About Matthew P
Matthew P — Bergman is an attorney specializing in asbestos litigation, based in Seattle, Washington. He is admitted to practice law in both Washington and Oregon. In Washington, he is an active member of the Washington State Bar Association. His Oregon membership dates back to 1989, reflecting a long-standing commitment to the legal community in both states. Mr. Bergman earned his Juris Doctor magna cum laude from Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon, in 1989. Prior to his legal education, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Reed College in Portland in 1986. Beginning his legal career as a law clerk, Mr.
Bergman worked for Judge Bobby R. Baldock of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. This position provided him with inexperience in appellate law. Following his clerkship, he joined Heller, Ehrman, White & McAuliffe in Seattle — There, he focused on environmental litigation, Indian law, and insurance coverage. In 1995, he made a pivotal transition to representing asbestos victims, founding his own firm dedicated exclusively to this area of law. Under his leadership, the firm has become a leading practice in the Pacific Northwest, advocating for those affected by asbestos exposure. Over the past 25 years, Mr. Bergman has represented over 850 mesothelioma victims.
His extensive trial experience includes conducting more than 25 trials and prosecuting over 20 reported appellate cases. His appellate advocacy has significantly expanded the rights of asbestos victims in Washington State. Notably, he secured the first appellate ruling that allowed family members exposed to "take home" asbestos to sue the premises where their loved ones were exposed. This landmark decision has had a lasting impact on the legal field for asbestos-related claims. On a national scale, Mr. Bergman has played a key role in negotiating significant global settlements with major corporations involved in asbestos production and distribution. His efforts have not only benefited individual clients but have also contributed to broader changes in corporate accountability. In addition to his legal practice, Mr.
Bergman serves as an adjunct professor at Lewis & Clark Law School, where he teaches litigation strategy, sharing his expertise with the next generation of lawyers. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Bergman is actively involved in philanthropic efforts. He serves on the board of trustees for Reed College and is a trustee at Lewis & Clark College. His charitable initiatives include supporting the Maasai people in Kenya, focusing on cultural preservation and women's empowerment. For his contributions to the legal profession and community service, Mr. Bergman has been recognized with the American Jewish Committee’s Judge Learned Hand Award. His career reflects a deep commitment to both justice and community engagement.