The Alaskan Legal Job Market
The legal job market in Alaska is small but tight-knit, with a strong sense of community even among organizations that are in competition for attorneys and legal professionals. An informal but sophisticated network of practicing attorneys make for a positive environment for both those coming into the practice and those looking to transfer to Alaska. For both new and established attorneys, Alaska is a place where it is easy to make good connections. Although there has been a slight downward trend in the legal job market recently , the unemployment rate for attorneys is still below the statewide average. This speaks to the opportunities in the Alaskan economy, which allows for some modification of billable hours based on the costs of living in the region. While it may not be intuitive, there is a noticeable lack of attorneys in the region, even outstripping the national average of jobs in the profession. For those who can make it past the initial round of both the state bar exam and the sometimes-arduous interview process, there is a place for them in the Alaskan community.
Major Employers in the Alaskan Legal Sector
Alaska presents a diverse array of employment opportunities for legal professionals. The top employers for legal careers in the state encompass law firms, government agencies, and corporations, providing a rich tapestry of job prospects. A list of these employers is featured below.
The following is a list of some of the top employers for legal professionals in Alaska:
Alaska Legal Services Corporation
Alutiiq LLC
Anchorage School District
Bering Straits Native Corporation
CIRI (Cook Inlet Region, Inc.)
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Doyon Limited
Koniag Incorporated
NANA Development Corporation
Northwest Arctic School District
Paine & Fawal LLC
Preston Gates & Ellis LLP
Sukuvik, Limited Liability Company
The Alaska Bar Association
Alaska state government also employs a significant number of legal professionals. According to Indeed.com there are 211 total Attorney jobs in Alaska.
Legal Fields in Need of Talent in Alaska
In a state as diverse and ecologically rich as Alaska, environmental law is one of the most in-demand legal fields. Alaska’s unique environment means that lawyers specializing in environmental law must have not only a strong legal background, but a solid understanding of how environmental regulations impact the state’s natural resources. Environmental law careers can be found both in public and private practice and can range from government lawyers working with agencies such as the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation to environmental consultants providing legal guidance to private industry.
Speaking of natural resources, this is another booming field in Alaska. With natural resources like oil, gas, minerals, fish and timber being major players in the state’s economy, specialized legal support for regulation, extraction and environmental management is always needed. Natural Resources can be a broad practice area, with many attorneys specializing in a singular aspect of the industry, such as oil & gas law or mining law.
Another area of law that is in high demand in Alaska is indigenous rights expertise. With Alaska being home to many Native organizations, these entities require legal support for both general business needs as well as land, mineral and water rights issues.
Finally, labor & employment law specialization is on the rise in Alaska. Due to the need for companies to comply with federal, state and local labor laws and regulations, and the fact that many Alaskan companies are unionized, employment law firms are finding that the demand for their services is on the rise.
Skills and Qualifications Needed for Legal Careers in Alaska
When it comes to the minimum qualifications for working in the legal field in Alaska, the requirements do vary depending upon the specific legal position. Attorneys, of course, are required to have a state license to practice law, so this entails earning a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school and passing the bar exam. Attorneys in Alaska are licensed to handle administrative rather than criminal proceedings and they are generally limited to practicing law only in the State of Alaska. Those who practice outside the state may have a different, specialized license for part of their legal work. Legal assistants should have a legal background, either through post-high school training or a four-year degree from an accredited college or university. Certification is not mandatory for paralegals, but being a member of a professional organization such as the National Federation of Paralegal Associations is recommended. Many legal fields in Alaska seek to hire applicants who have a variety of soft skills, including organization, flexibility, teamwork, attention to detail, problem solving, and moral integrity.
Networking in the Alaskan Legal Profession
Networking in Alaska for legal professionals requires a combination of traditional and modern approaches. The primary local bar association for Alaska is the Alaska Bar Association, which offers numerous opportunities for lawyers and other legal professionals to connect. The association hosts events such as continuing legal education seminars, conferences, and social gatherings. Attending these events is a great way to meet other attorneys, judges, and legal personnel in a professional setting.
Other ways to network include joining legal committees within the state bar association and participating in or organizing pro bono activities . These efforts not only allow legal professionals to give back to the community but also enhance individual profiles as connected members of the legal community.
Modern networking often takes place online. The rise of social media platforms such as LinkedIn has transformed the legal industry. Here, attorneys can connect with colleagues, potential clients, and even adversaries in ways that were previously impossible. For Alaska’s legal professionals, a strong presence on LinkedIn is essential for networking and staying informed about the legal industry.
The Alaska Bar Association is the best place to start. From there, engage with the community through personal connections and online interactions to make the most of networking opportunities.
Challenges and Benefits of Practicing Law in Alaska
Practicing law in Alaska is not for everyone. Most big firms in Anchorage tend to pay somewhat more than average, but not enough to offset the cost of living to the same extent that a big firm might elsewhere. Geographic isolation, while a boon to some, means that it can be hard to stay connected. While Anchorage offers entertainment and recreation, it is limited compared to a city the size of Seattle. Some lawyers work alone outside of Anchorage. Some lawyers prefer to live in Anchorage but practice outside the city, or spend their time playing and working in multiple venues from Valdez to Norway to Barrow. While you might like it up north, or down south near the fishing lines, it is a tradeoff for being away from friends and family. The fundamental question of whether to work there is one of lifestyle, not money, if you have the opportunity to stay in the best paying part of the state. You would have to decide for yourself how important those factors are to you. Some of these viewpoints are best expressed by former Alaska public defender Judge Forrest (Rocky) O. Fielding, Jr. in his column called Legal Friends in Alaska.
How to Get a Legal Job in Alaska
Finding a legal job in Alaska can be a competitive process, requiring candidates to demonstrate their passion for the state and their qualifications for the available roles. Below are some practical tips for landing a legal job in Alaska:
Tailor your resume – As with any job application, it’s vital that you carefully tailor your resume to the position you’re applying for. Alaskan firms are looking for lawyers who will thrive in their unique working environments, so be sure to highlight how your skills and experience align with the firm and the position.
Prepare for the interview – In interviews with Alaskan law firms, you can expect to field questions about your knowledge of and interest in working in the Great Land. Be ready to discuss what you know about the firm and its work , why you want to practice law in Alaska, how your background will help you find success in the field, and anything else they want to know. To help make an excellent first impression, prepare thoroughly and dress in business professional attire.
Utilize internships or school programs – Alaskan firms are much more likely to consider you for a position if you have prior relevant experience in Alaska law. If you’re currently attending school, discuss internship options with your career services office, or ask them about programs such as externs, visiting student programs or summer associate programs to gain experience and get your foot in the door.