Of the more than 1.3 million licensed attorneys in the United States, fewer than one-tenth of one percent will ever defend a case valued in the billions. Eric Gillett is one of them.
Eric Gillett has spent nearly four decades doing what very few attorneys can claim — defending the highest-stakes cases in the country. As Managing Partner and founding member of Preg O'Donnell & Gillett, he built one of the most highly regarded defense litigation firms in the Pacific Northwest from the ground up.
His track record includes the successful defense of a multi-billion dollar, multi-fatality trucking case — one of the most complex and high-exposure matters in the history of Pacific Northwest litigation. That kind of experience cannot be taught. It shapes how Eric prepares, how he strategizes, and how he wins.
His firm operates across Alaska, Washington, and Oregon, representing Fortune 500 corporations and major national brands in transportation, logistics, food service, and waste management — companies that trust Eric with the cases where the outcome defines their future.
Eric is a Straus Institute certified mediator trained at Pepperdine University, a published author in mediation and legal journals, and an international speaker on complex defense litigation. He writes his own content and brings his own voice to every publication and presentation — because his expertise is earned through decades of real results.
Defending carriers and operators in catastrophic, multi-fatality, and high-exposure trucking litigation — including multi-billion dollar matters.
Complex commercial breach of contract claims for Fortune 500 corporations and major regional businesses.
Protecting proprietary business information through aggressive defense and prosecution of misappropriation claims.
Enforcing and defending restrictive covenants and non-solicitation agreements across multiple jurisdictions.
Highest-exposure personal injury and wrongful death litigation for major corporations with composure and strategic precision.
Commercial property damage and business interruption claims with thorough investigation and aggressive advocacy.
Eric brings what most mediators cannot: decades of experience on both sides of the courtroom. His long-standing commitment to alternative dispute resolution and hundreds of mediations on behalf of clients inspired him to focus on facilitating mediations through Gillett Mediation â available to parties nationwide.
Trained at the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University, Ericâs mediation approach draws on deep expertise in how judges and juries think, frank pre-mediation discussions with counsel, and a high degree of emotional intelligence that drives parties toward efficient, fair outcomes.
Engaged selectively, this advisory provides senior-level insight into the matters that define outcomes.
Clients include companies, executives, and legal teams seeking an independent, experienced perspective on matters with meaningful stakes.
Private Engagement · Limited Availability
Each matter is reviewed personally by Eric prior to engagement.
A focused session designed to evaluate key issues, identify risks, and provide immediate strategic direction.
Reserved for a limited number of clients requiring continuous input throughout the lifecycle of a matter.
A deeper engagement for complex cases requiring detailed analysis, strategic alignment, and written recommendations.
Availability is intentionally limited to maintain depth of involvement.
"Eric writes a monthly column for the King County Bar Bulletin, sharing hard-won insights from four decades of courtroom experience. He doesn’t outsource his thinking — every word is his own."
Additional engagements to be announced. For speaking inquiries, contact Eric directly.
Preg O’Donnell & Gillett is hiring.
At Preg O’Donnell & Gillett, we don’t just manage cases — we prepare them for trial from day one. Our reputation is built on disciplined advocacy, strategic thinking, and results that matter. We are growing and looking to add attorneys who want to do meaningful work at a high level.
We are seeking attorneys who are:
Experience in litigation is preferred, but mindset and work ethic carry more weight than years on a résumé.
If you’re looking for a place to sharpen your skills, take on real responsibility, and build a reputation as a serious trial attorney, we want to hear from you.
Whether you need defense counsel for high-stakes litigation or a skilled mediator for complex disputes — Eric Gillett brings nearly four decades of elite experience to every engagement.
