Alaska 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys: Fighting for Truck Crash Victims Across the Last Frontier

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Everything on Alaska’s Highways

The impact was catastrophic. One moment you’re navigating the Dalton Highway, the Alaska Highway, or the Seward Highway. The next, an 80,000-pound commercial truck has crossed the centerline, jackknifed on black ice, or lost control on a steep grade. In Alaska’s extreme conditions—where temperatures plunge to 40 below and daylight vanishes for months—trucking accidents aren’t just collisions. They’re life-altering events that demand immediate, aggressive legal action.

Every year, commercial trucks traverse Alaska’s most dangerous corridors: the haul road to Prudhoe Bay, the icy stretches outside Fairbanks, and the winding mountain passes near Anchorage. When these massive vehicles cause accidents, victims face catastrophic injuries, enormous medical bills, and trucking companies that deploy rapid-response teams within hours. You need a legal team that moves just as fast—and knows exactly how to hold these companies accountable.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for trucking accident victims. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts against Fortune 500 carriers. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working inside insurance defense firms—now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for Alaska families. With federal court admission and extensive experience in Alaska’s unique trucking environment, we’re ready to fight for you.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. The evidence is disappearing as you read this.

Why Alaska Truck Accidents Demand Immediate Legal Action

Alaska presents unique challenges for commercial trucking that simply don’t exist in the lower 48. The harsh Arctic conditions, remote locations, and extreme weather create a perfect storm for catastrophic accidents. When a truck crashes on the Dalton Highway—200 miles from the nearest trauma center—the consequences are often fatal or life-changing.

The physics remain brutal regardless of location. A fully loaded 18-wheeler weighs up to 80,000 pounds—twenty times the weight of a typical passenger car. At highway speeds, these trucks need nearly two football fields to stop. On Alaska’s icy roads, that stopping distance doubles or triples. When a trucker loses control on black ice near Coldfoot or jackknifes on the Seward Highway during a whiteout, passenger vehicles stand little chance.

Time is critical after an Alaska trucking accident. The state’s “pure comparative fault” system means you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault—but only if you can prove the truck driver’s negligence. More importantly, Alaska’s two-year statute of limitations means the clock is already ticking. But waiting even weeks is dangerous. Electronic Control Module (ECM) data—your case’s black box evidence—can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage often deletes within a week. And in Alaska’s remote areas, physical evidence can be buried by snow or washed away by spring thaw before investigators arrive.

That’s why Attorney911 sends spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. We demand preservation of ELD logs, maintenance records, and ECM data before the trucking company can destroy it. As client Chad Harris told us after we handled his case: “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat every Alaska case with that level of urgency and personal attention.

The Deadly Reality of Alaska Commercial Trucking

Alaska’s trucking industry operates under conditions that would shut down highways in any other state. The Dalton Highway—America’s farthest north highway—features gravel surfaces, steep grades, temperatures that hit 40 below zero, and stretches where CB radios are the only communication for hundreds of miles. Yet trucks haul critical supplies to the North Slope oil fields daily, often driving 14-hour shifts through whiteout conditions.

The statistics tell a grim story. While Alaska lacks the Interstate system found in the lower 48, its trucking corridors see disproportionate fatality rates. The combination of extreme weather, driver fatigue from long hauls, and the pressure to deliver to remote work camps creates deadly scenarios. When a tire blows out on a frost-heaved section of the Alaska Highway, or a driver falls asleep during the endless daylight of summer, the results are catastrophic.

Port of Anchorage operations add another layer of complexity. Container trucks hauling freight from the port navigate through urban Anchorage traffic before heading north on the Parks Highway or south on the Seward Highway. These trucks face unique hazards: moose crossings that cause evasive maneuvers, sudden weather changes in mountain passes, and the challenges of operating heavy equipment at high elevations where engine performance degrades.

Oil field trucking presents particular dangers. Tanker trucks transporting supplies to Prudhoe Bay or the Kuparuk field travel the Dalton Highway—arguably America’s most dangerous trucking route. These drivers face pressure to maintain schedules despite weather advisories, leading to FMCSA hours-of-service violations that endanger everyone on the road.

Federal Regulations That Protect Alaska Trucking Accident Victims

Commercial trucking isn’t just regulated by Alaska state law—it’s governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These federal rules apply to every commercial vehicle crossing Alaska’s borders or operating in interstate commerce, including those hauling freight from the Port of Anchorage to Fairbanks or transporting oil field equipment to the North Slope.

49 CFR Part 390—General Applicability establishes that these regulations cover all commercial motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating over 10,001 pounds, or any vehicle transporting hazardous materials requiring placards. This means almost every truck on Alaska’s highways must comply with strict federal safety standards.

49 CFR Part 391—Driver Qualifications mandates that commercial drivers must:

• Be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce
• Possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements for Alaska conditions
• Pass medical examinations certifying fitness to operate in extreme conditions
• Maintain accurate Driver Qualification Files proving they’re qualified to handle Alaska’s unique challenges

In Alaska, trucking companies must ensure drivers are qualified for winter operations—something many lower-48 carriers fail to verify before sending drivers north.

49 CFR Part 392—Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles prohibits operating while impaired by fatigue, illness, or any cause making driving unsafe. Section 392.3 explicitly forbids driving when ability or alertness is impaired. This is critical in Alaska, where “highway hypnosis” from endless miles of taiga or tundra, combined with sleep disruption from the midnight sun, creates deadly fatigue scenarios.

49 CFR Part 393—Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation covers vehicle equipment standards. In Alaska, this includes proper tire chains, functioning heating systems, and sufficient lighting for extended darkness. Section 393.100 requires cargo securement sufficient to withstand 0.8g deceleration forces—critical when trucks navigate the steep grades of the Dalton Highway or the Alaska Range.

49 CFR Part 395—Hours of Service (HOS) limits driving time to prevent fatigue-related crashes:

• 11 hours maximum driving time after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour maximum duty window
• Mandatory 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving
• 60/70 hour weekly limits with required 34-hour restart

Alaska trucking companies often pressure drivers to violate these rules to meet delivery schedules to remote oil fields or mining operations. Proving these violations through Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data is often the key to establishing liability.

49 CFR Part 396—Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance requires systematic vehicle upkeep. In Alaska’s extreme conditions, brake systems, tires, and heating systems require constant attention. Failure to conduct proper pre-trip and post-trip inspections in these conditions constitutes negligence.

The 15 Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We See in Alaska

1. Black Ice Jackknife Accidents

Alaska’s freeze-thaw cycles create invisible black ice that sends even experienced truckers spinning. A jackknife occurs when the trailer skids out perpendicular to the cab, creating a 75-foot obstruction that sweeps across both lanes of traffic. On the Glenn Highway or the Parks Highway, there’s often nowhere to go when a jackknife happens in front of you.

These accidents often stem from 49 CFR 392.3 violations—drivers operating too fast for conditions or while fatigued from adjusting to Alaska’s extreme daylight variations. We subpoena weather data and ECM speed readings to prove the driver should have slowed down.

2. Rollover Crashes on Steep Grades

The Dalton Highway features grades up to 12%—steeper than most interstate ramps. Combine this with sharp curves, gravel surfaces, and 80,000-pound loads, and rollovers become inevitable when drivers take curves too fast. Cargo shifts in these rollovers, creating secondary hazards for other motorists.

Rollovers typically involve 49 CFR 393.100 violations (improper cargo securement) or 49 CFR 392.6 (speeding for conditions). We examine loading records and ECM data to determine if the trucking company overloaded the trailer or failed to properly secure cargo for mountain grades.

3. Underride Collisions (Rear and Side)

When a passenger vehicle slides under a tractor-trailer, the roof shears off at windshield level. These accidents frequently occur on the Seward Highway during Anchorage’s notorious rush hour or when trucks make wide right turns in Fairbanks intersections. Alaska’s long winter nights—with 19 hours of darkness in December—increase underride risks when trucks lack proper reflective marking under 49 CFR 393.11.

Rear impact guards must meet 49 CFR 393.86 standards, preventing underride at speeds up to 30 mph. When trucking companies fail to maintain these guards or remove them for maintenance without replacement, they create deadly hazards.

4. Rear-End Collisions on Icy Roads

Following too closely on Alaska’s highways is deadly. A loaded truck needs 525 feet to stop on dry pavement—on ice, that distance exceeds 1,000 feet. When a trucker follows too closely on the Alaska Highway during a snowstorm, catastrophic rear-end collisions result.

49 CFR 392.11 prohibits following more closely than is reasonable and prudent. We use ECM data to prove the truck was traveling too fast for the following distance, often while violating 49 CFR 395 hours-of-service rules.

5. Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

In Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau, trucks swinging wide to make right turns often trap passenger vehicles in the “squeeze play.” The truck turns left initially, creating a gap that drivers enter, only to be crushed when the trailer cuts the corner.

These accidents involve 49 CFR 392.11 violations (unsafe lane changes) and inadequate training under 49 CFR 391. We investigate driver training records to see if the trucking company properly trained drivers for urban Alaska conditions.

6. Blind Spot (No-Zone) Accidents

Alaska’s weather extremes cause frost-covered mirrors and limited visibility. When truckers change lanes without checking their massive blind spots—particularly the right-side no-zone that extends the full length of the trailer—they strike vehicles traveling alongside them.

49 CFR 393.80 requires mirrors providing clear rear and side views. We examine whether mirrors were properly adjusted or if driver fatigue under 49 CFR 392.3 contributed to failure to check before lane changes.

7. Tire Blowout Accidents

Extreme cold degrades rubber compounds, and Alaska’s frost-heaved roads stress tire sidewalls. When a steer tire blows on the Dalton Highway at 65 mph, the driver loses control immediately, often jackknifing or crossing into oncoming traffic.

Under 49 CFR 393.75, tires must have adequate tread depth (4/32″ for steer tires) and be free from defects. We examine maintenance records to see if the carrier inspected tires for cold-weather cracking or used inadequate tires for Alaska conditions.

8. Brake Failure on Mountain Grades

The steep descents into Fairbanks or the haul road’s mountainous sections destroy brakes through overheating. When drivers fail to use proper gear selection and rely on brakes instead of engine braking, brake fade causes complete loss of stopping power.

49 CFR 396.3 requires systematic inspection and maintenance. We review brake adjustment records and download ECM data showing brake temperature warnings to prove the trucking company knew or should have known about brake deficiencies.

9. Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents

Alaska’s rough roads cause cargo shifts that send trucks rolling. When loads aren’t properly secured per 49 CFR 393.100-136, a sudden stop or turn sends thousands of pounds of cargo sliding, changing the truck’s center of gravity and causing rollover.

Oil field equipment, mining supplies, and fish products from Dutch Harbor all require specific securement. We examine bills of lading and loading records to determine if the cargo owner or loading company shares liability.

10. Head-On Collisions

Driver fatigue combined with Alaska’s hypnotic, endless highways leads to devastating head-on crashes. When a trucker falls asleep and crosses into oncoming traffic on the Richardson Highway or the Tok Cutoff, the closing speed often exceeds 120 mph—fatal for passenger vehicle occupants.

These cases involve 49 CFR 395 HOS violations, 49 CFR 392.3 fatigue violations, or 49 CFR 392.4 drug/alcohol violations. We obtain cell phone records and ELD data to prove the driver was impaired or fatigued.

11. Moose and Wildlife Collisions (Secondary Truck Accidents)

When trucks swerve to avoid moose on the Parks Highway or Dalton Highway, they often jackknife or roll, creating multi-vehicle pileups. The subsequent collision—when a truck crashes while avoiding wildlife—raises questions about whether the driver reacted reasonably or panicked and overcorrected.

We examine whether the trucking company trained drivers for wildlife encounters and whether excessive speed under 49 CFR 392.6 prevented safe evasive action.

12. Runaway Truck Accidents

On the steep grades descending into Valdez or Anchorage, brake failures send trucks careening downhill. Alaska’s runaway truck ramps save lives, but when drivers miss them or when companies fail to maintain brakes, disastrous crashes occur at the bottom of grades.

These cases always involve 49 CFR 396 violations regarding brake maintenance and 49 CFR 392.6 violations for speed appropriate to the grade.

13. Whiteout Pileups

Alaska’s sudden whiteout conditions—whether from blowing snow off the Seward Highway or ice fog in the Interior—create multi-vehicle pileups involving trucks. When truckers fail to adjust speed for zero-visibility conditions under 49 CFR 392.3 and 392.6, they become battering rams in chain-reaction crashes.

14. Equipment Failure from Extreme Cold

At 40 below, steel becomes brittle, batteries fail, and hydraulic systems malfunction. When trucks lose power steering or brakes fail from cold-weather contraction, the results are catastrophic. We investigate whether the trucking company winterized equipment properly and whether they violated 49 CFR 396 maintenance standards.

15. Distracted Driving Accidents

49 CFR 392.82 prohibits hand-held mobile phone use while driving. In Alaska’s remote areas where CB radios are the primary communication, we also see distracted driving from dispatch communications, GPS units, and eating while driving during 14-hour shifts. These violations cause devastating collisions when drivers take their eyes off Alaska’s challenging roads.

Who Can Be Held Liable in an Alaska 18-Wheeler Accident?

Most people assume only the truck driver is responsible. At Attorney911, we know better. Alaska trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties, each with separate insurance policies. More liable parties mean more insurance coverage available for your recovery.

The Truck Driver is directly liable for negligent driving: speeding, distraction, fatigue, or impairment. Under Alaska’s pure comparative fault system, we can recover damages proportionate to the driver’s fault percentage.

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier) bears vicarious liability under respondeat superior for their employee’s negligence. But they also face direct liability for:

• Negligent Hiring: Failing to verify a driver’s Alaska winter experience or CDL endorsements
• Negligent Training: Not training drivers for moose encounters, black ice, or mountain driving
• Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor ELD data for HOS violations
• Negligent Maintenance: Skipping brake inspections or tire checks to keep trucks running

We subpoena Driver Qualification Files to find hiring violations and maintenance records to prove deferred repairs.

The Cargo Owner/Shipper may be liable if they required overweight loading, pressured unsafe scheduling to meet Prudhoe Bay deadlines, or failed to disclose hazardous cargo characteristics.

The Loading Company is responsible for proper cargo securement under 49 CFR 393. When cargo shifts on the haul road because of inadequate tiedowns, the loading company shares liability.

Truck and Parts Manufacturers face product liability when brake systems fail due to design defects, tires blow due to manufacturing flaws, or steering components break in the cold. We preserve failed components for expert analysis.

Maintenance Companies that perform shoddy repairs or use substandard parts in Anchorage or Fairbanks shops may be liable for negligent repairs.

Freight Brokers who arranged the shipment may be liable for negligent carrier selection—hiring a carrier with poor safety scores or inadequate Alaska experience.

The Truck Owner (if different from the operator) may be liable for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain.

Government Entities may be liable for dangerous highway design, inadequate signage for steep grades, or failure to maintain safe road surfaces on state highways.

Our firm investigates every potential defendant because in catastrophic injury cases—where medical bills exceed millions—you need access to every available insurance policy.

Critical Evidence That Disappears Fast in Alaska

In Alaska’s harsh environment, evidence doesn’t just disappear—it gets buried, washed away, or destroyed by the elements. That’s why our 48-hour evidence preservation protocol is crucial for Alaska cases.

Electronic Control Module (ECM) Data records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes for 30-60 seconds before a crash. This data overwrites within 30 days—or immediately if the truck returns to service. On the Dalton Highway, where trucks might run continuously for weeks, this data can be lost before you even leave the hospital.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) prove HOS violations. FMCSA requires 6-month retention, but drivers delete or edit logs. We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve this evidence.

Physical Evidence in Alaska is particularly vulnerable. A crash scene on the Alaska Highway in October can be buried under four feet of snow by November. Skid marks on gravel roads like the Dalton Highway wash away with the first heavy rain. We deploy investigators immediately to photograph, measure, and preserve physical evidence before nature claims it.

Witness Testimony is critical in remote Alaska, where other drivers on the haul road may be the only witnesses. Memories fade, and seasonal workers leave the state. We obtain recorded statements within days.

Maintenance Records under 49 CFR 396 must be preserved for 14 months. But companies “lose” records showing deferred winterization or skipped brake inspections. Our spoliation letters put them on notice that destruction constitutes evidence tampering.

Dashcam Footage often deletes automatically after 7-14 days. Trucking companies claim it recorded over—unless we demand preservation immediately.

Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working for insurance defense firms. He knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers hide or destroy evidence. Now he uses that insider knowledge to stop them. As client Donald Wilcox said: “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. Hablamos Español.

Catastrophic Injuries and What They’re Worth

Alaska trucking accidents cause severe injuries due to the massive weight disparity and remote locations where emergency response takes hours rather than minutes.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) range from concussions to severe diffuse axonal injuries requiring lifelong care. TBI victims face cognitive deficits, personality changes, and inability to return to work. Our firm has recovered between $1,548,000 and $9,838,000 for TBI victims, depending on severity and long-term prognosis.

Spinal Cord Injuries often result in paraplegia or quadriplegia when passengers’ vehicles are crushed or rolled. The lifetime care costs exceed millions, requiring home modifications, specialized vehicles, and 24/7 care. We pursue every available dollar from every liable party to ensure lifetime security.

Amputations occur when occupants are crushed or when severe burns require surgical removal of limbs. Our amputation cases have settled for $1,945,000 to $8,630,000, ensuring victims can afford prosthetics and rehabilitation.

Severe Burns from fuel fires or hazmat spills on the Dalton Highway require skin grafts, plastic surgery, and years of pain management. We calculate future medical costs to ensure you’re not left paying out of pocket years later.

Wrongful Death claims compensate families when Alaskan breadwinners are killed on highways like the Parks or Seward. While no amount replaces your loved one, we’ve recovered $1,910,000 to $9,520,000 to ensure families maintain financial stability and hold trucking companies accountable.

Unlike some states, Alaska does not cap pain and suffering damages in trucking cases. Your full non-economic damages—mental anguish, loss of enjoyment, consortium—are recoverable.

Alaska Insurance Requirements and Your Recovery

Federal law requires commercial trucks to carry significant insurance:

• $750,000 minimum for general freight
• $1,000,000 for oil field equipment and petroleum products (common on the Dalton Highway)
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

Many carriers carry umbrella policies exceeding these minimums. But accessing these funds requires proving the trucking company or driver was negligent. Insurance companies deploy adjusters immediately after Alaska crashes—often flying them to Fairbanks or Anchorage while you’re still in the hospital.

Their goal is simple: minimize your payout. They may offer quick settlements before you know the full extent of injuries—settlements that require you to waive future claims. Never sign anything before consulting an attorney.

Our team includes Lupe Peña, who used to defend insurance companies. He knows their playbook: denying claims based on “pre-existing conditions,” arguing you were partially at fault (under Alaska’s pure comparative fault system), or claiming your injuries aren’t as severe as documented.

We fight back with evidence: ECM data proving speeding, ELD records showing HOS violations, and maintenance logs revealing deferred repairs. As client Glenda Walker said: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

We advance all costs and work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win. Call 888-ATTY-911.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alaska Truck Accidents

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Alaska?
Alaska’s statute of limitations for personal injury is two years from the accident date. But waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears, witnesses leave the state (common in Alaska’s seasonal economy), and trucking companies build their defense. Contact us immediately.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Alaska follows pure comparative fault. You can recover damages reduced by your fault percentage—even if you were 90% responsible. However, the trucking company and their insurer will try to pin blame on you. We fight back with objective ECM and ELD data.

How much is my case worth?
Values depend on injury severity, available insurance, and the degree of negligence. Alaska trucking cases often involve more severe injuries due to remote locations and extreme conditions, potentially increasing values. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injuries.

Who pays my medical bills while I wait for settlement?
We help arrange medical treatment under letters of protection—doctors treat you now and get paid from settlement proceeds. We also coordinate with your health insurance and explore PIP/MedPay coverage.

Can I sue if the truck driver was from Outside (the lower 48)?
Yes. Interstate trucking falls under federal jurisdiction. We’re admitted to federal court and can pursue claims against drivers and companies based anywhere in the US who operate in Alaska.

What if the accident happened on a remote highway like the Dalton Highway?
Remote accidents present unique challenges but follow the same legal principles. We work with local Alaska investigators, accident reconstructionists familiar with gravel road dynamics, and understand the specific hazards of Arctic trucking.

Do I need an Alaska attorney, or can I hire someone from Texas?
While we’re based in Texas with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we handle Alaska cases through federal court admission and association with local counsel when necessary. Our experience with Fortune 500 trucking companies and complex FMCSA regulations benefits Alaska clients regardless of geography.

What if the trucking company is based Outside Alaska?
Most companies operating on the Dalton Highway or Alaska Highway are based elsewhere. We can sue them in Alaska federal court or sometimes in their home state, depending on where the company does business and where the accident occurred.

Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court—and they pay more to avoid trial against experienced litigators like Ralph Manginello, who brings 25+ years of federal court experience.

Can undocumented immigrants file claims?
Yes. Immigration status does not bar personal injury claims in Alaska. You have the same right to compensation as any accident victim.

How long will my case take?
Simple cases may settle in 6-12 months. Complex litigation involving multiple defendants or catastrophic injuries may take 18-36 months. Alaska’s court system can be slower due to geography and weather delays, but we push aggressively for resolution.

What if the trucking company destroys evidence?
We send spoliation letters immediately, putting the company on notice that evidence destruction will result in severe court sanctions. Alaska courts can instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable to the trucking company.

Do you handle cases in Spanish?
Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.

Your Next Steps: Protecting Your Alaska Truck Accident Claim

The trucking company has lawyers working right now to minimize your claim. Their insurance adjuster has already started building a file on you. You need someone fighting just as hard for you.

At Attorney911, we offer:

• Immediate spoliation letters to preserve ECM, ELD, and maintenance records
• 24/7 availability—because accidents don’t happen during business hours
• No fee unless we win—we advance all costs
• Multi-million dollar track record—including $5+ million for TBI, $3.8+ million for amputation, and $2.5+ million for truck crashes
• Insider knowledge through Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background

We’ve gone toe-to-toe with the largest trucking companies in America—including BP after the Texas City explosion. We know how to handle catastrophic cases, and we bring that same intensity to every Alaska case we handle.

Don’t let the trucking company push you around. Don’t sign away your rights for a quick settlement that won’t cover your future medical needs. Don’t wait until evidence is gone and witnesses have disappeared into Alaska’s seasonal workforce.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. Or 888-ATTY-911. Or 1-888-288-9911.

Your fight starts with one call. We answer. We fight. We win.

Attorney911
The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
316 West 12th Street, Suite 311, Austin, TX 78701
Available for meetings in Beaumont, TX

Serving Alaska trucking accident victims with federal court experience and proven results.