Advocacy Attorney I

Socket.dev; Somerset (KY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D

Job summary

The Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) is hiring an entry-level staff attorney to join the criminal defense team in the Somerset Trial Office. This position is in the Executive Branch, full-time and inel igible for overtime, located at 203 E Mt Vernon Street, Suite 1, Somerset, KY 42501 USA.

Ideal candidates are self-directed, able to work with a defense team, and possess a strong commitment to representing the most vulnerable in the community.

Qualifications

• 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 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

• Represents criminal defendants in District Court cases vigorously, effectively, ethically, and with integrity.
• Conducts client interviews and maintains notes and records of pertinent case facts sufficient to provide proper client representation.
• Researches legal issues and writes clear, concise motions.
• Obtains knowledge of the case through discovery and investigation sufficient to provide advice to clients regarding disposition.
• Develops a theory of the case that is consistent with the facts and the law.

Job description

Advertisement Closes 10/1/2026 (11:59 PM ET) 2605001 Advocacy Attorney I Pay Grade 16 Salary $4,444.06 - $6,535.44 Monthly 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 203 E Mt Vernon Street, Suite 1, Somerset, KY 42501 USA

Description

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

We are hiring an entry-level staff attorney to join the criminal defense team in the Somerset Trial Office.

Kentucky DPA looks for individuals who have demonstrated a desire to help the most vulnerable in their communities. The ideal candidate exhibits exceptional planning and organizational skills, is self-directed and also comfortable working with their defense team which includes other attorneys, investigators, alternative sentencing workers and office administrative legal staff. We seek persons who understand it is a privilege to represent our clients and we do so on behalf of the people of Kentucky.

Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Represents criminal defendants in District Court cases vigorously, effectively, ethically, and with integrity.
• Conducts client interviews and maintains notes and records of pertinent case facts sufficient to provide proper client representation.
• Researches legal issues and writes clear, concise motions.
• Obtains knowledge of the case through discovery and investigation sufficient to provide advice to clients regarding disposition.
• Develops a theory of the case that is consistent with the facts and the law.

Additional Information:

• Should be willing to try appropriate cases.
• Duties are performed primarily in both office and courtroom settings.
• Travel is 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.

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Dylan Gorski at [e-mail] or 502-782-7343.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D