BGB - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Legal Assistant
• Legal Assistant / Paralegal to William M. Bankston and Chris D. Gronning

Charlene joined BGB in 1987. She has more than 35 years of legal experience, with extensive knowledge in the practice areas of litigation, transactions, real estate, corporate,and oil and gas matters. A lifelong Alaskan, she was raised in Anchorage and currently serves on the Board of Bishop's Attic Volunteers. Charlene can be reached at

Job Titles:

• Shareholder

Educated at Oxford University and the University of Michigan, Chris Gronning joined BGB in 1983 and is known for his attention to detail and thoroughness. An effective troubleshooter, Chris represents clients not only in litigation matters but in commercial transactions as well. He has broad experience in representing clients before state, federal, and bankruptcy courts, with substantial experience litigating insurance coverage issues in commercial and business policies, real estate and easement issues, and contract and lease disputes.

Job Titles:

• Shareholder

Christopher Brecht has practiced law in Alaska since 2006. His practice focuses on probate and trust litigation and administration, estate planning, business formation and governance, commercial transactions, corporate law, and civil litigation. Christopher joined the firm in 2007 after completing a clerkship for the Honorable Morgan Christen. He grew up in Alaska and has lived in Anchorage, Juneau, and Fairbanks. Prior to his legal career, Christopher taught high school and elementary school in the United States and in Japan. In his pro bono capacity, Christopher works with local nonprofit organizations advising on a range of issues including nonprofit formation, governance, and applying for and maintaining federal tax-exempt status. Education Gonzaga University School of Law, J.D. Magna Cum Laude, 2006 Georgetown University, B.A. Magna Cum Laude, 1995

Job Titles:

• of Counsel

Job Titles:

• of Counsel

Job Titles:

• Vice President Strategic Planning, Member and past President of Its Board of Directors for the Great Alaska Council

Julius Brecht was admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the District of Alaska in 1975 and the State of Alaska in 1975.

Job Titles:

• of Counsel

Serving as Director of the Alaska Division of Banking and Securities from 1976-1980, Julius entered the private practice of law in 1981 and has made the technical world of securities law his primary area of practice. After nearly 30 years as shareholder in his own firm, he joined Bankston Gronning Brecht as Of Counsel in 2016. Julius advises clients on securities offerings and regulation, business structure and transactions, LLC law,and contract negotiation. He has written numerous articles on these areas of law. Julius can be retained as an expert witness in securities litigation. Prior to practicing law, Julius was a physicist with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). With his love of astronomy and background with NASA, he regulary makes presentations on topics of astronomy. He is also actively involved in civic and community organizations including Great Alaska Council (Boy Scouts of America) and Anchorage Rotary.

Job Titles:

• Legal Assistant
• Legal Assistant to Christopher M. Brecht and Suzanne a. Adler

Karen has been with BGB since 1996. With more than 25 years of legal experience, Karen has extensive experience in estate planning, probate, trust and estate administration, as well as corporate matters. Karen can be reached at

Job Titles:

• Office Manager
• Office Manager, Accounts Payable and Receivable

Renee joined BGB in 2018 with 4 years of experience in legal administration. Renee is best known for her friendly and accommodating nature. Born and raised in Anchorage, Renee and her husband have chosen Alaska to raise their children. Renee can be reached at

Job Titles:

• Associate

Suzanne Adler graduated from Boston University School of Law cum laude with a concentration in litigation and alternative dispute resolution in May of 2016. Suzanne completed two judicial clerkships with the Honorable Louis J. Menendez in Juneau, Alaska and the Honorable Bethany S. Harbison in Fairbanks, Alaska before joining BGB. During law school, Suzanne represented Boston University at the John J. Gibbon's Moot Court Competition, was an Articles Editor for Boston University's International Law Journal, and participated in a legal clinic. Suzanne has represented clients before the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and the Department of Unemployment Assistance. Before attending law school, Suzanne earned a Bachelor's Degree from Stonehill College, graduating summa cum laude. Suzanne was a member of Stonehill College's Equestrian Team, a Big Brother Big Sister, and frequently volunteered at the YMCA. In her spare time, Suzanne enjoys spending time outside with her two dogs and camera. Suzanne moved to Alaska upon graduating from Boston University School of Law.

Job Titles:

• Legal Assistant
• Legal Assistant / Paralegal to Douglas a. Karet and Julius J. Brecht

Job Titles:

• in 2017 As Their Office Manager
• Paralegal

Born and raised in Alaska, Tara joined BGB in 2017 as their office manager. With a knack for organization and her "get it done" work ethic, as a quick learner, Tara began her paralegal career 9 months later organizing one of the firm's largest cases in its 45 year history. In addition to her expertise in digital organization,her people skills contribute to her success as a member of the litigation team. When not in the office, Tara is devoted to being a mom of two girls. Tara can be reached at

Job Titles:

• Shareholder

Bill Bankston founded the firm in 1977. Born in San Angelo, Texas, Bill moved to Alaska to begin his legal career and has been practicing law in Alaska since 1971. His single concern is the welfare of the Firm's clients Bill calls on his extensive experience as a trial and commercial lawyer, including his background as a securities law expert, to analyze a case and create a critical path to achieve the client's objectives. His focused approach to each facet of the law emphasizes the firm's emphasis on quality over quantity. Bill can be retained as an expert witness in his areas of expertise. Education University of Texas Law School, J.D., 1971 Bill Bankston was admitted to practice in the State of Alaska and the United States District Court for the District of Alaska in 1971, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in 1972, the United States Tax Court in 1983, the United States Claims Court in 1984, and the Supreme Court of the United States in 1986. Bill was admitted to practice in the State of Texas in 1971 (inactive) and is a neutral Panel member with the American Arbitration Association, Arbitration Panel and Mediation Panel, and serves as a private mediator and arbitrator. Bill has served on the Fee Arbitration Panel and Disciplinary Panel of the Alaska Bar Association from 2004 to present. He is a past President and past Secretary/Treasurer and current member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, Alaska Chapter. Bill has been a member of the American Arbitration Association, Commercial and Construction Arbitration Panels since 1986. In 1985 Bill co-authored, The Creation, Operation and Dissolution of a Limited Partnership in Alaska, 2 Alaska L. Rev. 271 which is also the same year he began, and continues, to serve as an Arbitration Panelist for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Bill has founded various organizations such as the Alaska Community Foundation and the Alaska Festival Theater. He is a former Business Law Instructor at the University of Alaska Anchorage as well as a past director of theAnchorage Youth Court and Cook Inlet Soccer Club.