Alaska seeks new public defender after Terrence Haas resigns from top post

The Alaska Judicial Council is taking applications for a new state public defender, the attorney who leads the agency that represents Alaskans charged with crimes who can't afford a lawyer. The job opened after Terrence Haas, who had led the Public Defender Agency since 2023, resigned in late August.

The council posted the opening Sept. 25, and applications are due by 3 pm Oct. 30.

Haas, a former Bethel Superior Court judge, was appointed by Gov. Mike Dunleavy in September 2023. He resigned after a court filing in a case he had overseen as a judge raised questions about whether he had been impartial. Haas has denied the allegations. Attorney Ariel Toft is serving as acting public defender.

Whoever gets the job will run a large statewide agency. The agency represents people who can't afford an attorney in criminal and juvenile cases, child protection cases and involuntary commitments at Alaska Psychiatric Institute. It took on about 19,000 new cases in the 2026 fiscal year and has 14 offices, about 143 attorneys and 91 support staff, according to the council's notice.

The job carries a four-year term and pays an estimated $142,500 to $163,400 a year.

The council plans to consider applicants in February 2027 and will send the governor at least two nominees. The Legislature must confirm the governor's pick.