Attorney 1/2/3/4 (Assistant Public Defender - 02DOA2604)

This position is open to all applicants. 

What You Will Be Doing

Agency attorneys work in a collaborative environment and fast-paced environment. Attorneys coordinate with other attorneys and staff – including office assistants, paralegals, and investigators – to obtain information and advocate for clients. Attorneys appear in court regularly, generally daily, for various hearings. Attorneys rely on our collective resources for support but are expected to be able to work independently, managing busy dockets. 

Our Organization, Mission, and Culture

The Alaska Public Defender Agency is a statewide public defense organization that represents clients appointed by the court. We are committed to the highest standards in indigent defense.  The Agency utilizes a vertical representation model, with attorneys representing clients from the beginning of a case through trial. Attorneys handle all aspects of cases for our clients – advising clients on offers, filing motions, conducting evidentiary hearings, overseeing investigation, and conducting trials. Travel to remote Alaskan communities may be necessary. All travel expenses are covered by the State. 

The Benefits of Joining Our Team

Agency attorneys enjoy the benefits of a statewide agency – mentorship and community of over 120 attorneys statewide, training opportunities, in-house investigators, wraparound client services, funding for expert witnesses, and competitive salaries and benefits. Additionally, the Agency provides paid time off to study for the bar exam if necessary, pays annual Alaska Bar Association bar dues, and reimburses some moving expenses. Alaska allows a 10-month limited license to practice before gaining admission to the Alaska Bar Association either as a new attorney or someone who is already licensed in another state. Salary varies based on experience and location.

The Working Environment You Can Expect 

The Alaska Public Defender Agency is hiring new and experienced attorneys in multiple offices to represent clients in adult criminal, parental defense, juvenile, and commitment matters. The Agency has offices in Anchorage, Bethel, Dillingham, Fairbanks, Juneau, Kenai, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Kotzebue, Nome, Palmer, Sitka, and Utqiagvik. 

We currently have openings in the following offices:

• Anchorage (Civil Section): $92,703 - $139,035 annually
• Bethel: $139,054.50 - $208,552.50 annually 
• Kenai: $92,703 - $139,035 annually
• Nome: $127,003.50 - $190,476 annually 
• Palmer: $92,703 - $139,035 annually

Who We Are Looking For

The Agency is looking for attorneys with the following skills:

• Effective communication: Clear and professional oral and written communication.
• Prioritization: The ability to juggle various priorities to ensure the most urgent tasks are accomplished first is necessary to handle the workflow. 
• Independence: Being able to work independently and make judgment calls in a high-pressure environment will help ensure an attorney’s success. 
• Committed to client-centered practice: Commitment to advocating for a client’s stated interests as well as to maintain confidentiality of information is essential. 
• Technological competence: Competency with standard office equipment as well as computer literacy and fluency with Microsoft Office is essential to handling the large volume of digital material and communication and to use our case management system.

• Attorney 1: Graduation from an approved school of law.
• Attorney 2: Admission to the Alaska State Bar.
• Attorney 3: Admission to the Alaska State Bar and at least two years of legal experience.
• Attorney 4: Admission to the Alaska State Bar and at least four years of legal practice.

Please read the below information carefully. This applies to your application submission.

LEGAL EMPLOYMENT

The State’s online recruitment system, Workplace Alaska, requires applicants to certify that they have a legal right to accept employment in the United States. It is the responsibility of the employee to maintain the appropriate documentation to accept or continue legal employment. The State of Alaska does not function in the role as an employer sponsor.

If interested, please submit a cover letter, resume, legal writing sample of 15 pages or less, and three references by email to PDARecruitment@alaska.gov. The legal writing sample should reflect the applicant's own work without significant revision from others. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled.

A cover letter is required for this position. The cover letter should be in a standard business format and should highlight your work experience as it pertains to the demonstrated competencies listed in the job description above. 

Your complete application package, including cover letter and legal writing sample, will be used to determinate which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the selection process. If you do not provide a letter as required, your application may be determined to be incomplete and you will not advance to the next phase of the selection process. 

EEO STATEMENT

The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or (907) 465-4095 in Juneau or TTY: Alaska Relay 711 or 1-800-770-8973 or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at: P.O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201. The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.

Lars Johnson

Attorney 6,  Deputy Director – Training & Development

lars.johnson@alaska.gov 

Salary : $92,703 - $139,035