Staff Attorney III

Closing Date: 25th January, 2026

Description:

The Justice and Public Safety Cabinet is the second largest cabinet in the Commonwealth and includes the Kentucky State Police, the Department of Criminal Justice Training, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Corrections, and other offices.

The Cabinet offers an opportunity to provide legal advice and representation for the cabinet and its departments for civil rights, constitutional questions, employment law, and other civil litigation in both federal and state courts and before administrative bodies.

Responsibilities May Include, But Are Not Limited To:

• Performs a high level of original specialized legal services, including drafting, revising, and conducting complex legal research and analysis relating to Kentucky Open Records Act (KORA) requests; advising clients concerning novel or complex issues arising under KORA; handling related administrative and civil litigation, preparing briefs, and conducting oral arguments; providing training on related matters; and reporting to the General Counsel on all related matters and issues;
• Performs a high level of original specialized legal services, including drafting and conducting complex legal research and analysis relating to agreements and requisitions; advising clients of the form, content, and structure of agreements; appearing before the Government. Contract Review Committee; negotiating with vendors; providing training on related matters; and reporting to the General Counsel on all related matters and issues.
• Performs a high level of original specialized legal services, including drafting and conducting complex legal research and analysis relating to the promulgation of administrative regulations; advising clients as to the form, content, and structure of regulations; appearing before the Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee; providing training on related matters; and reporting to the General Counsel on all related matters and issues.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Good attention to detail
• Knowledge of open records law
• Knowledge of administrative regulation and contract law
• Strong analytical ability
• A willingness to work as part of a team.

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.

---