Closing Date: 4th July, 2026
Description:
DescriptionThe Justice and Public Safety Cabinet (JPSC) 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 (DJJ), 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:
The ideal candidate will have:
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.
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:
- Represent the Cabinet before state and federal courts in complex litigation and in state juvenile proceedings where DJJ has an interest.
- Represent the Cabinet in proceedings, including those involving personnel issues.
- Draft and review legal documents, policies and procedures, research issues in preparation for legal opinions, and provide legal advice to the JPSC, DJJ and employees, including research, review, and preparation of responses to open records requests.
- Develop, review, and conduct training for staff focused on specific legal 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.
If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact William Codell at William.Codell@ky.gov
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D