Leslie G. Bottomly, Senior Judge, Joins JAMS in Portland

Portland, Ore. – JAMS, the premier provider of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services worldwide, is pleased to announce that Leslie G. Bottomly, Senior Judge, has joined its panel. Judge Bottomly joins JAMS 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.

During her judicial tenure, Judge Bottomly presided over a broad range of civil disputes involving business and commercial, employment, governmental and public entity, health care, personal injury, premises liability, product liability, professional liability and real property matters. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she conducted multiple judicial settlement conferences each week to help parties resolve civil matters and keep cases moving forward. Known for her candor and preparation, she brings a direct, case-specific approach that adapts to the needs and communication styles of parties and counsel.

Based in Portland, Judge Bottomly will conduct her ADR practice through JAMS’ Seattle Resolution Center and will serve as a mediator, arbitrator, neutral evaluator and court-appointed neutral (referee/special master), handling business and commercial, employment, governmental and public entity, health care, personal injury, premises liability, product liability, professional liability and real property disputes. Her experience as both a trial court judge and advocate provides her with a practical perspective on how fact finders may assess factual scenarios, witness testimony and legal approaches.

“Judge Bottomly brings extensive experience from both the bench and private practice, along with a practical and thoughtful approach to dispute resolution. Her preparation, candor and ability to adapt to the needs of parties and counsel will help participants assess challenging issues, explore practical solutions and work toward resolution.” 

Kimberly Taylor, JAMS CEO and president
 

Prior to joining the bench, Judge Bottomly spent more than two decades at Ater Wynne LLP in Portland, where she handled employment litigation and advised clients on hiring, discipline and termination, leave laws, wage and hour compliance and workplace investigations. She also advised health care organizations on regulatory compliance, provider contracting, entity formation and related business matters and disputes. Her work earned recognition from The Best Lawyers in America^® in employment law and as an Oregon Super Lawyer.

“I have no greater sense of accomplishment than working with talented lawyers and overcoming practical hurdles and resistance to bring complicated disputes to closure,” said Judge Bottomly. “I’m looking forward to this exciting new chapter with JAMS.” 

Judge Bottomly earned her J.D., summa cum laude, from Lewis & Clark College Northwestern School of Law and her B.A., with honors and distinction, from Stanford University.

About JAMS – The Way Forward

JAMS is the premier provider of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services worldwide, with more than 500 neutrals across 29 locations. In 2025, JAMS received nearly 22,000 new case filings and handled more than 28,000 matters during the year. Founded in 1979, the organization's distinguished panel includes retired federal and state court judges, former litigators, transactional attorneys and other ADR professionals with deep industry and practice area experience. JAMS offers customized in-person, virtual and hybrid resolution services to provide a seamless experience through concierge-level client care, highly skilled case managers and advanced technology.

Building on this foundation, JAMS Pathways provides organizations with early conflict resolution, facilitation and training, helping teams prevent disputes before they escalate.

With a legacy of trust and innovation, JAMS helps parties find the way forward so they can focus on what matters most. Learn more at www.jamsadr.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and the JAMS ADR blog.