Closing Date: 21st October, 2025
Description:
DescriptionThe Justice and Public Safety Cabinet is one of the largest Cabinets in the Commonwealth. The Cabinet is comprised of Kentucky State Police, Department of Criminal Justice Training, Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Corrections, Department of Public Advocacy as well as other offices. With nearly 8,000 employees and tasked with the responsibility for the Commonwealth's criminal justice services, the Justice & Public Safety Cabinet and its employees face a wide range of legal issues every day.
We are seeking an experienced attorney to join the Justice Cabinet's Office of Legal Services to provide legal advice for the Cabinet and its agencies.
Our attorneys provide legal advice for Cabinet officers, employees, and departments on a myriad of issues, such as employment and administrative law matters, regulatory and statutory interpretation, legislative initiatives, and a wide range of civil legal questions. Our attorneys also provide representation before administrative bodies and in state and federal court in any matters involving the Cabinet.
This position offers competitive benefits, a collegial atmosphere, intriguing legal questions, and the potential for oral argument before both federal and state appellate courts.
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
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: A Master of Laws degree (LL.M.) will substitute for one year of the 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 an experienced attorney to join the Justice Cabinet's Office of Legal Services to provide legal advice for the Cabinet and its agencies.
Our attorneys provide legal advice for Cabinet officers, employees, and departments on a myriad of issues, such as employment and administrative law matters, regulatory and statutory interpretation, legislative initiatives, and a wide range of civil legal questions. Our attorneys also provide representation before administrative bodies and in state and federal court in any matters involving the Cabinet.
This position offers competitive benefits, a collegial atmosphere, intriguing legal questions, and the potential for oral argument before both federal and state appellate courts.
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
- Responsible for federal and state civil litigation.
- Represent agency during administrative hearings.
- Perform complex legal research and analysis.
- Prepare appellate briefs and oral arguments.
- Provide accurate and timely legal advice and assistance.
- Assist with open records questions and appeals.
- Assist with drafting and updating regulations and policies and procedures.
- Draft and review contracts and memoranda of agreement and understanding.
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: A Master of Laws degree (LL.M.) will substitute for one year of the 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 Ann Smith at Ann.Smith@ky.gov.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D