Advocacy Attorney II

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Hopkinsville (KY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Kentucky's Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) is nationally recognized as a model statewide public defender system with an exceptional training 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 Hopkinsville Trial Office.

Qualifications

• Must have one year of experience as a licensed attorney in the practice of law or one year of supervised practice under Kentucky SCR 2.116, or a combination totaling at least one year of experience.
• 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, SCR 2.112, SCR 2.117.
• Must maintain any required licensure, certification, or credentials for the length of employment and notify if lapses occur.

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 to advise clients on disposition.
• Develops a theory of the case consistent with 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: 10/8/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

Req: req81546

Title: Advocacy Attorney II

Pay Grade: 17

Salary: $4,888.34 - $7,188.68 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: 1100 S Main Street Suite 22 Hopkinsville, KY 42240 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 Hopkinsville TrialOffice.

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 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.
• 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 KentuckySupremeCourt 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 SupremeCourt Rule (SCR) 2.111 (limited certification of admission to practice), SCR 2.112 (attorney participants in defender or legalservices programs), SCR 2.117 (practice pending admission). Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or othercredentials 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 Sara Hernandez at [e-mail] or 502-782-3643.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D