Advocacy Attorney I

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Somerset (KY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Kentucky’s Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) is nationally recognized as a model statewide public defender system. 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. The ideal candidate demonstrates planning and organizational skills, is self-directed and collaborates with attorneys, investigators,

Qualifications

• Must be admitted to practice law and in good standing in the Commonwealth of Kentucky OR comply with Kentucky Supreme Court rules for limited admission or supervised practice.
• Must maintain all required licenses, certifications, and credentials for the length of employment.

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.

Skills

Organizational skills

Planning skills

Job description

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10/1/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

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

Click here for more details on state employment.

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 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 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 themost vulnerable in their communities. The ideal candidate exhibits exceptional planning and organizationalskills, 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 whounderstand 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