Law Clerk

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Hopkinsville (KY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Kentucky, Justice & Public Safety Cabinet, Department of Public Advocacy in Hopkinsville, seeks a Law Clerk to support the criminal defense team. The ideal candidate has recently completed all ABA-approved law school coursework to earn a JD and plans to sit for the next bar exam or is already licensed to practice law.

Strong planning and organizational skills are essential. Responsibilities include legal research, writing, and collaboration with attorneys, investigators, and

Qualifications

• Completion of twenty-four semester hours at an ABA-accredited law school.
• JD degree or eligibility to take the bar exam; license to practice law preferred.

Responsibilities

• Clerks assist attorneys by legal research and writing.
• Interviewing clients and other duties as required.
• Duties are performed in office and courtroom settings.
• Travel is required.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Interviewing clients

Education

JD degree from ABA-accredited law school

Job description

Advertisement Closes 9/6/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

req80797

Law Clerk

Pay Grade 14

Salary

$3,600.84 - $5,401.34 Monthly

Employment Type

EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE 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

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 defender system with an exceptional training and education program. Our defense teams ensure the criminal justice process is fair, results are just, and individual liberties are protected.

We are hiring a Law Clerk to assist the criminal defense team in the Hopkinsville Trial Office. Kentucky DPA looks for individuals who have demonstrated a desire to help the most vulnerable in their communities. The ideal candidate recently completed all coursework at an ABA accredited law school to receive a JD degree and plans to take the next available bar exam or has recently received their license to practice law. This individual exhibits exceptional planning and organizational skills, is self-directed and comfortable working with their defense team which includes attorneys, investigators, alternative sentencing workers and office administrative staff. We seek to hire persons who understand it is a privilege to represent our clients and we do so on behalf of the people of Kentucky.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To, The Following

• Clerks assist attorneys representing defendants by providing support such as legal research and writing.


• Interviewing clients and other duties as required.


• Duties are performed primarily in both office and courtroom settings.


• Travel is required.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION: Completion of twenty-four semester hours at an American Bar Association accredited law school.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: NONE

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: NONE

Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: NONE

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): NONE

Working Conditions

Incumbents working in this job title primarily perform duties in an office setting. Minimal travel may be required.

Probationary Period

This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 12 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