Law Clerk

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

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime pay eligible

Job summary

Commonwealth of Kentucky is seeking a Law Clerk in Paducah for the Department of Public Advocacy. The role supports defense teams with legal research, writing, client interviews, and courtroom-aligned work, with travel required. We seek candidates who recently completed ABA-approved law school coursework and plan to take the bar exam.

The position offers full-time hours with overtime eligibility. Hearing details include a monthly salary range and a 37.5-hour work week.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Assisting attorneys representing defendants by providing support such as legal research and writing.
• Interviewing clients and other duties as assigned.
• Performing duties primarily in both office and courtroom settings.
• Traveling is required.

Education

ABA law school credits

Job description

Advertisement Closes

9/5/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

req80764

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

Hiring Agency

Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Department of Public Advocacy

Location

405 Clarence Gaines Street

Paducah, KY 42003 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 Paducah Trial Office.

Kentucky DPA looks for individuals who have demonstrated a desire to help the most vulnerable in their communities. The ideal candidate would have 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 is 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.

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.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To, The Following

• Assisting attorneys representing defendants by providing support such as legal research and writing.
• Interviewing clients and other duties as assigned.
• Performing duties primarily in both office and courtroom settings.
• Traveling 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 Holly McNeil at [e-mail] or 5027823885.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D