Closing Date: 16th August, 2026
Description:
DescriptionThe 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 advocacy attorney as part of a criminal defense team for a vacancy in our Owensboro Trial Office.
Kentucky DPA looks for individuals who have demonstrated a desire to help 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.
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:
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: 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 2.117 (practice pending admission). Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this job classification. Employees are required to maintain all licenses, certifications, and credentials necessary to perform the duties of the position and must immediately notify the employing agency of any lapse, suspension, revocation, or restriction.
We are seeking to hire an experienced advocacy attorney as part of a criminal defense team for a vacancy in our Owensboro Trial Office.
Kentucky DPA looks for individuals who have demonstrated a desire to help 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.
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 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: 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 2.117 (practice pending admission). Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this job classification. Employees are required to maintain all licenses, certifications, and credentials necessary to perform the duties of the position and must immediately notify the employing agency of any lapse, suspension, revocation, or restriction.
Working Conditions
Duties are performed primarily in an office and courtroom setting but may include visits with clients within detention facilities. 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 8335148980.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D
