Law Clerk

Commonwealth-of-Kentuck; Prestonsburg (KY); On-site; USD 44,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Kentucky’s Department of Public Advocacy seeks a Law Clerk to assist the criminal defense team in the Prestonsburg Trial Office. The role supports attorneys with research, writing, client interviews, and other duties essential to fair justice.

The ideal candidate has a JD and is eligible for the bar or recently licensed, with strong organizational skills and a team-oriented approach. Travel and courtroom work are expected.

Qualifications

• Completion of twenty-four semester hours at an ABA accredited law school.
• JD degree and eligibility to take the bar exam or current licensure to practice law.
• Demonstrated planning, organization, and self-direction.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal research and writing support to defense attorneys.
• Interview clients for case preparation.
• Perform other duties as required, including courtroom and office work.
• Travel as required to support defense teams.

Skills

Legal research

Interview clients

Organizational skills

Education

JD degree

ABA accredited law school

Job description

Advertisement Closes

11/7/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

Pay Grade

14

Salary

$44,074.08- $62,928.48 Annually

Employment Type

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

Location

123 East Court Street Prestonsburg, KY 41653 USA

Hiring Agency

Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Department of Public Advocacy

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 Prestonsburg Trial Office.

Kentucky DPA looks for individuals who have demonstrated a desire to help the most vulnerable in theircommunities. The ideal candidate recently completed all coursework at an ABA accredited law school to receivea JD degree and plans to take the next available bar exam or has recently received their license to practicelaw. This individual should exhibit 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.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Clerks assist attorneys representing defendants by providing support such as legal research andwriting.
• Interviewing clients.
• 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 Frank Riley at [e-mail] or 833-514-8977.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D