Staff Attorney

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

26-00900

Staff Attorney I

Pay Grade 16

Salary
$52,283.52 - $78,425.28 Annually

Employment Type

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

for more details on state employment.

Hiring Agency
Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Department of Public Advocacy

Location
701 West Jefferson Street
Louisville, KY 40202 USA

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 staff attorney to join the appellate branch in our Louisville office. Kentucky DPA looks for individuals who have demonstrated a desire to help the vulnerable in their communities.

The ideal candidate exhibits exceptional planning and organizational skills, is self-directed and also comfortable working with other attorneys 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.

• Represents criminal defendants on appeal.
• Handles various stages of routine appellate litigation, with immediate supervision.
• Is able to represent clients in both appellate courts in Kentucky.
• Handles caseload commensurate with experience.
• Thoroughly reviews trial records, develops issues, performs in depth legal research and drafts persuasive appellate pleadings.
• Maintains relationships with clients and trial attorneys.
• Prepares for and conducts oral arguments in appellate courts when ordered to do so.
• Maintains knowledge about current state of the law.
• Shares and seeks knowledge through case review and requests and responses to requests for assistance.
• Duties are performed primarily in both office and courtroom settings.
• Travel is required.

EDUCATION: See Special Requirements.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR

SKILLS:

NONE

Substitute EDUCATION for

EXPERIENCE:

NONE

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 2.116 (supervised practice), or 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.

Duties are performed primarily in both office and courtroom settings. 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 Travis Bewley ley or .

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D