Natural Resources Attorney (2 Positions)

Alaska Department of Law; Anchorage (AK); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Alaska Department of Law in Anchorage seeks two experienced litigation attorneys for the Civil Division's Natural Resources Section. The roles involve handling land and resource management matters, advising clients, and litigating in multiple forums.

Travel and cross-program collaboration are integral to the position. Qualified applicants should have a JD, 3+ years of state court litigation experience (first-chair preferred), and a strong grasp of land, water, and administrative law.

Qualifications

• Graduated from an accredited law school with strong general legal knowledge.
• Three or more years of experience in state court litigation, first-chair preferred.
• Familiarity with land, water, and administrative law is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Litigate matters in state and federal fora and provide agency advice.
• Collaborate with multiple clients and program managers on complex matters.
• Travel as required and manage high-volume, high-stakes litigation.

Skills

Oral advocacy

Written communication

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Client service

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Alaska’s history, culture, and economy are inextricably bound to the State’s natural resources. Working in the Natural Resources section offers a unique opportunity to participate in development of Alaska natural resource management law, support dynamic resource management programs, and witness real-world application of the legal advice provided. Section attorneys typically specialize in particular program areas, but the section functions as a team and attorneys often perform work outside their primary area of responsibility. Opportunities to work on special projects or in newly identified program areas also occur.
The Natural Resources Section advises clients and litigates regarding:

• administration of the State’s 100-million-acre land base, including its public domain, forests, state parks, state refuges, and public trust doctrine lands;


• major infrastructure development projects (roads, mines, rail corridors, dams, etc.);


• management of the State’s fish and game resources; and


• projects involving other state land administrators such as the Trust Land Office, the Alaska Railroad Corporation, and the University of Alaska as well as private landowners.

Natural Resources section attorneys work closely with client program managers in a variety of capacities, including litigation in administrative, state, and federal forums, complex litigation, administrative appeals, major resource development projects and program initiatives, legislation and regulation drafting, and daily operational advice.

The section currently seeks two experienced litigation attorneys to support section clients, including the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) land, mining, water, state parks, and forestry programs; the Department of Fish and Game and the Board of Fisheries and Board of Game, and the Mental Health Trust Land Office. Selected attorneys also will be assigned a variety of advice matters in the section’s portfolio, which includes land and resource management programs as well as federal matters pertaining to Alaska’s resource management interests. Client program assignments will be determined based on attorney experience, skills, and interest. Applicants should identify the nature and extent of their litigation experience and familiarize themselves with the programs administered by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources Divisions of Mining Land & Water, Forestry and Fire Protection, Parks and Outdoor Recreation, the Mental Health Trust Land Office, and the Department of Fish and Game and the Boards of Fisheries and Game, and indicate program areas of interest in their applications. Information on these client programs is available at these websites:

Alaska Department of Natural Resources
Alaska Mental Health Trust and Trust Land Office
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Regulatory Process, Alaska Department of Fish and Game

State and federal court litigation will be a significant part of this position, which will also include agency advice. Occasional travel may be required. Applicants for prior recruitments who remain interested in working in the Natural Resources Section should reapply to this posting.

Attorneys in the Civil Division work on matters of statewide importance, all while living and enjoying all Alaska has to offer. If you enjoy complex and impactful legal work along with dramatic scenery, outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, kayaking, and abundant wildlife, then the Alaska Department of Law, Civil Division is the place for you. Flexible schedules, including hybrid telework arrangements, may be available.

About the Natural Resources Section

Qualifications
Applicants must have graduated from an accredited law school and have a strong knowledge of general legal principles applicable to state government. Familiarity with Alaska history and Alaska natural resource management programs and policies is important to these positions. Three or more years of experience in state court litigation, including first-chair responsibility, and in matters concerning land law, water law, and administrative law is strongly preferred.

Qualified applicants must have strong communication, oral advocacy, writing, and time management skills; must demonstrate excellent professional judgment; and must exhibit an interest in working on complex matters. The ability to handle a high volume of work that includes state and federal court litigation, cooperatively prioritize work with several clients, and develop and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues and clients is essential. Successful applicants will have strong interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work well with colleagues and support staff. Successful applicants will be highly motivated and able to work individually and as a member of a team with minimum supervision.