Attorney​/Assistant Public Defender - DOA

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.

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.

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 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: $ - $ annually
• Kenai: $92,703 - $139,035 annually
• Ketchikan: $92,703 - $139,035 annually
• Nome: $ - $190,476 annually

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.

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

Positions in this job class are in the partially exempt service in accordance with AS 39.15.120(c)(3). The following minimum qualifications are recommended:

• 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.

LEGAL EMPLOYMENT

The State’s online recruitment system, Workplace…