider contracting, entity formation and related business matters and disputes. 

Judge Bottomly was named to The Best Lawyers in America® in the employment law practice area from 2013 to 2015 and was selected by her peers as an Oregon Super Lawyer in 2014 and 2015.

Unless otherwise noted, the experience list below is compiled from cases handled as a judge.