Patrick Bergt is an experienced commercial litigator who represents clients in complex commercial disputes and litigation, white collar criminal defense, employment and labor law, corporate governance and compliance, and risk mitigation.
A lifelong Alaskan, Patrick joined Ballard Spahr after serving as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary of Alaska Communications, where he was the company’s chief legal officer and a strategic adviser to executive leadership and the board of directors. In that role, he directed legal strategy, managed complex litigation, and oversaw corporate governance, regulatory compliance, employment and labor matters, commercial contracting, and enterprise risk management.
Representative Experience
Representative Matters
- Defended the Anchorage School District against a complex, $25 million personal injury claim resulting from alleged negligence by school officials
- Defended a commercial fishing boat captain in both criminal and civil litigation following a boat collision, resulting in serious physical injury to a deckhand and substantial damage to both vessels
- Defended an Alaska reality television star charged in connection with alleged illegal bear hunts on private land, winning a total defense verdict
- As part of a two-attorney trial team, defended an aircraft engine manufacturer in wrongful death litigation with multiple parties seeking more than $20 million in damages
- Represented an Alaskan family in a products liability claim against an international appliance manufacturer after a design defect caused a fire, resulting in a total loss of the family home, and recovered more than $4 million award for the client
Professional Highlights
Speaking Engagements
Board Memberships & Community Service
Credentials
Education
Thomas Jefferson School of Law (J.D. 2009)
Mock Trial Competition Team
Dean’s List
Southern Oregon University (B.S., cum laude, 2005)
Languages
Spanish - Conversational
Admissions
Alaska
California