Overview

Connor Smith is an Anchorage, Alaska-based litigation attorney who represents businesses and individuals in complex commercial disputes in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies throughout Alaska. His practice includes commercial litigation, tax litigation, quiet title, appeals, fiduciary disputes, and a broad spectrum of work for Alaska Native Corporations and clients in the oil and gas, mining, fisheries, and other natural resources industries.

A fourth-generation Alaskan, Connor worked in the commercial fishing industry as a vessel owner and captain before becoming an attorney. He draws on that experience to represent participants in Alaska’s commercial fishing industry in litigation, regulatory, and tax matters. Connor also represents clients in the energy, mining, and oil and gas industries in litigation and regulatory matters involving natural resources and resource development throughout Alaska.

Connor advises Alaska Native Corporations on land use, governance, and disputes involving natural resources and land management. His experience with Alaska’s courts, regulatory agencies, industries, and business environment allows him to provide practical counsel tailored to businesses operating in the state.

Connor maintains an active pro bono practice serving Alaskans through organizations like Alaska Legal Services Corporation and the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault. He also volunteers with programs focused on legal education and access to the justice system in Alaska.

Prior to joining Stoel Rives, Connor served as a law clerk to the Honorable Craig Stowers of the Alaska Supreme Court and as a judicial extern to the Honorable Morgan Christen of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Education

Seattle University School of Law, J.D., 2018, summa cum laude; graduated number 1 in class; Executive Editor, American Indian Law Journal; Dean’s List

California Polytechnic State University, B.A., Political Science, 2013; Dean’s List

Admissions

Alaska

United States District Court for the District of Alaska

United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Experience

  • Secured a favorable jury verdict representing a privately held technology company in a complex commercial dispute over contract termination and employee solicitation, resulting in over $1 million in damages after trial.
  • Obtained favorable jury verdict as lead counsel for commercial fishing company plaintiff on breach of contract, fraudulent misrepresentation, and unfair trade practices act claims.
  • Served as counsel for fisheries trade association and prevailed in Magnuson-Stevens Act litigation against the National Marine Fisheries Service.
  • Represented Alaska Native regional corporations and their subsidiaries in commercial, environmental, and personal injury litigation.
  • Represented major oil companies in production tax and property tax disputes.
  • Represented major oil companies in commercial disputes and in litigation with the State of Alaska.
  • Represented prominent seafood processing company in tax dispute with the State of Alaska.
  • Served as outside general counsel to major Alaska seafood trade association.
  • Represented beneficiaries and trustees in fiduciary litigation regarding trusts and estates.  
  • Obtained favorable judgment on behalf of mining company in quiet title action.
  • Represented prominent maritime company in collections action — obtaining and collecting judgment.
  • Represented Alaska Legislature in litigation with Alaska’s Attorney General and obtained favorable result that was affirmed by the Alaska Supreme Court.

Insights

Recognition

  • Selected as one of “America’s Leading Lawyers for Business” (Alaska) by Chambers USA (Litigation: General Commercial), Up and Coming, 2026
  • Included in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America (Commercial Litigation), 2026-present
  • Listed in the Alaska Business Legal Elite, 2023-present
  • Stoel Rives LLP Andrew Guy Pro Bono Award, Recipient, 2021-2022
  • Alaska Legal Services Corporation, Volunteer of the Month
  • Alaska Network on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault (ANDVSA), Volunteer of the Month
  • National Jurist Top 20 Law Students in the Nation for 2018
  • CALI Awards for Legal Writing, Business Entities, Alaska Trial Advocacy, Civil Procedure, Judicial Externship, and Criminal Law
  • Law School Faculty Trust Award
  • Mary Ellen Krug Award
  • Fredric C. Tausend Award for Academic Excellence

Affiliations

Civic

  • Anchorage Youth Court, Member (former Co-Secretary & current Co-Chair), Board of Directors, 2021–2024
  • ANDVSA Pro Bono Attorney
  • Alaska Legal Services Corporation, Pro Bono Attorney
  • Alaska Immigration Justice Project, Pro Bono Attorney
  • Federal Pro Bono Project, Pro Bono Attorney
  • Alaska Small Business Legal Clinic, Volunteer Attorney
  • ALSC Landlord Tenant Hotline, Volunteer Attorney
  • Highschool Mock Trial, Volunteer Coach
  • Supreme Court LIVE Education program
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