About Kenneth James
Kenneth James Pedersen is an experienced arbitrator and mediator based in Seattle, Washington. Licensed to practice law in Washington since 1980, Mr. Pedersen has developed a robust career in the legal field. He earned his Juris Doctor from Seattle University School of Law in 1980, immediately after completing his Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Gonzaga University in 1977. This strong educational foundation laid the groundwork for his extensive legal practice. Following his admission to the Washington State Bar, Mr. Pedersen began his legal career as an associate at Critchlow & Williams in Richland, Washington.
He worked there from 1980 to 1985, gaining experience in various areas of law. In 1985, he became a partner at Reid, Pedersen, McCarthy & Ballew, LLP, in Seattle. During his tenure at the firm, he developed his skills in labor and employment law, practicing until his retirement in 2010. His years at the firm significantly shaped his understanding of complex legal issues and dispute resolution. In 2012, Mr. Pedersen transitioned to a full-time role as an arbitrator and mediator. His focus shifted toward resolving labor and employment disputes, where he has made a notable impact.
From 2019 to 2022, he served as a Commissioner for the Washington Public Employment Relations Commission, further solidifying his expertise in public sector labor relations. His work in this capacity involved overseeing disputes and ensuring fair practices in public employment, which has been crucial for maintaining equitable labor relations in Washington. Mr. Pedersen is admitted to practice before several esteemed courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. He is also authorized to practice in the U.S.
District Courts for both the Western and Eastern Districts of Washington. As a member of the Washington State Bar Association and the Labor and Employment Relations Association, he stays actively engaged in the legal community. His dedication to the field has earned him recognition, including an AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell and a spot on Seattle Metropolitan Magazine's "Top Lawyers" list for labor and employment in 2010. Focusing on arbitration and mediation, Mr. Pedersen is available for grievance arbitration and factfinding — His experience allows him to handle many labor and employment disputes effectively. With no constraints on his availability, he is committed to providing timely and effective resolution services. Kenneth James Pedersen continues to be a respected figure in the legal community, leveraging his decades of experience to facilitate fair outcomes for all parties involved.
