Updated 2007
The Law and Aging Guide is a comprehensive listing of the state-wide resources available to help older persons with law-related issues. Published by the American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging, the Guide includes important contact numbers and addresses for legal assistance providers and other law-related services for the elderly. Many states now have toll-free senior legal hotlines. If you are an older person (or family member or trusted friend of an older person) who needs legal advice or assistance, the first step is to see if your state has a hotline, and, if it does, to call the hotline listed below.
[Note: If you are legal services provider or entity listed below, please email any changes of address or information to the ABA Commission at abaelderly@abanet.org, attn: Law and Aging Guide.]
Alaska
A. Senior Legal Hotline: (800) 478-9431
B. Legal Assistance Developer
Lisa Morley
Division of Senior and Disability Services
Alaska Department of Health and Social Services
240 Main Street, Suite 601
Juneau, Alaska 99801
(907) 465-3372; fax (907) 465-1170
Web: http://www.alsc-law.org/
C. Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Robert Dreyer
Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority
3745 Community Park Loop; Suite 200
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907) 334-4480; fax (907) 334-4486
Web: www.akoltco.org
D. Legal Services Funded Under the Older Americans Act
If your income falls within certain guidelines, you may be able to get legal help from the Legal Services or Legal Aid program in your area. In some communities, the Older Americans Act program serving older people and the legal aid program are one and the same. For a state-by-state listing of Legal Services programs, go to
Web: http://www.lsc.gov/
Central Regional Office
240 Main Street, Suite 601
Juneau, Alaska 99801
(907) 465-3372; (866) 465-3165; fax (907) 465-1170
Web: http://www.hss.state.ak.us/dsds/
Serving Anchorage
South Central Office
3601 C Street, Suite 310
Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 269-3666; (800) 478-9996; fax (907) 269-3688
Web: http://www.hss.state.ak.us/dsds/
Serving Juneau
E. Bar Committees/Sections
The Elderlaw Section
Alaska Bar Association
Kenneth C. Kirk, Chair
PO Box 100279
Anchorage, AK 99510-0279
(907) 272-7469; fax (907) 272-2932
Web: www.alaskabar.org
F. National Association of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)
- Alaska Chapter
None listed.
G. Legal Assistance Projects Involving Private Attorneys
Many communities are also served by volunteer lawyer (pro bono) programs. These programs are usually sponsored by bar associations. Lawyers in private practice volunteer to help low-income persons free of charge. To find the pro bono program in your state, click on http://www.abanet.org/legalservices/findlegalhelp/probonodirectory.html.
Volunteer Lawyer Projects for the Elderly
Elderlaw Project
Alaska Pro Bono Program
1016 W. 16th Ave., Ste. 200
Anchorage, AK 99501
(907) 272-9431
Seth Eames, Coordinator
The Alaska Pro Bono Program is a statewide effort involving almost 800 volunteer attorneys, along with doctors, court reporters, and private investigators, who have agreed to assist low-income clients of all ages. The Elderlaw Project provides outreach to older Alaskans at senior centers in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Sitka, Juneau, Palmer, Eagle River, and Wasilla, where volunteer attorneys visit one afternoon each month. Consultations and pro se clinics are available to all seniors. Case representation is available to seniors who meet financial guidelines. Cases typically include wills, consumer issues, public benefits, and landlord/tenant issues.
H. Law Schools and Legal Clinics
None Listed
I. Attorney General's Office
Talis J. Colberg, Attorney General
Office of the Attorney General
P.O. Box 110300
Juneau, AK 99811-0300
(907) 465-2133; fax (907) 465-2075
Web: www.law.state.ak.us
The Alaska Attorney General's Office does not have a separate unit addressing elderly issues, but work on such matters is conducted by units including Medicaid Fraud, Consumer Protection, and Human Services Protection.
J. State Protection and Advocacy Agencies
ASIST
2900 Boniface Pkwy., #100
Anchorage, AK 99504-3195
(907) 333-2211; fax (907) 333-1186
Web: akcap@alaska.com
Disability Law Center of Alaska
3330 Arctic Blvd., Ste. 103
Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 565-1002; (800) 478-1234; fax (907) 565-1000
Web: www.dlcak.org
K. Dispute Resolution
Alaska Dispute Settlement Association
P.O. Box 242922
Anchorage, AK 99524-2922
(907) 258-0624
Web: contact_adsa@adsa.ws
Association of mediators, arbitrators, hearing officers, and those with interest in ADR. Promotes the use of collaborative methods for dispute settlement, and developing minimum standards for mediators. Conducts monthly board and general meetings. Also has an active section in Fairbanks (P.O. Box 83084, Fairbanks, AK 99708).
L. Other Projects
