Janella Kamai

Janella Kamai is an attorney with Manley Brautigam Bankston P.C. whose practice includes property tax resolution, entity governance, estate planning, trust administration, and probate litigation. Kamai also advises on ad valorem tax matters and firearm trusts. Her work draws on a broad Alaska legal background and focuses on helping clients organize property and estate matters, resolve tax issues, and manage governance or administration questions that may involve both planning and contested proceedings.

Kamai earned an LL.M. in Estate Planning and Elder Law from Western New England University in 2014, a J.D. from Indiana University, Mauer School of Law in 2005, and an M.P.A. from Indiana University, SPEA in 2005. She also earned a B.S. in Speech Communications, Cum Laude, from Texas Christian University in 2000 and an A.S. in Public Relations from Amarillo College in 1998. This multidisciplinary education supports detailed planning, administration, and client communication.

Kamai spent 14 years as a general practitioner in remote areas of Alaska, developing experience with varied legal needs and a strong understanding of rural communities. Her current practice uses that background in property tax disputes, entity governance, estate planning, trust and estate administration, and probate litigation. She is admitted in Alaska, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah, giving her experience with planning and administration issues that may involve property, family, or legal connections across more than one jurisdiction.

Janella Kamai brings broad general-practice experience to a focused estate, tax, and governance practice. Kamai has served in community leadership roles, including past board service for educational organizations, and has provided educational programming for seniors. Her work emphasizes clear planning, careful administration, and practical problem solving for clients dealing with trusts, estates, probate, property tax, and entity responsibilities. She helps clients understand legal requirements, organize decisions, and address disputes when planning or administration matters become contested.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Manley Brautigam Bankston P.C.
• Member, Alaska Bar Association
• Member, Oklahoma Bar Association
• Member, State Bar of Texas
• Member, Utah State Bar
• Past Board President, Kodiak Christian School (2014-2018)
• Board of Trustees, Alaska Christian College (2020-2024)
• Lecturer, Kodiak Aging Mastery Program
• Volunteer/liaison, Grace Christian School

Licensed State

• Alaska
• Oklahoma
• Texas
• Utah

Education

• Western New England University
  Master of Laws (LLM) in Estate Planning and Elder Law
• Indiana University, Mauer School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Indiana University, SPEA
  Master of Public Administration (MPA)
• Texas Christian University
  Bachelor of Science (BS) in Speech Communications
• Amarillo College
  A.S. in Public Relations

Awards & Badges