Paralegal

Final date to receive applications 3/2/2026 (7:00 PM EST)

26-00893

Paralegal

Pay Grade 14

Salary $43,210.08 - $64,816.08 Annually

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 5 Mill Creek Park, Frankfort, KY 40601 USA

The Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) is nationally recognized as a model state-wide 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 a Paralegal to assist the criminal defense team in the Kentucky Post Conviction Unit. Kentucky Post Conviction deals with many of the critical legal issues affecting the justice system. For example, Padilla v. Kentucky, 559 U.S. 356 (2010), which changed national criminal practice related to immigrants, came out of DPA’s Post-Conviction Branch. The work of the branch requires both excellent research and writing skills, and high attention to detail.

The ideal candidate exhibits exceptional planning and organizational skills, is self-directed and also comfortable working with their defense team which includes attorneys, investigators, other paralegals and office administrative legal staff. This person must be able to complete high quality work under pressure, communicate well, and work with all kinds of people. We seek to hire persons who have demonstrated a desire to help the most vulnerable in their communities, and who understand it is a privilege to represent our clients and we do so on behalf of the people of Kentucky.

• Assisting attorneys representing defendants.
• Legal research and writing.
• Reviewing records.
• Interviewing clients.
• Performing other duties as required.
• Duties are performed in office, prison and courtroom settings.
• Travel is required.

EDUCATION: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree in paralegal science or a bachelor's degree with a minor in paralegal studies OR two-year program in paralegal studies OR post-baccalaureate certificate in paralegal studies.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR

SKILLS:

Four years of experience as a paralegal or legal secretary.

Substitute EDUCATION for

EXPERIENCE:

A Juris Doctorate or a law degree from a college of law will substitute for the education and experience requirement.

Substitute EXPERIENCE for

EDUCATION:

Experience as a paralegal or legal secretary will substitute for the bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): NONE

Incumbents working in this job title primarily perform duties in an office setting. Travel is required.

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 Adam Meyer er or .

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D