Attorney Brad Bonner of Yellowstone Mediation in Cody

Bradley D. Bonner

Mediator / Arbitrator

Brad’s Story

My idea to pursue a career as a professional mediator developed over a long period of time. In 1992, I joined a civil litigation practice, representing both plaintiffs and defendants in court. Some lawyers choose to take only one side. I always felt working for both plaintiffs and defendants gave me a healthy perspective about what the other side was thinking. It also helped me appreciate there usually are two sides to every story.

Increasingly during my successful 20-year trial practice, it became clear the litigation process often creates more problems than it solves. First, I saw how emotionally taxing the lawsuits were on my clients. Even when success seemed likely, the stress and anxiety were overwhelming. Second, lawsuits are time-consuming. Many of my clients would rather focus their time and energy on anything but their lawsuits. Finally, as most unfortunately know, the financial costs can be staggering. Bottom line: I began to appreciate the downsides to litigation far outnumber the upsides and few people ever really find themselves satisfied at the end.

During this same period, an increasing number of my cases ended in mediation, and most of those ended with a fair settlement. Along the way, I discovered how much my clients appreciated the experience — and results — of mediation. They were able to have their day in court, while exerting more influence over the outcome. It was empowering. It created finality and certainty. It gave them satisfaction and, ultimately, relief. 

I also learned a few things about myself. I found my attitude, demeanor and skills are a perfect fit for mediation. I learned that finding the “sweet spot” where a dispute can settle takes good listening, understanding, persistence and, most of all, patience. In short, I fell in love with the mediation process and how it literally has the power to make people’s lives better. The next step was logical. 

In 2012, I dedicated myself fulltime to becoming a professional mediator.  Since then, I have trained professionally through the nation’s top dispute resolution programs – the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine Law School and the Harvard Negotiation Institute at Harvard Law School.  I now work hard every day to be the very best mediator I can be. I’ve mediated thousands of cases touching on all aspects of life. Every case is new and different and provides a unique opportunity to help people solve a distressing problem.  Indeed, it’s not uncommon to meet people in true despair at the outset who look like the weight of the world has been lifted by the time we finish.

J.D. University of Wyoming College of Law, with honors, 1992

  • Class Rank – 5/74
  • Order of the Coif
  • Land and Water Law Review, 1990-92

B.A. University of Wyoming, Journalism, 1987

Bonner Law Firm, P.C., and Yellowstone Mediation – 2012-present

Bonner Stinson, P.C. – 2001-2012

Bradley D. Bonner, P.C. – 1997-2001

Gifford & Bonner  – 1994-1997

Reeves, Murdock & Gifford – 1992-1994

Harvard Negotiation Institute, Harvard Law School – 2016

Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, Pepperdine Law School – 2012

U.S. District Court, District of Wyoming
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Wyoming
U.S. District Court, District of Montana
U.S. Court of Appeals, 10th Circuit
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Montana
U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit

Wyoming State Bar Association (elected President 2014-15)
Park County, Wyoming Bar Association
Wyoming Trial Lawyers Association
American Bar Association (Member, Dispute Resolution Section)
American Association for Justice
Association for Conflict Resolution

University of Wyoming Board of Trustees —  2019 – present

Equal Justice Wyoming Board of Commissioners  –  2016-present

President, Wyoming State Bar  –  2014-2015

UW Law School Liaison Committee, Wyoming State Bar  –  2014-2015

Wyoming State Bar Foundation Board of Directors  –  2013-2016

President-elect, Wyoming State Bar  –  2013-2014

Vice-president, Wyoming State Bar  –  2012-2013

Board of Law Examiners, Wyoming State Bar  –  2008-2013

Print, Inc./Powell Tribune Board of Directors  –  2003-present

First Bank Board of Directors  –  2002-present

Northwest College Board of Trustees  –  2002-2006

Northwest College Foundation Board of Directors  –  2001-2018

National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals –  2023-present

AV Preeminent Rating for Ethical Standards and Legal Ability (Martindale-Hubbell)

Mountain States Super Lawyers

Annabel Bonner from Yellowstone Mediation

Annabel Bonner

Mediation Coordinator

Annabel’s Story

Working remotely from Denver, Annabel is here to help. As the Mediation Coordinator, Annabel is Yellowstone Mediation’s true “point person” from start to finish for contacts with clients, lawyers and all others involved in the mediation process.  She meets with clients, fields phone calls, juggles our busy calendar and handles arrangements wherever we travel to mediate cases.  Lawyers and other repeat customers know a couple of important things: first, when you call to talk about a mediation case, you’re quite likely going to speak with Annabel; and second, Annabel will handle your every need or request with the highest degree of kindness, helpfulness, professionalism and efficiency.

Annabel has a communication degree from the University of Colorado in Boulder. She is passionate about helping others and enjoys working alongside her dad, Brad, as the mediation coordinator at Yellowstone Mediation. Annabel loves the mountains and spending time exploring the outdoors. In her spare time, she likes to cook, downhill ski, go to concerts, and hang out with her golden-doodle, Odin.