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 (2023–2024)

Anchorage Bar Association, Secretary, (2025-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

Watching Manchester United, hiking, fishing, baking, and playing guitar.

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