Advocacy Attorney I

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Frankfort (KY); On-site; USD 68,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Kentucky, Department of Public Advocacy in Frankfort, is seeking an Advocacy Attorney I to support the post-conviction defense team. The attorney will handle post-conviction litigation, research complex issues, draft pleadings, interview clients, and collaborate with other attorneys and staff in a courtroom and office setting.

Ideal candidates are licensed attorneys in good standing, capable of self-direction, and able to work with defense teams including investigators and

Qualifications

• EDUCATION: See Special Requirements.
• EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: NONE
• Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: NONE
• 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 2.116 (supervised practice), or SCR 2.117 (practice pending admission). Must maintain all required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this job classification. Employees are required to maintain all licenses, certifications, and credentials necessary to perform the duties of the position and must immediately notify the employing agency of any lapse, suspension, revocation, or restriction.

Responsibilities

• Identifying potential issues in post-conviction cases.
• Timely filing post-conviction pleadings in all state courts and federal courts, when appropriate.
• 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.

Job description

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10/9/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

Title

Advocacy Attorney I

Pay Grade

16

Salary

$67,501.20 - $78,425.28 Annually

Employment Type

EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | INELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK

Hiring Agency

Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Department of Public Advocacy

Location

5 Mill Creek Park
Frankfort, KY 40601 USA

Description

The Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) is nationally recognized as a model statewide public defendersystem with an exceptional training and education program. Our defense teams ensure the criminal justiceprocess is fair, results are just, and individual liberties are protected.

We are hiring an Advocacy Attorney I to assist the criminal defense team in the Frankfort Post-ConvictionBranch.

Kentucky DPA looks for individuals who have demonstrated a desire to help the mostvulnerable in their communities. The ideal candidate is a licensed attorney who exhibits exceptionalplanning and organizational skills, is self-directed and comfortable working with their defense team whichincludes other attorneys, investigators, alternative sentencing workers and office administrative staff. Weare seeking to hire people who understand it is a privilege to represent our clients, and we do so on behalfof the people of Kentucky.

This position will be handling post-conviction litigation for clients by researching complex legalissues and writing clear, concise post-conviction pleadings, promptly interviewing clients, maintainingcontact through conclusion of the case in addition to working collaboratively with other attorneys and staff.

Responsibilities

• Identifying potential issues in post-conviction cases.
• Timely filing post-conviction pleadings in all state courts and federal courts, when appropriate.
• 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.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION: See Special Requirements.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: NONE

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: NONE

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 2.116 (supervised practice), or SCR 2.117 (practice pending admission). Must maintain all required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this job classification. Employees are required to maintain all licenses, certifications, and credentials necessary to perform the duties of the position and must immediately notify the employing agency of any lapse, suspension, revocation, or restriction.

Working Conditions

Duties are performed primarily in an office or courtroom setting but may include visits with clients within a variety of facilities. Travel is required.

Probationary Period

This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

Contact

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Adam Meyer at [e-mail]@ky.gov or 502-782-3586.

Equal Opportunity Employer

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D