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 |
Supervising Attorney: Anchorage Criminal
The Alaska Public Defender Agency is hiring an experienced attorney to supervise a unit of 5-7 attorneys based in Anchorage. The position is one of five supervisors in the Anchorage Criminal section and carries a caseload that includes serious felonies (A & U cases). The position is supervised by the Criminal Deputy, Ariel Toft.
To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume by email to PDARecruitment@alaska.gov. Applications must be submitted by February 14, 2025.
Minimum Qualifications
- Admission to the Alaska Bar
- At least five years of experience practicing law
- Substantial experience with the practice area the position supervises
Supervising Attorney: Civil
This position will supervise attorneys handling child-in-need-of-aid cases in offices across the state (6-9 attorneys). The position is one of three supervisors for the Agency’s Civil section and one of two supervisors supervising child-in-need-of-aid cases and attorneys. Additionally, the position carries their own child in need of aid caseload. The position is supervised by the Civil Deputy, Linda Beecher. This position can be filled in any office location where the Agency has a fulltime CINA caseload.
To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume by email to PDARecruitment@alaska.gov. Applications must be submitted by February 14, 2025.
Minimum Qualifications
- Admission to the Alaska Bar
- At least five years of experience practicing law
- Substantial experience with the practice area the position supervises
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.