Special Projects Attorney

Job Description

The Human Rights Commission is an executive branch agency within the State of Alaska, Office of the Governor, established under the Alaska Human Rights Law, AS 18.80.   The Commission is seeking a Special Projects Attorney I/II/III to:

• Serve as the outreach coordinator 
• Serve as the training coordinator
• Undertake special legal research projects and other legal tasks assigned by the executive director
• Assist the Hearing Unit in preparing and presenting discrimination cases at public hearings, conduct reviews of investigative files and make recommendations regarding the sufficiency of the evidence in investigations
• Conciliate resolutions to complaints in which the Commission has found substantial evidence of discrimination. 

This position requires well developed legal research and writing skills, negotiation and analytical skills, a high degree of professionalism and organization, and excellent written and oral communication skills.
 
As the outreach coordinator, the position will be responsible for the agency’s social media presence, creating and updating agency publications such as legal guidance documents, maintaining the agency’s outreach booth displays, alerting the executive director to outreach opportunities, engaging with the public, issue-spotting for potential civil rights violations, creating and maintaining thoughtful and engaging PowerPoint presentations, and extensive public speaking. The applicant will be reviewed on marketing skills and knowledge of how to engage using social media. Outreach requires regular travel and work outside of regular state business hours to include evenings and weekends.
 
As the training coordinator, the position will be responsible for creating and maintaining training materials such as handouts and PowerPoint presentations, as well as recommending regulatory changes related to training. The position will be required to conduct regular public “brown bag” trainings in person and/or using Zoom about relevant topics to be developed in consultation with the executive director, reviewing third-party training materials for Commission approval, and conducting remedial trainings for respondents.
 
As a Hearing Unit attorney the position will assist the Hearing Unit with reviewing and preparing discrimination cases for trial, including all aspects of civil litigation. If the incumbent has or obtains admission to the Alaska Bar, the position will maintain a small caseload. The position will be tasked with researching and preparing memos to the supervising attorney and the executive director when specific legal questions arise while investigating and litigating cases.
 
The position will also have special projects as assigned by the executive director. This may include legal research and writing projects, non-legal research tasks that are Commission priorities, and other delegated administrative research and writing projects. 

Minimum Qualifications

This is a flexibly staffed position. The applicant will be heavily evaluated on their marketing, social media, presentation, and community engagement skills/presence due to the significant tasks associated with outreach. Knowledge of anti-discrimination law and litigation experience are preferred, but recent law school graduates are strongly encouraged to apply. A valid driver’s license is required. 

Graduation from an approved school of law is required for the Attorney I level. 

Admission to the Alaska State Bar is required for the Attorney II level. 

Admission to the Alaska State Bar and at least two years of legal experience is required for the Attorney III level. 

Additional Required Information

SALARY:     
 
[Starting salary range is $78.819.00 to $102,862.50] annually depending on qualifications and experience (Range 18-22). A comprehensive state benefits package is provided.  Positions in this job class are in the partially exempt service in accordance with AS 39.25.120(c)(3).
 
ADDITIONAL REQUIRED INFORMATION:
 
Applicants must submit a professional writing sample to be considered for this position. The sample should include legal analysis and properly formatted legal citations. The applicant must also submit a 10-15 minute PowerPoint presentation on a topic of their choice. If selected for an interview, the applicant should be prepared to give that presentation during the interview.
 
TO APPLY:
 
Applicants for this position must submit a cover letter, resume, a professional writing sample, PowerPoint presentation, and at least three employment references to the Commission.

EEO STATEMENT

The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call (907) 465-3897 in Juneau or the TDD for the hearing impaired at (800) 770-8973.  The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer.   

Contact Information

Toyia Del Valle
Administrative Officer II
Alaska State Commission for Human Rights
toyia.delvalle@alaska.gov
(907)792-7237 

Salary : $102,863