Zach Forrester

Associate

"With a background in customer service, I seek to identify ‎and meet client needs.‎"

How I represent clients at Schwabe

I take pride in getting to know each client and their background to customize the advice I provide to meet specific needs. If litigation becomes necessary, I work collaboratively to develop a strategy that reflects my client’s objectives and furthers their long-term success.

My practice serves a diverse range of individuals and businesses throughout Alaska, offering legal counsel and court representation. As a former judicial law clerk, I’ve conducted in-depth research into Alaska’s criminal law, prepared bench memos for panel discussions, and contributed to the editing of judicial orders and opinions. In addition, I gained a deeper understanding of federal court procedures during an externship at the Federal District Court for the District of Alaska, where I observed trials, hearings, and sentencings, and prepared the judge for hearings.

Experience

  • Researched and produced work product for the Federal District Court of Alaska related to the Federal Tort Claims Act, Second Amendment, Maritime Law, and other areas
  • Researched and wrote multiple papers on Federal Indian and Tribal issues, including such topics as ANCSA, ICWA, and the relation between treaty fishing rights and resource management
  • Conducted extensive legal research on Alaska criminal law, and drafted bench memos in preparation for panel conferences
  • Participated in multistate complex antitrust litigation while working for the Oregon Department of Justice

Education

  • Willamette University College of Law‎, Juris Doctor, magna cum laude (2023)‎
  • Cornerstone University, Bachelor of Arts (2015)‎

Admissions

  • Alaska State Courts

Memberships

Anchorage Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section, Vice President (2023–present)

Additional Events

“Importing the Corporate Form: The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and Future Possibilities,” Presentation at ClassCrits (2022)

Services

Community Activities

Thurston County Volunteer Legal Services, Volunteer Administrator, Spring 2019–Spring 2020

Outside Interests

Catching a spiny dogfish shark while surf fishing on the beach in Kenai, Alaska.

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