Commonwealth of Kentucky

Staff Attorney III

Commonwealth of Kentucky  •  $61k - $92k/yr  •  Lexington, KY (Onsite)  •  2 hours ago
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Job Description

 

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7/11/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)

req79431

Staff Attorney III

Pay Grade
18

Salary

$5,118.26 - $7,677.48 Monthly 

Employment Type

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

Hiring Agency

Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Department of Public Advocacy

Location

163 W Short Street
Suite 555
Lexington, KY 40507 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 our
Capital East Branch 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 significant 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, mitigation
specialists, 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.

Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Represent criminal defendants charged with capital murder and associated crimes.
  • Direct thorough investigations of the facts of the case and social history of the client.
  • Research legal issues and write clear, concise motions.
  • 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, courtroom, and jail settings.
  • Travel is required.

Minimum Requirements
EDUCATION:
See Special Requirements.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS:
Must have two years experience as a licensed attorney in the practice of law.

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE:
A Master of Laws degree (LL.M.) will substitute for one year of the 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 Josh Miller at joshua.miller@ky.gov or 502-764-0603.

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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