Staff Attorney III

Commonwealth of Kentucky; Frankfort (KY); On-site; USD 59,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Kentucky, Justice & Public Safety Cabinet, invites applications for a Staff Attorney III in Frankfort, KY. This full-time executive branch position offers challenging civil rights, constitutional and employment-law matters in state and federal courts.

The ideal candidate has at least two years as a licensed attorney, knowledge of open records and contract law, strong analytical skills, and a team‑oriented approach; travel is required, probation is 6 months, and licensure must

Qualifications

• Must have two years experience as a licensed attorney.
• Master of Laws degree (LL.M.) may substitute for one year of experience.
• Must be admitted to practice law in Kentucky and in good standing.
• Must maintain required licensure/certification for the length of employment.
• Travel is required; probationary period of 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Cabinet before state and federal courts in complex litigation.
• Represent the Cabinet in personnel and related proceedings.
• Draft and review legal documents, policies and procedures, and respond to open records requests.
• Develop, review, and conduct training for staff on specific legal issues.

Skills

Attention to detail

Open records law

Administrative regulation

Contract law

Analytical ability

Teamwork

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

Advertisement Closes 9/14/2026 (11:59 PM ET) req80951 Staff Attorney III Pay Grade 18 Salary $5,271.84 - $7,907.74 Monthly Employment Type EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | INELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK Hiring Agency Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Office of the Secretary Location 125 Holmes St Frankfort, KY 40601 USA

Description

The Justice and Public Safety Cabinet (JPSC) is the second largest cabinet in the Commonwealth and includes the Kentucky State Police, the Department of Criminal Justice Training, the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), the Department of Corrections, and other offices. The Cabinet offers an opportunity to provide legal advice and representation for the cabinet and its departments for civil rights, constitutional questions, employment law, and other civil litigation in both federal and state courts and before administrative bodies.

Responsibilities May Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Represent the Cabinet before state and federal courts in complex litigation and in state juvenile proceedings where DJJ has an interest.
• Represent the Cabinet in proceedings, including those involving personnel issues.
• Draft and review legal documents, policies and procedures, research issues in preparation for legal opinions, and provide legal advice to the JPSC, DJJ and employees, including research, review, and preparation of responses to open records requests.
• Develop, review, and conduct training for staff focused on specific legal issues.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Good attention to detail.
• Knowledge of open records law.
• Knowledge of administrative regulation and contract law.
• Strong analytical ability.
• A willingness to work as part of a team.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION: See Special Requirements.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: Must have two years experience as a licensed attorney in the practice of law.

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

Probationary Period This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact William Codell at [e-mail]

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D