In the heart of Oregon, amidst its scenic landscapes and rich heritage, a visionary legal mind was born. Kevin Clarkson, a name synonymous with legal excellence in the United States, especially in Alaska, embarked on a journey that would see him rise to the esteemed position of Alaska's Attorney General. A cum laude graduate from Willamette University College of Law, Clarkson's roots in Oregon shaped his early years, but it was Alaska that witnessed the blossoming of his illustrious career. With a tenure spanning over three decades, Clarkson's professional narrative is a blend of strategic legal prowess and a deep-seated commitment to societal betterment. From the serene streets of Keizer, Oregon, where he now resides, to the challenging legal landscape of Alaska, Clarkson's journey is one of relentless pursuit of justice, underpinned by a profound connection to the places he's called home.
Tell us how you started in law.
"My father was an Oregon State Trooper for 27 years. I admired his part in law enforcement, but I wanted a different experience. So, I studied Political Science at Oregon State and took Constitutional law courses. I grew to love Constitutional law and solidified my desire to go to law school. I was admitted to Willamette Law School in my hometown of Salem, Oregon, and there excelled, graduating Cum Laude."
What circumstances led you to become attorney general in Alaska?
"I was always active in constitutional litigation throughout my private practice career, and I gained the respect of members of the business community and the legislature, including Senator Dunleavy, who later ran for governor. Once elected, Governor Dunleavy asked me to be his attorney general. In Alaska, the attorney general is appointed by the governor and then confirmed by the legislature."
What inspired you to accept your position?
"I had a desire to serve Alaska. I had been successful in my private practice career, and Alaska had been good to me, so it felt right to give back."
What has been your greatest achievement?
I brought a First Amendment lawsuit while I was in private practice challenging the Alaska campaign contribution limits—the limits on how much a person can donate to political candidates for public office—and that case proceeded through the 9th Circuit and then to the U.S. Supreme Court. I handled the case through the 9th Circuit, but when I became Attorney General, I had to recuse myself from the case entirely since the state was the defendant. I passed the case to an acquaintance, former U. S. Solicitor General Paul Clemente, and he handled the case through the U. S. Supreme Court and back to the 9th Circuit on remand. As a result of the evidentiary record I developed at trial and the arguments I made to the 9th Circuit, the Alaska contribution limits, which were the lowest in the Nation, were struck down as violative of the First Amendment."
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would encourage myself to relax and remember that the people I encounter in my practice are real people, with real lives and feelings and problems, and to represent my client’s interests strongly but always with professionalism and compassion toward those other people."
What is a problem you have identified in the justice system?
As much as I respect the justice system, I have come to see how easy it is for judges to allow their personal views and opinions to color their decisions in cases that come before them. This is one of the greatest challenges for anyone who serves as a judge—working to view the case before them, both facts and law, from a neutral position and showing no favoritism to a person or position based upon their personal biases. All judges have biases, just like every person, and it is, I believe, nearly impossible for them to set their biases aside. But that is what judges are called to do, and it is an essential goal."
Tell us about your next endeavor.
"I am working to become a writer. I truly enjoy the art of storytelling, putting words down onto paper, and seeing people enjoy reading what I have written. I have finished one novel, my second is currently in editing, and I am just starting my third."
As Kevin Clarkson reflects on his career, his words resonate with wisdom, integrity, and a deep understanding of the complexities of law and justice. Now, in the quiet comfort of his Oregon home, Clarkson embarks on a new chapter. With a passion for storytelling and the same dedication that marked his legal career, he turns to writing, a pursuit that promises to capture the essence of his remarkable journey. His legacy in law, particularly in Alaska, is a testament to his commitment to fair and equitable justice. As Clarkson pens down his experiences and insights, he continues to inspire, leaving an indelible mark on the legal landscape and beyond.
