Public Defender Agency - Employment - Attorneys
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.
| 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 |
Supervisor - Anchorage Municipal Unit
The Alaska Public Defender Agency is hiring an experienced attorney to supervise a unit of 5 misdemeanor attorneys based in Anchorage. The supervisor is expected to carry a small caseload in addition to supervising the work of the unit’s attorneys – attending court with them; performing case and file review; overseeing their motion work, investigation, and trial preparation; and assisting with trials and other court hearings as necessary.
Applicants for this position must possess prior trial work experience and strong supervisory 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.
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 must be submitted by December 16, 2024.
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.