What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Attorney III position at Commonwealth of Kentucky?
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5/25/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)
26-02349
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
Click here for more details on state employment.
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:
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
5/25/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)
26-02349
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
Click here for more details on state employment.
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.
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
Salary : $5,118 - $7,677