About the Opinions, Appeals, & Ethics Section
The Opinions, Appeals, and Ethics Section plays a vital role within the Alaska Department of Law’s Civil Division, providing high-level legal guidance, appellate advocacy, and oversight on ethical issues across state government.
This section is responsible for:
- Overseeing all civil appeals handled by the Department of Law, ensuring that the state’s legal positions are effectively presented in the Alaska Supreme Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and occasionally the U.S. Supreme Court
- Drafting and reviewing Attorney General Opinions, which provide authoritative legal interpretations on matters of statewide importance and guide the actions of state agencies and officials
- Interpreting and enforcing the Executive Branch Ethics Act (AS 39.52), which governs the conduct of public officials and employees to ensure transparency, accountability, and public trust
- Coordinating the Department’s legal work on Alaska Native matters, including issues involving tribal sovereignty, subsistence rights, and state-tribal relations
Attorneys in this section advise on complex and often precedent-setting legal questions, requiring deep legal research, strategic thinking, and persuasive writing. Their work shapes the legal framework within which Alaska’s government operates and often influences policy decisions at the highest levels.
The section also plays a key role in training and advising public officers on ethics compliance and best practices, helping to prevent conflicts of interest and promote ethical governance.
This work is carried out by a highly skilled and collaborative team of appellate attorneys, ethics advisors, and legal support staff who are committed to upholding the rule of law and maintaining the integrity of Alaska’s government institutions.
Section Contact
For further information on the Opinions, Appeals, & Ethics Section contact:
Jenna Lorence
State Solicitor General
907-269-5100
Jessie Alloway
Deputy Solicitor General, Civil Appeals; Section Supervisor
907-269-5100