Job Description

Advertisement Closes

7/4/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)

2603141

Staff Attorney II

Pay Grade
17

Salary

$57,509.52 - $86,264.16 Annually

Employment Type

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

Click here for more details on state employment.

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 state-wide 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 seeking to hire an experienced staff attorney as part of a criminal defense team for a vacancy in the
Owensboro Trial Office. Kentucky DPA looks for individuals who have demonstrated a desire to help often the most vulnerable in their communities. The ideal candidate has some criminal defense experience
and exhibits exceptional planning and organizational skills, is self-directed and also 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:

Represent criminal defendants in District Court cases vigorously, effectively, ethically, and with integrity.
Conduct client interviews and maintain notes and records of pertinent case facts sufficient to provide proper client representation.
Research legal issues and write clear, concise motions.
Obtain knowledge of the case through discovery and investigation sufficient to provide advice to clients regarding disposition.
Develop 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:
Must have one year of experience as a licensed attorney in the practice of law or one year of supervised practice under Kentucky Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 2.116, or a combination totaling at least one year of experience.

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE:
A Master of Laws degree (LL.M.) will substitute for the one year required experience.

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 2.117 (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 833-514-8980.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D

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

Social Media