Education Law Attorney
Section: Public Corporation & Governmental Services
Location: Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Juneau
Job Number: 25-PCGS-01
Closing Date: 2/16/25
Job description
The Public Corporations & Governmental Services Section is recruiting for a full-time attorney to practice primarily in the area of education law. This position is one of two attorneys who focus on providing legal services to the Department of Education and Early Development, as well as the Alaska State Council on the Arts, Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums, and Mt. Edgecumbe High School. The applicant should expect to develop strong client relationships by working with agency officials on state and federal education law developments, advising the State Board of Education and Early Development and attending state board meetings.
The applicant’s duties will include responding to requests for legal advice and opinions and assisting the department in drafting and advising on education regulations and legislation including on matters such as student learning, accountability, and school finance. The attorney will also be asked to advise on varied topics, including constitutional questions, state and federal education funding, land and facility use, student privacy, board governance, responses to media, Open Meetings Act questions, public records requests, and other legal issues. The position could include some litigation responsibilities, which could range from independently handling administrative proceedings to working on a litigation team in federal or state court to defend the department and state in legal challenges relating to Alaska’s K-12 education program. The position may include review of complex and sometimes high-profile legal matters and collaboration with other section attorneys and Department of Law leadership.
From time to time, and as attorney interest and workload permits, the attorney may also be asked to assist other attorneys in the section on matters involving contract questions, litigation, constitutional law issues, and other miscellaneous aid-to-agency advice questions.
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.
Qualifications
Applicants must have graduated from an accredited law school and be licensed to practice law in the state of Alaska now or within 10 months of their appointment to this position. Prior legal experience, which can include a clerkship with the state or federal courts, is preferred but is not required. A background in and familiarity with education law, litigation, or civil public sector work is preferred, but not required. Applicants should possess excellent judgment, excel at developing and nurturing strong working relationships, have strong writing skills, and be capable of taking initiative and working well independently.
Contact
Individuals who would like additional information about the position may contact Rachel Witty at (907) 269-5100 or by e-mail at Rachel.witty@alaska.gov.
Benefits & Compensation
State Benefits Package
- Health benefits (including dental and vision), life insurance and voluntary supplemental benefits
- Generous leave accrual
- 12 paid holidays
- A variety of retirement plans
- Potential eligibility for student loan forgiveness through the Public Loan Forgiveness Program.
- 37.5-hour workweek
- Eligibility for part-time teleworking, alternate workweek, or a flex schedule after an initial training period.
Estimated Compensation
The table below gives an estimate of compensation based on a combination of judicial clerking and licensed legal experience. The compensation listed in the table represents the base pay. Several locations around Alaska have geographical pay differences. Upon a job offer, you would receive a firm salary quote based on location of position and qualifying experience. Attorneys are eligible to promote from Attorney 1 through 4 with service and acceptable job performance.
| Attorney level | Experience level | Pay range and step | Base pay* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attorney 1 | Unlicensed attorney | 18 D or E | $87,282-$90,012 |
| Attorney 2 | Less than two years of licensed experience | 20 C or D | $96,349.50-$99,840 |
| Attorney 3 | More than 2 but less than 4 years of licensed experience | 22 B or C | $106,684.50-$109,960.50 |
| Attorney 4 | More than 4 years | 24 B through F | $121,836-$139,542 |
*Summary of Geographical Pay Rate Differences.
| Location | Base pay + geographical difference |
|---|---|
| Anchorage, Kenai, Palmer, Ketchikan | Base pay / no geo dif |
| Fairbanks | Base pay + 3% |
| Juneau, Sitka | Base pay + 5% |
| Kodiak | Base pay + 11% |
| Nome, Dillingham | Base pay + 37% |
| Bethel, Utqiagvik | Base pay + 50% |
| Kotzebue | Base pay + 60% |
Application Instructions
Candidates must submit:
- A resume that includes a complete history of education and professional work experience.
- At least three professional employment references.
- A professional writing sample.
- A cover letter which includes the job number.
Email applications to civil.recruit@alaska.gov (with the subject line “application for current attorney recruitment”) or mail or hand-deliver to:
Office of the Attorney General
1031 W 4th Avenue, Suite 200
Anchorage, AK 99501
As part of the application process a social media check may occur. All interested and qualified applicants will be considered, but not every applicant will be interviewed.
The Department of Law is an equal opportunity employer and complies with Title I of the American with Disabilities Act. Applicants who need accommodation to apply may call Kelly West at the department’s Anchorage office (907) 269-5101 or Relay Alaska at 1-800-770-8973.
