Advocacy Attorney II

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Hopkinsville (KY); On-site; USD 63,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Kentucky in Hopkinsville seeks an entry-level staff attorney to join the criminal defense team in the Hopkinsville Trial Office. The ideal candidate is admitted to practice in Kentucky and will handle client interviews, legal research, and motions while representing clients in District Court.

The role requires one year of attorney experience or supervised practice, with travel to various facilities. Benefits include probationary periods and licensure maintenance during employment.

Qualifications

• Admitted to practice law and in good standing in Kentucky.
• One year of attorney experience or one year of supervised practice under Kentucky SCR 2.116.
• Must maintain any required licensure/certifications 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.
• Researches legal issues and writes clear, concise motions.
• Obtains knowledge of the case through discovery and investigation to advise clients.
• Develops a theory of the case consistent with facts and law.
• Willing to try appropriate cases; duties performed in office and courtroom settings; travel is required.

Skills

Courtroom representation

Client interviews

Legal research

Job description

Advertisement Closes

11/12/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

Pay Grade

17

Salary

$5,625.10 - $6,666.08 Monthly

Employment Type

EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | INELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK

Location

1100 S Main Street, Suite 22
Hopkinsville, KY 42240 USA

Hiring Agency

Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Department of Public Advocacy

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 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 toprovide proper client representation.
• Researches legal issues and writes clear, concise motions.
• Obtains knowledge of the case through discovery and investigation sufficient to provide advice toclients 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 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.

Contact

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Sara Hernandez at [e-mail] or 502-782-3643.

Equal Opportunity Employer

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D