Matt Cooper is a seasoned transactional and litigation attorney who provides invaluable counsel to clients on their most complex real estate and land use matters in Alaska, Washington state, and beyond.
With expertise spanning numerous sectors, Matt offers integrated solutions to his clients' most important real property and development challenges. He has broad experience in commercial transactions and litigation, contract negotiations and enforcement, business organization and advice, insurance matters, and risk management. He has advised corporate clients, public entities (including utilities), and nonprofits on the full range of laws and regulations that impact land use, including natural resources law in the mining, oil, and gas spaces.
An Alaska resident for more than 35 years, Matt is fully versed in Alaska Native law as well as federal policies that impact the state. Before joining DWT, Matt worked in the University of Alaska's Office of General Counsel for 13 years, serving as the general counsel for the last four years of his tenure. He previously practiced for a firm with offices in Anchorage and Fairbanks and clerked for Alaska Superior Court Judge Niesje Steinkruger. He obtained his law degree from the University of Washington.
Admitted to Practice
-
Alaska, 2003
-
U.S. District Court, District of Alaska
Education
-
J.D., University of Washington School of Law, 2001
-
B.A., University of Puget Sound, 1998
Memberships & Affiliations
-
- Midnight Sun Council, Scouting America, 2017-present
- Assembly Board of Ethics, 2023-present; various roles, 2011-present – Fairbanks North Star Borough
- Director, Presbyterian Hospitality House, 2004-2023
- Fee Arbitration Committee, Alaska Bar Association, 2009-Present
Background
-
- General Counsel, 2020-2024; Associate General Counsel, 2011-2020 – University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska
- Shareholder, 2009-2011; Associate, 2003-2009 – Guess & Rudd P.C., Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska
- Law Clerk, Hon. Niesje Steinkruger, Alaska Court System, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2003