Zach Berne

Zach is a native Oregonian who has spent the past eight years living and working in Alaska. Prior to starting his legal career, Zach worked in a variety of construction, ranching and farming jobs. Never one to avoid physically challenging work, coupled with his passion for adventure, Zach worked as a firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service and as an ironworker at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station in Antarctica. 

Upon graduating from Pomona College, Zach obtained his law degree from George Washington University. From there, Zach moved to Pago Pago, American Samoa to work as a law clerk – after which he moved to Alaska and began his career as a maritime lawyer. He is admitted to practice in all courts in Alaska, Oregon, Washington and American Samoa (inactive), and is a member of the Maritime Law Association of the United States. After spending a number of years representing vessel owners, employers and insurers in matters involving serious crew injuries and deaths arising from vessel sinkings, collisions and other marine casualties on the waters off Alaska, Washington and Oregon, Zach decided he was better suited representing the hardworking individuals injured while working on or in conjunction with vessels – including those aboard fishing vessels, tugs and barges, cargo vessels, charter vessels, passenger vessels, and supply vessels. 

Outside of work, Zach enjoys exploring the Alaska outdoors with his family while backpacking, kayaking, and fishing everywhere from Sitka to Kotzebue – all the while making slow progress demolishing and rebuilding his house in Anchorage one room at a time.