Entry-Level Public Defense Attorney — Represent Clients

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Paducah (KY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) is hiring an entry-level staff attorney to join the criminal defense team in the Paducah Trial Office. The role involves representing criminal defendants in District Court and handling case discovery, interviews, and motions.

Must be admitted to practice law in Kentucky or comply with SCR provisions, with duties performed in office and courtroom settings. Travel is required; salary ranges reflect monthly pay in KY.

Qualifications

• 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.

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 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.

Job description

The Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) is hiring an entry-level staff attorney to join the criminal defense team in the Paducah Trial Office. The role involves representing criminal defendants in District Court and handling case discovery, interviews, and motions.

Must be admitted to practice law in Kentucky or comply with SCR provisions, with duties performed in office and courtroom settings. Travel is required; salary ranges reflect monthly pay in KY.