Advocacy Attorney II

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Catlettsburg (KY); On-site; USD 59,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Kentucky's Department of Public Advocacy seeks an experienced Advocacy Attorney II for a vacancy in Catlettsburg. The role involves defending criminal defendants in District Court and collaborating with a defense team.

Some travel is required to fulfill duties in various facilities and court settings. Qualifications include admission to practice law with at least one year of experience, and eligibility under Kentucky SCR rules.

Qualifications

• Must have one year of experience as a licensed attorney in the practice of law or one year of supervised practice.

Responsibilities

• Represent criminal defendants in District Court cases vigorously, effectively, ethically, and with integrity.
• Conduct client interviews and maintain notes and records of pertinent case facts.
• Research legal issues and write clear, concise motions.
• Obtain knowledge of the case through discovery and investigation to advise clients.
• Develop a theory of the case consistent with facts and the law.

Job description

Advertisement Closes

10/8/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

Job ID

2604957

Position

Advocacy Attorney II

Pay Grade

17

Salary

$58,660.08 - $86,264.16 Annually

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

108 28th Street

Catlettsburg, KY 41129 USA

Description

The Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) is nationally recognized as a model state-wide publicdefender system with an exceptional training and education program. Our defense teams ensure the criminaljustice process is fair, results are just, and individual liberties are protected.

We are seeking to hire an experienced staff attorney as part of a criminal defense team for a vacancy in theBoyd Trial Office. Kentucky DPA looks for individuals who have demonstrated a desire to help the most vulnerablein their communities. The ideal candidate has some criminal defense experience andexhibits exceptional planning and organizational skills, is self-directed and also comfortable working withtheir defense team which includes other attorneys, investigators, alternative sentencing workers and officeadministrative legal staff. We seek persons who understand it is a privilege to represent our clients and wedo so on behalf of the people of Kentucky.

Please be advised that although medical cannabis has been legalized in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, due toother applicable state or federal laws, employees in this position are prohibited from using medical cannabis.If you need additional information about this prohibition, you may contact the agency point of contact foradditional information.

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

• Represent criminal defendants in District Court cases vigorously, effectively, ethically, and with integrity.
• Conduct client interviews and maintain notes and records of pertinent case facts sufficient to provide proper client representation.
• Research legal issues and write clear, concise motions.
• Obtain knowledge of the case through discovery and investigation sufficient to provide advice to clients regarding disposition.
• Develop 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:

Must have one year of experience as a licensed attorney in the practice of law or one year of supervised practice under Kentucky Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 2.116, or a combination totaling at least one year of experience.

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 2.117 (practice pending admission). Must maintain any 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 Greg Griffith at [e-mail] or 833-385-6052.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D