Airport Attorney
Section: Transportation
Location: Anchorage
Job Number: 26-TR-02
Closing Date: 9/1/2026
Job description
The attorney filling this position will serve as general counsel to the Anchorage and Fairbanks International Airports. In 2025, Anchorage International was the second busiest cargo hub nationally and served 6.3 million travelers. Fairbanks International is Alaska’s second busiest airport with over 1 million passengers a year and serves as a hub for more than 50 communities in Interior and Northern Alaska that rely upon air freight, mail, and commuter service. Both airports are increasing passenger arrivals and cargo service and are working to expand facilities and infrastructure to match. Alaska is uniquely dependent on the aviation industry, which means the airport attorney is routinely involved in decisions that impact the lives of many Alaskans.
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.
Qualifications
Applicants must have graduated from an accredited law school. It is preferred that applicants have a minimum of five full years of licensed practice. Commercial law experience and experience in one or more of the areas of law discussed above are also preferred. Excellent communication skills, superior analytical and writing skills, good judgment, and the ability to work in a team environment while under minimum supervision are essential.
Contact
Individuals who would like additional information about the position may contact Charles Gartland at (907) 269-5100 or by e-mail at Charles.gartland@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 | $92,137.50 or $95,023.50 |
| Attorney 2 | Less than two years of licensed experience | 20 C or D | $101,712.00 or $105,417.00 |
| Attorney 3 | More than 2 but less than 4 years of licensed experience | 22 B or C | $112,632.00 or $116,083.50 |
| Attorney 4 | More than 4 years | 24 B through F | $128,622.00 – $147,322.50 |
*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
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 civil.recruit@alaska.gov.
Include the following documents:
- Cover Letter: List the position number(s) you are applying for
- 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 Professional References
- 1 Professional Writing Sample
- If you are a current or recent State of Alaska employee, please also submit your most recent performance evaluation.
