Attorneys

The Alaska Public Defender Agency hires new and experienced attorneys to handle Criminal, Juvenile, Child in Need of Aid, Commitment, Appellate, and Post-Conviction relief cases. The Agency has thirteen offices statewide, located in Anchorage, Utqiagvik, Bethel, Dillingham, Fairbanks, Juneau, Kenai, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Kotzebue, Nome, Palmer and Sitka. Salaries vary based on years of experience and by location based on State of Alaska Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).

Attorneys for the Alaska Public Defender Agency provide court-appointed legal representation to indigent individuals in criminal cases. Our Attorneys 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 reimburses some moving expenses. Alaska allows a 10-month limited license to practice for public defenders prior to gaining admission to the Alaska Bar Association.

Applicants for all 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.

To apply, 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.

We are currently accepting applications for Attorney positions at the following locations:

Location	Salary	Recruiting
Anchorage	$90,012.00 – $134,979.00 annually	Positions Available
Bethel	$135,018.00 - $202,468.50 annually	Positions Available
Fairbanks	$92,703.00 - $139,035.00 annually	Positions Available
Kenai	$90,012.00 – $134,979.00 annually	Positions Available
Nome	$113,000 - 176,000 annually	Positions Available
Palmer	$90,012 - $134,979.00 annually	Positions Available
Utqiagvik	$135,018 - $202,468.50 annually	Positions Available

Contract Attorneys

The Public Defender Agency is hiring contractors for criminal cases at all levels, CINA, and appellate cases, throughout the state. Our current hourly rate is $175/hour and we offer support for ancillary services such as expert, travel, and transcripts. The Agency does offer flat fee case contracts as well, with new increased case caps:

• U felonies - $25,000 flat or $175/hour with a $30,000 cap
• A felonies - $9,000 flat or $175/hour with a $14,000 cap
• Sex felonies – $10,000 flat or $175/hour with a $15,000 cap
• B felonies - $7,000 flat or $175/hour with a $12,000 cap
• C felonies - $4500 flat or $175/hour with a $10,000 cap

For more information or to express your interest email PDARecruitment@alaska.gov.