For more than 35 years, Nicholas Gellert has been representing clients in a wide array of litigation matters at Perkins Coie. Nick has achieved arbitration, mediation and trial, and appellate victories at all levels of state and federal courts. His practice focuses on seeking insurance coverage for policyholders, resolving real estate, construction, and other contract, statutory, or common law disputes. He also handles disputes arising in probate and trust administration.
In his diverse insurance coverage practice, Nick has handled everything from residential title insurance claims to multimillion-dollar disputes over coverage under liability and directors and officers (D&O) policies. His real estate litigation experience includes a variety of disputes, such as those involving boundary line and adverse possession, purchase and sale agreement claims, and alleged breaches of lease covenants.
Nick also maintains an active pro bono practice, through which he has handled both individual claims and complex litigation, including several death penalty cases and other constitutional litigation. He played an important role in defending the constitutionality of Interest on Lawyer Trust Account (IOLTA) programs, which achieved a vital protection of this important mechanism for funding indigent legal services. He acted as the firm’s pro bono coordinator for several years and also served, by appointment of the Washington Supreme Court, on Washington’s Access to Justice Board.
Professional Recognition
- Listed in Super Lawyers Magazine, "Washington's Super Lawyers," 2004, 2010 – 2023
- Washington State Bar Association, Award of Merit, 2003
- King County Bar Association, President's Award, 2003
- American Bar Association, IOLTA Litigation Team Award, 2003
- King County Bar Foundation, Champion of Justice Award, 2002
- Perkins Coie, Pro Bono Leadership Award, 2002
- Peer Review Rated AV in Martindale-Hubbell
(AV®, BV® and CV® are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies.)
Professional Leadership
- Washington State Access to Justice Board, Member, 2011 – 2017
- Legal Foundation of Washington, Board of Trustees 2004 – 2009; President, 2009