The governor shall appoint the public defender from among two or more persons nominated for that position by the judicial council. The appointment is subject to confirmation by majority of the members of the legislature in joint session. The public defender shall serve a term of four years. If the governor decides to retain the public defender for another term, the governor need not call for nominations from the judicial council; however, the retention must be approved by a majority of the members of the legislature in joint session.
Alaska Legal Code