Brooks W. Chandler

For 34 years and counting, Brooks has counseled and represented public and private clients on a wide range of issues. Arriving in Alaska in 1977, Brooks followed a familiar narrative: washing dishes in Nome, selling food out of an old trailer in Homer, and working as a bull cook on Cook Inlet.  He left long enough to receive a law degree from Georgetown University and returned immediately, drawn back by the same feeling he discovered when he stepped off the plane in Nome: he really enjoys working in and with Alaska communities.

Brooks has earned his reputation as one of Alaska’s leading municipal attorneys.  He serves as the primary attorney for over a dozen communities, including several that he has served for over twenty years.  In that time, Brooks has counseled city officials on countless issues related to municipal governance and management, including construction disputes, land use and zoning, labor and employment matters, public utilities, municipal taxation, and annexation.  He draws on that wealth of knowledge to provide practical advice designed to help clients solve problems quickly and efficiently.  Brooks also represents small businesses, utility companies and cooperatives, and Alaska tribal entities, and serves as the firm’s primary insurance coverage attorney.  He has achieved successful outcomes for public and private clients in Alaska Commission for Human Rights proceedings, state and federal trial courts, and on appeal to the Alaska Supreme Court.

Brooks is frequently asked to provide input to the state legislature on matters affecting local government, such as the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and implementing Ballot Measure 2 decriminalizing marijuana throughout Alaska.  He regularly presents to the Alaska Association of Municipal Attorneys and the Alaska Municipal League’s Annual Conference.  His commitment to Alaska communities extends beyond the office.   He has served as chair of the Girdwood Board of Supervisors, as chair of the Chugach State Park citizens advisory board, and as president of Friends of the Anchorage Library.  Summers find him floating or running rapids on rivers all over Alaska.