Closing Date: 21st May, 2026
Description:
DescriptionAre you a licensed attorney with five years or more of experience looking for a challenge? Would you like to be an essential part of the criminal justice system, directly addressing injustices for convicted citizens and shaping the criminal law in Kentucky?
The Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) is looking for a zealous advocate manager to lead the Appellate Branch. The Appellate Branch deals with many of the critical legal issues affecting the justice system. Lawyers in this Branch have the opportunity to obtain relief for their clients as well as practice in the Kentucky Supreme Court, the Kentucky Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States. They also train others in the agency on current law and new issues that arise.
Candidates required to be able to provide management and direction to a team of lawyer advocates and administrative staff. The Staff Attorney Manager will maintain a caseload while ensuring that the office team provides effective representation to their clients statewide.
Kentucky DPA looks for individuals who have demonstrated a desire to help the poorest and often the most vulnerable in their communities. The ideal candidate exhibits exceptional organizational skills, is self- directed, and is comfortable working with both staff of the Appellate Branch and others in the agency that need assistance.
Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Preferred Qualifications:
Minimum Requirements:
Education: See Special Requirements.
Experience, Training, or Skills: Must have five 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 Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) is looking for a zealous advocate manager to lead the Appellate Branch. The Appellate Branch deals with many of the critical legal issues affecting the justice system. Lawyers in this Branch have the opportunity to obtain relief for their clients as well as practice in the Kentucky Supreme Court, the Kentucky Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States. They also train others in the agency on current law and new issues that arise.
Candidates required to be able to provide management and direction to a team of lawyer advocates and administrative staff. The Staff Attorney Manager will maintain a caseload while ensuring that the office team provides effective representation to their clients statewide.
Kentucky DPA looks for individuals who have demonstrated a desire to help the poorest and often the most vulnerable in their communities. The ideal candidate exhibits exceptional organizational skills, is self- directed, and is comfortable working with both staff of the Appellate Branch and others in the agency that need assistance.
Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Manages day-to-day operations of the Appellate Branch and supervision of staff.
- Represents people not able to afford an attorney on direct appellate claims.
- Excellent research and writing skills, high attention to detail, and the ability to present persuasive oral arguments.
- Researches complex and novel legal issues and writes clear, compelling pleadings.
- Duties are performed in the office, courtroom, and correctional settings.
- Travel is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Significant appellate experience
- Leadership experience
Minimum Requirements:
Education: See Special Requirements.
Experience, Training, or Skills: Must have five 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 Beth McMahon at elizabeth.mcmahon@ky.gov or 502-782-2970.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D