Attorney 1/2/3/4 (Assistant Public Defender - 02DOA2604) Salary See Position Description Location See Recruitment Details, AK Job Type Full Time Job Number 52861 Department Administration Division Public Defender Agency Opening Date 02/06/2026 Closing Date 8/6/2026 5:00 PM Alaska Position Open To All Applicants Bargaining Unit Partially Exempt Range 18/20/22/24
Description Benefits Job Description 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 Ketchikan: $92,703 - $139,035 annually Nome: $127,003.50 - $190,476 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.
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 applicants own work without significant revision from others. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled.
Minimum Qualifications
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.
Additional Required Information
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.
COVER LETTER
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 determine 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.
Contact Information
Lars Johnson Attorney 6, Deputy Director - Training & Development lars.johnson@alaska.gov
Careers with the State of Alaska offer MANY benefits
The following information describes typical benefits available to employees of the State of Alaska. Actual benefits received may differ by bargaining unit or branch of government, position type, or be prorated for other than full time work.
For a quick breakdown of the insurance, health, and retirement benefits available for State Employees you can view an orientation video from Division of Retirement and Benefits. (Please note this video is specifically designed for new State Employees.)
Insurance Benefits
Health insurance, which includes employer contributions toward medical/vision/dental
The following employee groups are under AlaskaCare Benefits administered by the State: See https://drb.alaska.gov/help/plans.html for additional information.
AVTEC Confidential Correctional Officers Marine Engineers Mt. Edgecumbe Teachers Supervisory Unlicensed Vessel Personnel/Inland Boatmans Union Exempt employees (not covered by collective bargaining)
The following employee groups are covered by Union health trusts. Contact the appropriate Union for additional information.
General Government Labor, Trades and Crafts Public Safety Employees Association Masters, Mates & Pilots
Employer paid Basic Life insurance with additional coverage available (amount depends on Bargaining Unit)
Optional Insurance Benefits
Group-based insurance premiums for Term life (employee, spouse or qualified same sex partner, and dependents) Long-term and short-term disability Accidental Death and Dismemberment Long-term care (self and eligible family members) Supplemental Survivor Benefits Employee-funded flexible spending accounts for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses
Retirement Benefits
Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Teachers Retirement System (TRS) Matching employer contribution into a defined contribution program (new employees) Employer contribution into a defined benefit or defined contribution program (current employees) Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan in lieu of contributions to Social Security Option to enroll in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program
Note: The Defined Contribution Plan, Supplemental Annuity Plan and Deferred Compensation Program offer a variety of investment options
See https://drb.alaska.gov/retiree/ for additional information
Paid Leave & Other Benefits
Personal leave with an accrual rate increase based on time served Twelve (12) paid holidays a year Employer State of Alaska Address PO Box 110201 Juneau, Alaska, 99811 Phone (800) 587-0430 (Statewide toll-free number) (907) 465-4095 (Juneau and out-of-state callers) Website http://workplace.alaska.gov