Staff Attorney

Final date to receive applications: 1/26/2026 (7:00 PM EST)

Requirement

Staff Attorney I – Pay Grade 16

Salary: $52,283.52 - $76,141.68 Annually

Employment Type:

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

Location:

1225 US 60 W Suite 104, Morehead, KY 40351 USA

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

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 criminal defense team in the Morehead Trial Office.

Kentucky DPA looks for individuals who have demonstrated a desire to help the underprivileged and often 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 we do so on behalf of the people of Kentucky.

• Represents indigent 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.
• Is willing to try appropriate cases.
• 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

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 Mark Mantooth tooth or .

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D