Torts Attorney

Job description

This position is assigned to the Tort’s Work Group within the Torts & Workers' Compensation Section. As a government tort attorney, you traverse a dynamic world of civil litigation, skillfully defending damages lawsuits that target the State, its departments, and its employees. Attorneys practice insurance defense on behalf of the State in all negligence and civil rights claims filed against the State, including the Departments of Correction, Public Safety, Transportation, Health, Family and Youth Services, the District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender Agency, and the Alaska Court System, among many others. Operating in both state and federal courts, you will deftly navigate each case from the moment of service through its resolution. You will engage in a comprehensive process that includes investigation, discovery, motion practice, trial, and appellate work, ensuring a thorough and strategic approach to each unique situation. You will work collaboratively alongside a passionate team of paraprofessionals, legal assistants, and colleagues who stand at the ready to support your success.

The cases you tackle are as varied as they are challenging, spanning a spectrum of claims such as personal injury, property damage, professional malpractice, wrongful death, and civil rights violations. Beyond the courtroom battles, you also serve as an invaluable consultant, offering insights, guidance, and training to State agencies and employees to help mitigate the State's liability exposure. Your role will require travel across Alaska and beyond as you represent the State's interests on a broader stage.

This opportunity is available in Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Juneau. Litigators with 7+ years of courtroom experience may be eligible for placement in other locations within Alaska as well.

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 Torts & Workers’ Compensation Section

Qualifications

Qualified applicants must have precise analytical skills, excellent writing ability, strong oral advocacy skills, time management skills, and good judgment. They should enjoy all aspects of the litigation process including trial and appellate work and enjoy working in a collaborative workplace. Three years of litigation practice as an attorney responsible for their own caseload is preferred, however applicants at all skill levels will be considered.

Contact

Individuals who would like additional information about the position may contact Charles Gartland at (907) 269-5100 or by e-mail at [email protected].  

Benefits & Compensation

State Benefits Package

1. Health benefits (including dental and vision), life insurance and voluntary supplemental benefits
2. Generous leave accrual, starting at 21 days a year
3. 12 paid holidays
4. A variety of retirement plans
5. Potential eligibility for student loan forgiveness through the Public Loan Forgiveness Program.
6. 37.5-hour workweek
7. 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.

*Summary of Geographical Pay Rate Differences.

Application Instructions

You may submit individual applications for each position you’re applying for, or you may submit one application and list all respective position numbers for which you want to be considered. Multi-position applications may address our office as “Civil Division Recruitment.”

Email your complete application to [email protected].

Include the following documents:

1. Cover Letter: List the position number(s) you are applying for
2. Resume: Include a complete history of education; professional work experience with dates (MM/YYYY); and the states and admission dates (MM/YYYY) for each bar license you have
3. 3 Professional References
4. 1 Professional Writing Sample
5. If you are a current or recent State of Alaska employee, please also submit your most recent performance evaluation.