William A. Earnhart

William A. Earnhart has more than three decades of experience as a trial lawyer, mediator, and negotiator. He has represented clients before Alaska state courts, the U.S. District Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and arbitration panels. His work spans employment, commercial, and personal injury litigation, with more than 20 jury trials to verdict. He has successfully defended clients in high-exposure cases involving claims of up to $37 million and regularly appears before the Alaska Supreme Court in appellate matters.

William earned his J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law in 1994 after completing his B.A. at Willamette University in 1990. He is admitted to practice in Alaska, Oregon, Washington, the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. In addition, he has advanced his training through specialized programs, including a joint MIT and Harvard workshop on collaborative negotiations, which strengthened his expertise in mediation and dispute resolution.

William’s practice includes leadership in labor negotiations, employment litigation, and municipal law. He has extensive experience with agencies such as the Alaska State Commission for Human Rights, Anchorage Equal Rights Commission, and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. He has successfully defended against wage and hour claims, wrongful termination suits, retaliation, breach of contract, and cases involving discrimination based on race, gender, age, and disability. He also serves as counsel to Native Alaskan Village corporations, municipalities, and closely held businesses.

In addition to his legal practice, William A. Earnhart is dedicated to service in both professional and community roles. He is a Board Member for Professional Mediators of Alaska and has held leadership positions with civic and nonprofit organizations, including local planning, zoning, and recreation boards. His career reflects a commitment to advocacy, leadership, and advancing solutions for complex legal challenges.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Birch Horton Bittner & Cherot
• Member, Alaska Bar Association
• Member, Oregon State Bar
• Member, Washington State Bar Association

Licensed State

• Alaska
• Oregon
• Washington

Education

• University of Washington School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Willamette University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges