What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Attorney I position at Commonwealth of Kentucky?
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4/26/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)
26-01854
Staff Attorney I
Pay Grade 16
Salary
$57,000.00 - $76,141.68 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
120 Professional Ln
Harlan, KY 40831 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 Harlan 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 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:
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 Danny Lunsford at danny.lunsford@ky.gov or 502-782-4658.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D
4/26/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)
26-01854
Staff Attorney I
Pay Grade 16
Salary
$57,000.00 - $76,141.68 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
120 Professional Ln
Harlan, KY 40831 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 Harlan 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 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:
- Represents indigent 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.
- Researches 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.
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 Danny Lunsford at danny.lunsford@ky.gov or 502-782-4658.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D
Salary : $57,000 - $76,142