Law Clerk

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Murray (KY); On-site; USD 39,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) is hiring a Law Clerk in Murray to support the criminal defense team. The role requires completion of an ABA-accredited law program and readiness to take the bar exam or current licensure to practice law.

You'll work to protect the rights of clients and ensure fair proceedings in the public defender system. Responsibilities include research, writing, client interviews, and travel between office and courtroom settings.

Qualifications

• Planning and organizational skills.
• Self-directed and able to work with a defense team including attorneys and investigators.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal research and writing support for defense attorneys.
• Interview clients as part of case preparation.
• Perform other duties as assigned in office and courtroom settings.

Skills

Planning & Org

Self-directed

Education

ABA-accredited law school (24 sem hrs)

Job description

Advertisement Closes

8/13/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

req80174

Law Clerk

Pay Grade 14

Salary

$3,496.04 - $5,244.04 Monthly

Employment Type

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

Hiring Agency

Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Department of Public Advocacy

Location

607 South 6th Street

Murray, KY 42071 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 Murray 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.

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.
• Interviews clients.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Duties are performed primarily in both office and courtroom settings.
• Travel is required.

Skills and Expectations includes but are not limited to the following

• Planning and Organization skills
• Self directed and comfortable working with their defense team which include attorneys, investigators, alternative sentencing works and off administrative staff.

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 Cheri Riedel at [e-mail] or 833-514-8983.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D