Closing Date: 11th December, 2025
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 staff attorney as part of a criminal defense team for a vacancy within the Division of Post-Trial Services, Post-Conviction Branch, which is located in Frankfort, Kentucky.
Kentucky DPA looks for individuals who have demonstrated a desire to help the most vulnerable in their communities. The ideal candidate has some 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, alternative sentencing workers 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.
This position will be handling post-conviction litigation for clients by researching complex legal issues and writing clear, concise post-conviction pleadings.
Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
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.
We are seeking to hire an experienced staff attorney as part of a criminal defense team for a vacancy within the Division of Post-Trial Services, Post-Conviction Branch, which is located in Frankfort, Kentucky.
Kentucky DPA looks for individuals who have demonstrated a desire to help the most vulnerable in their communities. The ideal candidate has some 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, alternative sentencing workers 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.
This position will be handling post-conviction litigation for clients by researching complex legal issues and writing clear, concise post-conviction pleadings.
Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Identifying potential issues in post-conviction cases.
- Researching and writing legal pleadings on behalf of clients.
- Appearing in court to argue motions and conduct evidentiary hearings.
- Interviewing clients and other duties as required.
- Duties are performed primarily in both office and courtroom settings.
- Travel is required.
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.
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 Adam Meyer at adam.meyer@ky.gov or 502-782-3586.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D