Alaska Supreme Court Disbars Former Federal Judge Joshua Kindred

The Alaska Supreme Court has disbarred former federal judge Joshua Kindred from practicing law in the state. This decision follows an investigation that revealed Kindred’s involvement in a “sexualized relationship” with a law clerk, who later became a prosecutor. He was found to have lied about this relationship to a senior judge and investigators, contributing to a hostile work environment for his clerks.

The court’s ruling detailed that Kindred created an inappropriate atmosphere by frequently discussing his personal life, including sexual topics, and engaging in unwanted physical and verbal conduct towards a former judicial employee. Additionally, he allegedly instructed individuals aware of his misconduct to remain silent about the allegations.

According to documents filed by the Alaska Bar Association, Kindred’s actions not only breached professional conduct but also included multiple instances of dishonesty during the investigation process. The Supreme Court’s decision mandates Kindred to pay $1,000 in costs and attorney’s fees to the Alaska Bar Association. He is also required to make full restitution for any amounts owed to the Lawyer’s Fund for Client Protection and other clients related to unpaid fee arbitration awards.

Should Kindred wish to return to the practice of law, the Supreme Court has stipulated that he must complete at least 15 credit hours of continuing legal education focusing on ethics, law office management, and management of law office accounts.

Kindred was appointed to the U.S. District Court of Alaska in 2020 by then-President Donald Trump, with support from U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan. The court’s ruling has significant implications for legal ethics and accountability, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a respectful and professional environment within the judiciary.

The case underscores broader concerns regarding conduct within the legal profession and the necessity of safeguarding the integrity of judicial proceedings in Alaska and beyond.