Staff Attorney I

The Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet advances education, workforce development, and economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. The Cabinet provides education and training programs, employment and reemployment services, and workforce support to help Kentuckians gain skills, find meaningful work, and connect with employers. It also partners with education providers, workforce boards, and employers to align training with labor market needs and oversees labor programs that promote fair and safe workplaces.

Take advantage of this opportunity to join our team and make a difference in Kentucky! We are seeking a reliable, self-motivated individual to serve in a full-time role for the employers and employees across the Commonwealth.

This position is in the Workforce Development Legal Division, working as a Staff Attorney I in the Office of Legal Services at the Education and Labor Cabinet. The position will be based in Franklin County. The ability to telecommute may be available up to two days per week after successful completion of a probationary period.

This position provides a variety of legal services such as, providing legal support to a variety of Cabinet programs, reviewing contracts, unemployment insurance decisions, administrative appeals and lien related bankruptcy matters for the Education and Labor Cabinet.

Key Responsibilities:

• Under immediate supervision, reviews and responds to requests for records pursuant to the Kentucky Open Records Act, subpoenas, and requests from law enforcement agencies.
• Reviews foreclosure complaints to determine if the Office of Unemployment Insurance has a valid lien, files a cross claim when appropriate, and litigates the case on behalf of the Office.
• Reviews bankruptcy petitions to determine if the Office of Unemployment Insurance has a valid claim and files a proof of claim when appropriate.
• Provides legal support to the Department of Workforce Development and other Cabinet agencies including reviews of contracts and other documents for legality, defending the agencies in legal matters.
• Provides support to Staff Attorney III's.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
• Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for the selected candidate:
• Administrative law experience
• Bankruptcy law experience
• Experience with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
• Open Records Act experience
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong oral and written advocacy skills; ability to communicate effectively
• Attention to detail:
• Microsoft Office (WORD, EXCEL, OUTLOOK)
• Ability to review documentation for accuracy and legal compliance
• Committed to meeting deadlines
• Ability to work volume and changing priorities
• Experience in information gathering and legal research
• Ability to work independently and as a team member

This position will have access to confidential and sensitive information. The successful candidate will be required to ensure the safeguarding and security of all confidential and sensitive information and will be required to complete training, sign acknowledgements, follow all policies and adhere to all statutes and requirements pertaining to the safeguarding and security of confidential and sensitive information while employed and after employment ends.

The Education and Labor Cabinet (ELC) participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. ELC will only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.

For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that ELC has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at 999-897-7781 or https://www.e-verify.gov/.

Minimum Requirements:
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.

Duties are performed primarily in both office and courtroom settings. Travel is required.

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 Deron Eckert at Deron.Eckert@ky.gov.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D