Staff Attorney II

The agency may authorize the selected applicant to telecommute on a hybrid schedule. The agency may terminate or modify the telecommuting arrangement at any time. Telework will not be permitted outside the state of Kentucky.

The Kentucky Department of Education is a service agency of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and part of the Education and Labor Cabinet. The department provides resources and guidance to Kentucky's public schools and districts as they implement the state's P-12 education requirements. The department also serves as the state liaison for federal education requirements and funding opportunities.

The department is led by an appointed commissioner of education, who is hired by and answers to the 11-member Kentucky Board of Education. Offices are administered by associate commissioners, and divisions within those offices are administered by division directors.

The department employs approximately 425 Frankfort-based workers; 175 employees in support of the Kentucky School for the Blind (Jefferson County) and Kentucky School for the Deaf (Boyle County); and about 518 employees at the 50 Area Technology Centers across the state.

Our Mission:
To partner with districts, schools, families, students, business, industry, and communities to provide leadership and support to ensure success for each and every student.

Our Core Values:

• Equity
• Achievement
• Collaboration
• Integrity

The department seeks to hire a smart, experienced, hardworking and dependable Staff Attorney II to join our dedicated team. This role represents a fantastic opportunity to work in a dynamic, challenging, and professional environment. We invite you to apply for the opportunity to allow you to expand your learning potential, while receiving a steady income and benefits. We look forward to reviewing your application!

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Provide a variety of legal services for a state agency requiring extensive research and analysis.
• Serve as a prosecuting attorney for educator ethics and misconduct cases for the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) pursuant to KRS 161.120(1).
• Prepare and litigate complex cases in administrative forums and provide timely and thorough legal advice and recommendations to the EPSB to best accomplish assigned cases.
• Resolve cases efficiently and maintain organized and thorough case files to prepare for any civil matters in court.
• Attend all EPSB meetings, including closed session discussions and applicable committee meetings regarding educator ethics and discipline cases while being prepared to explain the legal analysis behind cases presented and answer any follow up questions.
• Review and collect information from public sources, research applicable law, and summarize complaints received in preparation for complaint meetings.
• Manage and conduct investigative activities as directed by the EPSB for alleged educator misconduct, including oversight of contracted investigators to ensure timely, accurate, and thorough investigations. Present investigative findings to the EPSB in a professional and comprehensible manner.
• Ensure timely and accurate responses to requests for public records, including review and analysis of potential exemptions. Provide timely and thorough review of agency contracts and requests for proposals.
• Assist supervisors in the review, design, and implementation of procedures for improving the efficiency of the EPSB and Office of Legal Services.
• Maintain exceptional written and verbal communication skills for all forms of communication.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge:
Attorneys with a prosecutorial background or substantial litigation experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

Benefits And Perks:

• Comprehensive health insurance (effective first day of employment)
• Optional Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Optional Insurance (Dental/Vision)
• Life Insurance
• Retirement savings
• Paid leave (annual, sick, compensatory, jury, voting, election, blood donation, living organ, educational, military)
• Paid holidays (12.5 days per year, 13.5 days in a Presidential Election year)
• Deferred Compensation and free financial planning program
• Professional development opportunities and ongoing training
• A collaborative and innovative work environment
• Flexible work schedules
• Employee resource groups
• Employee recognition

Applicants and employees in this classification may be required to submit to a drug screening test and background check.

Applicants currently under contract with a local school district are required to provide a written release from their superintendent prior to an offer of employment is given.

In accordance with KRS 161.220 the applicant selected for this position will become a member of the Teachers' Retirement System.

Minimum Requirements:
EDUCATION: See Special Requirements.

Experience, Training, or Skills: Must have one year of experience as a licensed attorney in the practice of law or one year of supervised practice under Kentucky Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 2.116, or a combination totaling at least one year of experience.

Substitute Education for Experience: A Master of Laws degree (LL.M.) will substitute for the one year 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.

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 Kathy Jennings at kathy.jennings@education.ky.gov or 502-564-3716.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D