Advocacy Attorney I

Employment Type: Executive Branch, Full Time, Ineligible for Overtime Pay
Schedule: 37.5 hours per week

About the Role

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 an entry-level advocacy attorney to join the criminal defense team in the Hopkinsville Trial Office. Kentucky DPA looks for individuals who have demonstrated a desire to help the most vulnerable in their communities. The ideal candidate exhibits exceptional planning and organizational skills, is self-directed, and 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 do so on behalf of the people of Kentucky.

Please be advised that although medical cannabis has been legalized in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, employees in this position are prohibited from using medical cannabis due to other applicable state or federal laws.

Responsibilities

• Represents criminal defendants in District Court cases vigorously, effectively, ethically, and with integrity.
• Conducts client interviews and maintains notes and records of pertinent case facts sufficient to provide proper client representation.
• Researches legal issues and writes clear, concise motions.
• Obtains knowledge of the case through discovery and investigation sufficient to provide advice to clients regarding disposition.
• Develops a theory of the case that is consistent with the facts and the law.
• Willing to try appropriate cases.
• Duties are performed primarily in both office and courtroom settings. Travel is required.

Requirements

Education: 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 2.116 (supervised practice), or SCR 2.117 (practice pending admission). Must maintain all required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this job classification.

Working Conditions

• Duties are performed primarily in an office or courtroom setting but may include visits with clients within a variety of facilities.
• Travel is required.

Pay

Salary: $5,623.10 - $6,535.44 monthly (Pay Grade 16)

Probationary Period

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