Litigation: General Commercial: Alaska

THE FIRM This firm's commercial litigation practice group advises on a diverse range of cases, ranging from professional liability to antitrust and construction law. It also handles class action proceedings and has a designated appellate practice, which focuses largely on constitutional law. Clients include individual plaintiffs, Alaska Native Corporations and healthcare providers, among others.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stephen Hutchings is a seasoned courtroom advocate with a strong background in corporate, construction and personal injury cases. He has represented clients at jury trials and administrative hearings. 

Timothy Petumenos combines a busy civil practice with criminal defense relating to environmental law. He also advises on tax and public trust issues. Sources say: "He handles big pieces - he is a heavyweight litigator."

THE FIRM Dorsey & Whitney has a dynamic presence in Alaska, and fields a team of formidable litigators who are rated for the depth and breadth of their experience. Notably, the firm represented ConocoPhillips Alaska in relation to the State of Alaska's termination of oil and gas unit leases and in relation to a damages claim filed by Union Oil. Other key clients include Alaska Airlines and Doyon Drilling.

Sources say: "They continue to do very well."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of the Anchorage office, Jahna Lindemuth enjoys a strong reputation for her representation of native corporations. She recently represented Cook Inlet Region in federal court and arbitration proceedings concerning land entitlements under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA).

Spencer Sneed is a prominent figure in the litigation community and is recognized for his work on behalf of ConocoPhillips. Sources say: "He's pragmatic, detail-oriented, strategic and commands the respect of opposing counsel. He's very collegiate and great to work with."

Robert Bundy is "a dean in our community," commentators agree. His civil litigation practice encompasses commercial and corporate work as well as professional malpractice and environmental matters. 

THE FIRM This highly regarded litigation firm represents a wide range of clients in both civil and criminal cases. Areas of focus include professional negligence, contractual and business disputes, public corruption and constitutional matters. Key clients include BP, Alaska Rent-A-Car and Calais Company. The firm also handles appellate cases, class proceedings and pro bono representation.

KEY INDIVIDUALS The popular Jeffrey Feldman represents clients in both civil and criminal matters. "He is very able and driven," say peers.

Susan Orlansky is widely acknowledged as "an appellate advocate and expert" and is considered a strong adversary in this area.

Eric Sanders is highlighted for his strength in alternative dispute resolution. Sources describe him as "a delight to work with, against and around - he is very practical and experienced."

THE FIRM This firm is deeply entrenched in the Alaskan litigation Bar. It is frequently recommended for complex civil litigation and public utility and regulated industry work.

Sources say: "They have been around a long time - they have a very good reputation."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Dani Crosby is an experienced trial lawyer with particular strength in the area of employment law and business litigation.

The distinguished Mark Ashburn focuses on oil and gas, antitrust, employment and civil litigation. Sources agree he is "very professional - a pleasure to work alongside."

THE FIRM This firm handles a wide variety of contentious undertakings. In addition to its traditional commercial and business litigation practice, it is recognized for its robust professional malpractice defense capability. The team also advises on ANCSA-related disputes.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Dickson handles complex litigation in a variety of areas including professional negligence and construction. He is very well regarded within the legal community and acts for clients located throughout the state.

Patrick Gilmore advises on commercial litigation of all kind. Significant areas of focus include employment law, real estate, state and local taxation, and creditors' rights.

Name partner Bruce Gagnon acts on both commercial litigation and transactions. "He's terrific," sources agree.

THE FIRM This Anchorage-based team specializes in complex civil litigation including matters relating to oil, tourism, fisheries and mining.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Brewster Jamieson is an experienced litigator who has represented clients in many different industries. Sources say that "he's very strong, very well known in the community." One commentator enthused: "His familiarity with the opposing counsel, judges and mediators in the area is a great asset."

THE FIRM The Anchorage arm of this international firm is recognized for its commercial litigation team. It has experience representing large clients including ExxonMobil. 

Sources say: "Their Anchorage office does very good work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Douglas Serdahely is "of the best litigators in town." He is recommended for complex civil cases, with notable strength in corporate and commercial disputes. 

THE FIRM This firm's Alaskan office regularly serves as regional litigation counsel to a host of national clients. A recent highlight saw the team act for BP Exploration (Alaska) on a dispute concerning the lease of an Indian allotment on Alaska’s North Slope. 

Sources say: "They are on a path that will make them an even more significant presence in town."

KEY INDIVIDUALS James Torgerson advises on a wide range of disputes and is rated for his experience at both the state and federal level. One source said: "I have encountered him in numerous cases, and he has always impressed - he is a tremendous person and a tremendous lawyer." He recently acted for Alyeska Pipeline Service Company in relation to a damages claim brought under ERISA in excess of $1 million.