William A. Earnhart
Top rated Employment & Labor attorney in Anchorage, Alaska
Birch Horton Bittner & Cherot
Practice areas: Employment & Labor, Business Litigation, Alternative Dispute Resolution; view more
Licensed in Alaska since: 1994
Education: University of Washington School of Law
Call today:
907-802-2998
Birch Horton Bittner & Cherot
510 L StreetSuite 700
Anchorage, AK 99501 Visit website
A partner at Birch Horton Bittner & Cherot in Anchorage, Alaska, William A. Earnhart offers dedicated legal representation to employers and businesses in a broad range of labor and employment matters. With a practice focused on employment law and labor relations, he advises clients on workplace disputes, regulatory compliance and complex employment litigation. He also handles business litigation and alternative dispute resolution, providing strategic counsel to help organizations manage risk and resolve conflicts efficiently.
With over three decades of legal experience, Mr. Earnhart has built a reputation for his work in employment litigation defense, guiding employers through claims involving workplace policies, personnel actions and labor-related disputes. His experience spans both litigation and mediation, allowing him to tailor his approach to each client’s needs, whether through courtroom advocacy or negotiated resolution. He is committed to delivering practical legal solutions while minimizing disruption to business operations.
Mr. Earnhart earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Willamette University in 1990 and went on to receive his Juris Doctor from the University of Washington School of Law in 1994. That same year, he was admitted to practice law in Alaska. He is also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.
Actively engaged in the legal community, Mr. Earnhart is a member of the Federal Bar Association Alaska chapter and the Alaska Bar Association Employment Law Section. He is also a member and former chair of the Alaska Municipal Attorneys Association. Additionally, he serves on the board of Professional Mediators of Alaska, reflecting his commitment to professional development and dispute resolution.
Practice areas
Employment & Labor: Employer, Business Litigation, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Employment Litigation: DefenseFocus areas
Arbitration, Employment Law - Employer, Labor Law, Mediation, Non-Compete Agreements, Retaliation, Trade Secret, Unions, Whistleblower, Wrongful Termination
- 30% Employment & Labor: Employer
- 30% Business Litigation
- 20% Alternative Dispute Resolution
- 20% Employment Litigation: Defense
First Admitted: 1994, Alaska
Professional Webpage: https://www.birchhorton.com/attorney/william-a-earnhart/
Bar / Professional Activity
- Alaska, 1994
- Board Member for Professional Mediators of Alaska
- U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit
- U.S. District Court District of Alaska
Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)
- Defense verdict in Chipps v. Alaska DOC et al. 22 year old plaintiff in a pretrial facility attempted suicide and left with permanent severe disabilities. Plaintiff's request to the jury included 17 million dollars for future medical care., 2024
Transactions
- Lead negotiator for City of Seward in collective bargaining agreement with IBEW Local 1547, 2016
- Continuing to regularly serve as lead negotiator for a number of Municipalities., 2024
- Lead negotiator for Municipality of Anchorage in ML&P collective bargaining agreement with IBEW Local 1547, 2013
- Lead negotiator for the Municipality of Anchorage in collective bargaining with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 367, 2013
Special Licenses / Certifications
- Meditator Training, 2021
- Labor Negotiations Training Harvard/MIT, 2010
Educational Background
- Willamette University, B.A., 1990
Industry Groups
- Retail; Government; Construction
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2025