Advocacy Attorney I

Commonwealth-of-Kentuck; West Danville (KY); On-site; USD 63,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Kentucky's Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) in Danville is hiring an entry-level Advocacy Attorney to join the criminal defense team in the Danville Trial Office. The DPA serves as a statewide public defender system with a strong training program and a commitment to protecting liberties.

The attorney will interview clients, perform investigations, draft motions, and develop case theories.

Qualifications

• Must be admitted to practice law and in good standing in Kentucky or comply with SCR 2.111/2.112/2.116/2.117.
• Must maintain all licenses/certifications/credentials for the length of employment.
• Must notify employer 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.
• 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.
• Willing to try appropriate cases.
• Duties are performed primarily in both office and courtroom settings.
• Travel is required.

Job description

Advertisement Closes

11/4/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

2605774

Advocacy Attorney I

Pay Grade

16

Salary

$5,625.10 - $6,666.08 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

438 W Walnut Street
Danville, KY 40423 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 Advocacy Attorney to join the criminal defense team in the Danville 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, andwith integrity.
• Conducts client interviews and maintains notes and records of pertinent case facts sufficient to provideproper client representation.
• Researches legal issues and writes clear, concise motions.
• Obtains knowledge of the case through discovery and investigation sufficient to provide advice toclientsregarding disposition.
• Develops a theory of the case that is consistent with the facts and the law.
• 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.

Contact

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Lacy Andrews at [e-mail] or 502-782-2767.

Equal Opportunity Employer

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D