Commonwealth of Kentucky

Staff Attorney I

Commonwealth of Kentucky  •  $52k - $78k/yr  •  Owensboro, KY (Onsite)  •  2 hours ago
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Job Description

 

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6/27/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)

2602993

Staff Attorney I

Pay Grade
16

Salary

$4,356.96 - $6,535.44 Monthly

Employment Type

EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK

Hiring Agency

Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Department of Public Advocacy

Location

920 Frederica Street Suite 1006
Owensboro, KY 42301 USA

Description

The Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) is nationally recognized as a model statewide public defender
system with an exceptional training and education program. Our defense teams ensure the criminal justice
process is fair, results are just, and individual liberties are protected.

We are hiring an entry-level staff attorney to join the criminal defense team in the Owensboro Trial Office.

Kentucky DPA looks for individuals who have demonstrated a desire to help the underprivileged and often the
most vulnerable in their communities. The ideal candidate exhibits exceptional planning and organizational
skills, is self-directed and comfortable working with their defense team which includes other attorneys,
investigators, alternative sentencing workers and office administrative legal staff. We seek persons who
understand it is a privilege to represent our clients and we do so on behalf of the people of Kentucky.

Please be advised that although medical cannabis has been legalized in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, due to
other applicable state or federal laws, employees in this position are prohibited from using medical cannabis.

If you need additional information about this prohibition, you may contact the agency point of contact for
additional information.

Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Represents criminal defendants in District Court cases vigorously, effectively, ethically, and with
    integrity.
  • Conducts client interviews and maintains notes and records of pertinent case facts sufficient to
    provide proper client representation.
  • Research legal issues and writes clear, concise motions.
  • Obtains knowledge of the case through discovery and investigation sufficient to provide advice to
    clients regarding disposition.
  • Develops a theory of the case that is consistent with the facts and the law.
  • Willing to try appropriate cases.
  • Duties are performed primarily in both office and courtroom settings.
  • Travel is required.

Minimum Requirements
EDUCATION:
See Special Requirements.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS:
NONE

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE:
NONE

Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION:
NONE

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.):
Must be admitted to practice law and in good standing in the Commonwealth of Kentucky OR comply with Kentucky Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 2.111 (limited certification of admission to practice), SCR 2.112 (attorney participants in defender or legal services programs), SCR 2.116 (supervised practice), or SCR 2.117 (practice pending admission). Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this job classification. Employing agency is responsible for ensuring employee possesses and maintains required licensure(s), certification(s) or other credentials.

Working Conditions

Duties are performed primarily in both office and courtroom settings. Travel is required.

Probationary Period

This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Jason McGee at jason.mcgee@ky.gov or 833-514-8900.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D
Commonwealth of Kentucky

About Commonwealth of Kentucky

Come for a job. Stay for a career. Make a difference for a lifetime!

GROW your career! Looking for interesting and diverse career opportunities? Look no further! Explore the many unique and fascinating jobs found across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

LEARN with us! The Commonwealth of Kentucky offers our employees on-the-job training and online professional development courses. With thousands of unique positions available throughout the Commonwealth, you can increase your knowledge on the job -- and set your career goals for the future.

LEAD with us! We are a community of doers, thinkers, learners, leaders, and achievers. We can help you find your perfect job match and then excel in that role. We have programs and tools to help you grow in your position and become a leader as the best version of yourself!

SERVE with us! Careers in public service are diverse, interesting and rewarding. They allow you to truly make a difference in the communities that you serve. If you have a passion around serving your community while you grow your skills and your career, join the many employees across the Commonwealth who are finding perfect work opportunities and getting the satisfaction of touching lives and making a lasting impact.

Achieve your professional goals while working for Commonwealth’s largest employer. Whether this is your first job or you’re transitioning from the military or another career, we offer a diverse opportunity for all educational and experience levels in full-time, part-time, temporary, or seasonal capacities. Employees can work in a civil service, non-civil service, appointed, or elected position. Come grow, learn, lead and serve with us!

For employment opportunities with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, visit careers.ky.gov.

Industry
Government & Public Safety
Company Size
5,001-10,000 employees
Headquarters
Frankfort, Kentucky
Year Founded
1792
Website
kentucky.gov
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