Alaska Supreme Court Disbars Former Federal Judge Joshua Kindred

The Alaska Supreme Court has ordered the disbarment of former federal judge Joshua Kindred following findings of serious misconduct. The decision, announced on March 15, 2024, stems from an investigation that revealed Kindred engaged in a “sexualized relationship” with a law clerk who later became a prosecutor. The court’s ruling highlighted that he lied about this relationship to a senior judge and investigators, while also fostering a hostile work environment for judicial employees.

According to the Alaska Bar Association, Kindred created a toxic workplace by frequently discussing his personal life, including sexual topics. He engaged in both verbal and physical unwanted sexual conduct towards a former judicial employee and instructed others with knowledge of his misconduct to remain silent. The bar association noted that Kindred’s behavior was not only inappropriate but also damaging to the integrity of the judicial system.

In its ruling, the Alaska Supreme Court mandated that Kindred pay $1,000 in costs and attorney’s fees to the Alaska Bar Association. Additionally, he must fully reimburse any amounts owed to the Lawyer’s Fund for Client Protection and to clients for any unpaid fee arbitration awards before he can seek reinstatement. Should Kindred wish to return to legal practice, the court requires him to complete at least 15 credit hours of continuing legal education focused on ethics, law office management, and the management of law office accounts.

Kindred was appointed to the U.S. District Court of Alaska in 2020 by former President Donald Trump, with support from U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan. His disbarment marks a significant fall from grace for a judge who once held a prominent position in the federal judiciary.

The 67-page order detailing the court’s findings sheds light on Kindred’s inappropriate relationships with two federal prosecutors and underscores the importance of maintaining ethical standards within the legal profession. The Alaska Supreme Court’s actions reflect a commitment to upholding the integrity of the judiciary and ensuring accountability for misconduct.