The Alaska Public Defender Agency (Agency) is currently accepting applications to fill attorney positions in multiple locations. The Agency’s mission is to provide constitutionally mandated legal representation to indigent clients appointed by the court. The Agency hires new lawyers and experienced attorneys to handle civil (Child in Need of Aid and commitment), appellate, and criminal matters. Positions are available in both urban and rural locations. The Agency has thirteen offices statewide, located in Anchorage, Bethel, Dillingham, Fairbanks, Juneau, Kenai, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Kotzebue, Nome, Palmer, Sitka, and Utqiagvik. Trial attorneys in the Agency enjoy the mentorship and community of a unified statewide defense agency, training opportunities, and competitive benefits and salaries. Additionally, the Agency provides paid time off to study for the Bar examination, pays annual Bar dues, and Alaska allows a 10-month limited license to practice for public defenders prior to gaining admission to the Alaska Bar Association. Additionally, employees may be eligible for student loan forgiveness through the Public Loan Forgiveness Program. Contact Information. Please visit our website for a list of available positions and instructions to apply: https://doa.alaska.gov/pda/Employment/attorneys.html.
Applicants for these positions must possess outstanding writing and analytical skills and be able to work independently to research and compose legal briefs as well as possess strong oral advocacy skills. Applicants must be admitted to the Alaska bar, be willing to sit for the next Alaska Bar exam, or be eligible for bar admission by reciprocity. Prior legal experience preferred. 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 these positions are filled.
Salary: Bethel: $102,999.00 – $159,685.50 annually Dillingham: $94,068.00 – $145,840.50 annually, Fairbanks: $70,726.50 – $109,648.50 annually, Kodiak: $76,206.00 – $118,170.00 annually, Kotzebue: $109,863.00 – $170,332.50 annually, Nome: $94,068.00 – $145,840.50 annually, Palmer: $68,659.50 – $106,450.50 annually, Sitka: $72,091.50- $111,774.00 annually.