Associate Legal Counsel

Closing Date: 24th November, 2025

Description:

The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) is the operational arm of the Ky. Court of Justice (KCOJ) and supports court facilities, personnel, and programs in all 120 counties.

The AOC Office of General Counsel provides a full array of legal services to the Director, management, and staff of the AOC, to elected officials within the KCOJ and their staff, and to the Office of the Chief Justice upon request, and advises on multiple and diverse statewide issues affecting the KCOJ and the AOC, including: juvenile justice, criminal justice, and family law reforms; effects of proposed and enacted legislation; personnel matters; open records; contracts; procurement; AOC forms; facilities; capital construction; publications; litigation; development of policy and procedural manuals; and any other legal matters as needed or requested by AOC staff or KCOJ personnel.

The AOC Office of General Counsel has an immediate need to fill an AOC Associate Legal Counsel position in Frankfort, KY.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Work under the guidance and direct administrative supervision of the Deputy General Counsel and Senior Legal Counsel.
• Conduct detailed research and analysis and prepare legal memoranda and advisory opinions on a wide variety of issues related to the business of the KCOJ.
• Assist in the development and, or, review of: AOC standard operating procedures and departmental policies, guidelines, and best practices; Administrative Procedures of the Court of Justice (APs) and other Rules of Court; AOC departmental manuals; AOC court forms; KCOJ and AOC publications; and local rules of court upon request from the Office of Chief Justice.
• Review proposed and enacted legislation each Session to assess the impact on KCOJ/AOC programs and services, and on KCOJ/AOC court forms.
• Assist the KCOJ/AOC with the implementation of new and revised legislation affecting court services and programs.
• Advise on issues arising from litigation filed against the KCOJ/AOC and its elected officials and personnel.
• Represent the KCOJ/AOC on, or provide staff support to, various work groups, committees, and commissions.
• Remain current on national court administration issues and legal developments affecting the KCOJ.
• Maintain professional working relationships with co-workers, KCOJ officials and their staff, and AOC management and staff.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Note: Individuals who are applicants for a bar exam or who are awaiting bar exam results may apply, but no offer will be extended without confirmation that the individual has passed the bar exam.

Working knowledge of the procedural operations of all levels of court. Excellent legal research, analysis, writing, oral communication, and computer skills. Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with judges, circuit court clerks, court staff, and AOC staff and management. Advanced time management skills, with the ability to effectively prioritize, complete work duties under strict deadlines and execute tasks in high pressure situations.

Minimum Requirements:

• EDUCATION: Advanced Degree – Graduate of Accredited Law School
• EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: A licensed attorney in the practice of law at the time of acceptance of the position. Note: Individuals who are registered to sit for the Kentucky bar exam, are awaiting their Kentucky bar exam results, or are scheduled to be sworn in, may apply.
• Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: NONE
• Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: NONE
• SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): Must be a licensed attorney and a member in good standing with the Ky. Bar Association no later than the date that employment is to commence.

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