Anne Marie Tavella

She/Her

Partner

Chair, Office DEI Committee (Anchorage)

Anne Marie Tavella helps clients work through commercial litigation cases, as well as government contracts disputes and regulatory compliance. Whether the cases involve construction disputes, wrongful termination cases, small business contracting compliance, or other contract-based disputes, Anne Marie assists clients in navigating these issues while minimizing business disruptions. Her focus is to help clients—including Alaska Native corporations—continue to focus on project or contract performance while ensuring the steps are met for federal bid protests, litigation under the Contract Disputes Act, 8(a), and compliance with federal regulations.

Practice Highlights

Government contracts

Successful settlement and resolution of numerous claims against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S Air Force, the U.S. Navy, and the Federal Highway Administration before the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals and the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals.

Successful bid protest in the Court of Federal Claims in 2022.

Construction

Assisting prime contractors and subcontractors with drafting construction contracts that maximize protections to limit litigation.

McNichols Company v. Bristol General Contractors LLC et al.

Defended Bristol against Miller Act claim arising out of a federal government construction project on Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, located in Anchorage, Alaska. Claims were brought against Bristol due to a subcontractor's failure to properly pay its supplier. Settled favorably for client, for a fraction of the amount sought. (D. Alaska 2019)

Product liability lawsuit

Defended client in a product liability lawsuit alleging clothing manufactured by our client was defective, and caused adverse reactions, such as a severe rash and difficulty breathing, as well as an autoimmune condition. Case settled. (Alaska Super. Ct. 2019)

Summit Consulting Services, Inc. v. Ridge Contracting, Inc. et al.

Defended Ridge Contracting in a construction dispute related to the construction of a power plant and community tank farm in Togiak, Alaska. Plaintiffs alleged Ridge failed to pay for the contracted services. We, in turn, asserted counterclaims for breach of contract and breach of good faith and fair dealing. Settled favorably for client. (Alaska Super. Ct. 2019)

General contractor

Represented a contractor in its claim requesting additional money and an extension of time to the Federal Highway Administration for a construction project in Denali, Alaska. Due to a defective design issue, our client incurred more cost and took longer to complete the project. The case proceeded to the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals after the claim was originally denied by the government, and ultimately reached a favorable settlement with the FHA. (2018)

David Diaz v. Hilcorp Alaska, LLC

Defended the Alaskan subsidiary of the largest privately held independent oil and gas exploration and production company in a case brought by a former employee alleging claims of wrongful termination, breach of good faith, breach of contract, defamation, and retaliation. Obtained dismissal of the retaliation and defamation claims on summary judgment, and won a jury verdict in Hilcorp’s favor for the substance of Diaz’s claims after an 8-day trial. (Alaska Super. Ct. 2017)

Admitted to Practice

Alaska, 2015
Washington, 2009
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington, 2009
U.S. District Court, District of Alaska, 2016
U.S. Court of Federal Claims, 2017

Education

J.D., Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, 2008
- Senior Articles Editor, Northwestern University Journal of International Human Rights
- Secretary, Asian Pacific American Law Students Association
M.A., Public Affairs Reporting, University of Illinois, 2003
B.S., Journalism, Southern Illinois University, 2001, cum laude

Memberships & Affiliations

- Volunteer Pro Bono Attorney, Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

Professional Recognition

- Named as one of "America's Leading Lawyers for Business" by Chambers USA in Construction (Alaska), 2025; Listed as "Up and Coming," 2023-2024
- Named one of the "Best Lawyers in America" by Best Lawyers in Construction Law, 2024-present
- Selected to "Alaska Rising Stars," Thomson Reuters, 2017
- Selected to "Washington Rising Stars," Thomson Reuters, 2014

Background

- Associate, Dorsey & Whitney LLP, Anchorage, Alaska, 2014-2015
- Associate, Watt Tieder Hoffar & Fitzgerald LLP, Seattle, 2013-2014
- Associate, Oles Morrison Rinker & Baker LLP, Seattle, 2008-2013
- Summer Associate, Oles Morrison Rinker & Baker LLP, Seattle, 2006 and 2007