Advocacy Attorney Supervisor

Socket.dev; Kentucky; On-site; USD 70,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Public Advocacy seeks an Advocacy Attorney Supervisor to lead the Harlan Trial Office and supervise a team of lawyer advocates, a criminal defense investigator, an alternative sentencing worker, and administrative staff. The role requires maintaining licensure and handling motions, plea negotiations, and trial preparation.

Minimum requirements include admission to practice law in Kentucky with at least four years of experience.

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 and credentials for the length of employment.

Responsibilities

• Manages day-to-day operations of the trial office and supervision of staff.
• Represents people charged with criminal offenses in misdemeanor, juvenile, and felony cases vigorously, effectively, ethically, and with integrity.
• Duties performed in office, courtroom, and correctional settings; travel is required.

Skills

Licensed attorney

Criminal defense experience

Education

Law degree (J.D.)

Job description

Advertisement Closes 9/28/2026 (11:59 PM ET) 2604954 Advocacy Attorney Supervisor Pay Grade 19 Salary $78,140.40 Annually 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 120 Professional Lane
Harlan, KY 40831 USA

Description Are you a licensed attorney looking for a challenge? Would you like to be an essential part of the criminal justice system. Do you want to pass along your skills to the next generation and work to solve problems in your community?

DPA is looking for a zealous Advocacy Attorney Supervisor to lead the Harlan Trial Office.

Kentucky DPA looks for individuals who have demonstrated a desire to help the most vulnerable in their communities. The ideal candidate exhibits exceptional organizational skills, is self- directed and is also comfortable working with their defense team which includes other attorneys, investigators, alternative sentencing workers, and legal office administrative staff. We seek persons who understand it is a privilege to represent our clients and that we do so on behalf of the people of Kentucky.

Please be advised that although medical cannabis has been legalized in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, due to other 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 for additional information.

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

• Manages day-to-day operations of the trial office and supervision of staff.
• Represents people who the government has charged with criminal offenses in misdemeanor, juvenile, and felony cases vigorously, effectively, ethically, and with integrity.

Additional Information:

• Duties are performed in the office, courtroom, and correctional settings.
• Travel is required.

Candidates should be able to provide management and direction to a team of lawyer advocates, a criminal defense investigator, an alternative sentencing worker, and administrative staff. The Staff Attorney Supervisor will maintain a caseload while ensuring that the office team is filing motions on behalf of clients, participating in plea negotiations, assisting clients in seeking treatment and other assistance as appropriate, and preparing cases for trial. DPA Trial Office leaders participate in departmental educational initiatives, stay current on all changes in the law, seek outreach in the local community, and maintain relationships with political and systemic stakeholders.

Minimum Requirements EDUCATION: See Special Requirements.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: Must have four years of experience as a licensed attorney in the practice of law.

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 Traci Hatfield at [e-mail] or 833-254-2461.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D