Attorney 1/2/3/4 (Assistant Public Defender - 02DOA2611)

State of Alaska; Fairbanks (AK); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid bar study time

Bar dues paid

Moving expenses reimbursement

Job summary

Alaska Public Defender Agency seeks attorneys to represent clients in adult criminal, parental defense, juvenile, and commitment matters across statewide offices. Attorneys work in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, coordinating with staff to prepare cases, file motions, and conduct hearings.

Travel to remote communities is common, with all travel expenses covered by the State. We emphasize mentorship, professional development, and a commitment to indigent defense.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an approved school of law.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in adult criminal, parental defense, juvenile, and commitment matters.
• Travel to remote Alaskan communities may be necessary; travel expenses are covered by the State.

Skills

Effective communication

Prioritization

Independence

Client confidentiality

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Law degree

Tools

Case management system

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

This position is open to all applicants.

What You Will Be Doing

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.

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

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.

Who We Are Looking For

• 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.

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:

Graduation from an approved school of law.

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.

EEO STATEMENT

The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aids or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or [phone] 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

[e-mail]

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 Boatman's 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