Caitlin Shortell

Caitlin Shortell is a highly respected business lawyer at Shortell Law, LLC, with a strong track record in complex civil litigation, personal injury, business law, and family law. She is recognized as a 2023, 2024, and 2025 Super Lawyer and named one of the Top 100 Civil Plaintiffs’ Lawyers in Alaska by National Trial Lawyers. Ms. Shortell is widely known for her commitment to civil rights and for delivering powerful legal solutions across a broad range of legal matters.

Ms. Shortell earned her J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law. She has spent nearly two decades helping people protect their rights in courtrooms and administrative hearings across Alaska. She defends professionals such as teachers, nurses, physicians, and law enforcement officers facing license or job loss.

Ms. Shortell assists executives and owners with contracts, severance agreements, labor disputes, and reputation management in the business world. She also represents families in divorce, child custody, and guardianship cases, with special experience in high-net-worth and LGBTQ family law matters.

Ms. Shortell has played a key role in shaping Alaska’s civil rights laws. She was lead counsel in 2014 for Hamby v. Parnell. That case secured the right to marry in Alaska for same-sex couples. She also helped pass the Equal Rights Ordinance in Anchorage and later sued the state in 2020 in Smith v. Dunleavy to fight discrimination against military spouses and children.

Caitlin Shortell is experienced with injury law work. Her injury law work includes representing victims of catastrophic harm and sexual violence. She also practices transformative mediation and has successfully guided many cases to settlement. In guardianship matters, she stands up for vulnerable adults and families harmed by neglect or state overreach. Through her pro bono work, she continues to provide legal help for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Shortell Law, LLC
• Member, National Trial Lawyers

Licensed State

• Alaska

Education

• Northeastern University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of California
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges