Michael R. Gatti

Michael R. Gatti is a government lawyer and Of Counsel at Jermain, Dunnagan & Owens, P.C. in Anchorage and has more than 30 years of legal experience as a municipal attorney. He advises Alaska municipalities on governance and public-law issues and also represents private clients in land use, employment, real estate, contract, and other matters. Michael regularly works with elected officials, administrators, departments, and local entities that need practical guidance on complex municipal operations and disputes.

Michael received a J.D. from California Western School of Law. He earned a B.A. in Law and Society from the University of California at Santa Barbara, with high honors. His education supports a practice involving constitutional questions, local government powers, employment, land use, planning, public administration, and litigation. He is admitted in Alaska and Colorado and before the US District Court for the District of Alaska and the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Michael has advised clients on municipal governance, construction, labor and employment, conflicts, incorporation, open meetings, planning, and land use. He has litigated before Alaska trial courts, administrative agencies, and the Alaska Supreme Court. His prior roles include Assembly Counsel to the Anchorage Assembly and Matanuska-Susitna Borough Attorney. He also serves as city attorney for municipalities and handles special projects for cities and boroughs across Alaska, often resolving issues involving state and federal agencies.

Michael R. Gatti has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America in litigation and municipal law since 2009 and was named the 2014 Best Lawyers Anchorage Municipal Lawyer of the Year. He also served for many years on the Alaska Municipal League board and in committee leadership. His long-standing municipal practice gives public clients experienced guidance on governance, litigation, negotiations, and the legal questions that shape day-to-day local government decisions.

Law Office Affiliations

• Of Counsel, Jermain Dunnagan & Owens, P.C.
• Member, Alaska Bar Association
• Member, Colorado Bar Association
• Member, Alaska Municipal Attorneys Association
• Member, Alaska Municipal League (1997 – 2017)

Licensed State

• Alaska
• Colorado

Education

• California Western School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of California, Santa Barbara
  Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Law and Society

Awards & Badges