Employee Benefits and General Government Services Attorney
Section: Public Corporations & Governmental Services
Location: Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Juneau (other locations considered)
Job Number: 25-PCGS-02
Closing Date: 4/20/25
Job description
The Public Corporations & Governmental Services section is recruiting for a full-time attorney to practice primarily in the area of employee benefits and general government services law. This position will provide legal services to the Department of Administration which administers the state’s employee pension and health plan programs. The attorney may also represent other state agencies such as the Department of Revenue, Department of Commerce, and various public corporations that provide services to Alaskans such as higher education programs, public finance, and economic development. The applicant should expect to develop strong client relationships with state officials in leadership roles as well as Alaskans serving on important state boards and commissions.
The applicant’s duties will include responding to requests for legal advice from the Department of Administration regarding the administration of employee benefit programs in accordance with federal IRS requirements, HIPAA privacy laws, state statutes, and the Alaska Constitution; advising on proposed state and federal legislation; assisting with regulatory drafting and legislative matters; drafting and reviewing contracts on various subjects including procurement matters; and representing the Department of Administration before administrative agencies and state and federal trial and appellate courts in administrative proceedings, appeals, and civil litigation.
Additional responsibilities can include provision of legal advice and representation of other state agencies and boards and commissions represented by the section. Examples of legal services to be provided may include providing advice regarding the interpretation of state and federal statutes; constitutional questions; the Open Meetings Act; the state procurement code; the public records statute; as well as drafting and review of contracts, regulations and legislation; and representation of state agencies before courts and administrative agencies.
Attorneys in the Section work on complex legal issues with the opportunity to develop close working relations with state officials as their clients. Some of these matters can be of statewide importance and can involve significant questions under Alaska’s laws and Constitution and federal law. Outside of work, attorneys in the section enjoy all that living in Alaska has to offer from hiking, skiing, fishing, and all other manner of outdoor activities to simply enjoying the dramatic scenery and access to the wilderness available throughout the state. 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 a state or federal court, is preferred but not required for the right applicant. A background in and familiarity with representation of government agencies, employee benefits law, or litigation 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, starting at 21 days a year
- 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.
