Law Clerk

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

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Kentucky's Department of Public Advocacy in Pikeville seeks a Law Clerk to support the criminal defense team in the Pikeville Trial Office. Candidates should have recently completed all coursework at an ABA-accredited law school to receive a JD or currently hold bar eligibility in Kentucky.

The role emphasizes planning, organization, and teamwork with attorneys, investigators, and staff. A 12‑month probationary period applies; office travel is minimal.

Qualifications

• JD degree completed or eligible to take the bar exam.
• Completion of twenty-four semester hours at ABA-accredited law school.

Responsibilities

• Clerks assist attorneys representing indigent defendants by providing support such as legal research and writing.
• Interviews clients.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Interviewing clients

Education

ABA-accredited law school (24 credits)

Job description

Advertisement Closes

8/29/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

Job ID

2604377

Position Title

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

126 Trivette Drive Suite 102
Pikeville, KY 41501 USA

Description

The Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) is nationally recognized as a model statewide public defendersystem with an exceptional training and education program. Our defense teams ensure the criminal justiceprocess is fair, results are just, and individual liberties are protected.

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

• Clerks assist attorneys representing indigent defendants by providing support such as legal researchand writing.
• Interviews clients.
• Other duties as assigned.

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 Garland Arnett at [e-mail] or 833-895-0579.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D