Perkins Coie Adds Alaskan Employment Litigator to Anchorage Office
Perkins Coie is pleased to announce that Michael O’Brien has joined the firm in Anchorage as a Senior Counsel in the growing labor and employment practice. O’Brien is the sixth lateral to join the practice group since July.
“Mike has a deep understanding of Alaska’s employment landscape and of litigating complex and challenging cases,” says Danielle Ryman, managing partner of Perkins Coie’s Anchorage office. “We’re pleased that Mike chose to join our team and know his addition will further benefit our clients.”
O’Brien’s practice focuses on counseling clients on the range of employment issues affecting the workplace and on conducting workplace investigations. He also possesses in-depth knowledge of Title IX and other education laws that impact both the K-12 and post-secondary school environments. Prior to joining Perkins Coie, O’Brien was an associate general counsel for the University of Alaska system.
Current Issue
August 2026
“The firm’s labor and employment practice continues to see strong national growth amid a tight labor market and as clients continue to seek effective legal representation,” said Ann Marie Painter, chair of Perkins Coie’s labor and employment practice. “Michael’s trial and litigation experience will provide significant benefit to our clients and highlights our commitment to offering the best labor and employment counsel to clients in Alaska and beyond.”
O’Brien received his J.D. and master’s from Vermont Law School and his bachelor’s from the University of Montana. He also holds a master’s from St. John’s College.
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