Staff Attorney II

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Owensboro (KY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Kentucky is seeking a Staff Attorney II to join its criminal defense team in Owensboro. The ideal candidate will have experience in criminal law and a commitment to representing vulnerable clients effectively and ethically. Responsibilities include client representation in court, conducting legal research, and working collaboratively with a defense team in a dynamic legal environment.

Qualifications

• Must have at least one year of experience as a licensed attorney.
• Ability to conduct client interviews and maintain accurate records.
• Knowledge of criminal defense law essential.

Responsibilities

• Represent indigent criminal defendants in District Court cases.
• Research legal issues and write clear motions.
• Develop a theory of the case based on facts and law.

Skills

Planning

Organizational skills

Legal research

Client representation

Education

Licensed attorney

Master of Laws (LL.M.) (optional substitution)

Job description

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Commonwealth of Kentucky provided pay range

This range is provided by Commonwealth of Kentucky. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

Description

We are seeking to hire an experienced staff attorney as part of a criminal defense team for a vacancy in the Owensboro Trial Office. Kentucky DPA looks for individuals who have demonstrated a desire to help the poorest and often the most vulnerable in their communities.

The ideal candidate has some criminal defense experience and exhibits exceptional planning and organizational skills, is self-directed and also comfortable working with their defense team which includes other attorneys, investigators, alternative sentencing workers and office administrative legal staff. We seek persons who understand it is a privilege to represent our clients and we do so on behalf of the people of Kentucky.

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

• Represent indigent criminal defendants in District Court cases vigorously, effectively, ethically, and with integrity.
• Conduct client interviews and maintain notes and records of pertinent case facts sufficient to provide proper client representation.
• Research legal issues and write clear, concise motions.
• Obtain knowledge of the case through discovery and investigation sufficient to provide advice to clients regarding disposition.
• Develop a theory of the case that is consistent with the facts and the law.
• Willing to try appropriate cases.
  
  

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION: See Special Requirements.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: Must have one year of experience as a licensed attorney in the practice of law or one year of supervised practice under Kentucky Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 2.116, or a combination totaling at least one year of experience.

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: A Master of Laws degree (LL.M.) will substitute for the one year required experience.

Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: NONE

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): Must be admitted to practice law and in good standing in the Commonwealth of Kentucky OR comply with Kentucky Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 2.111 (limited certification of admission to practice), SCR 2.112 (attorney participants in defender or legal services programs), SCR 2.117 (practice pending admission).

Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this job classification. Employing agency is responsible for ensuring employee possesses and maintains required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials.

Working Conditions

Duties are performed primarily in both office and courtroom settings. Travel is required.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Legal

• Industries

  Government Administration

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