Staff Attorney I

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 Education Branch with a unique role. 

This attorney will develop and maintain databases pertaining to statewide litigation. The attorney will also compile relevant data and assist field offices in litigation related to those areas.

Kentucky DPA looks for individuals who have demonstrated a desire to help the poorest and often the most vulnerable in their communities. 

We seek candidates that exhibit exceptional planning and organizational skills, are self-directed, and are comfortable working with their defense team which includes other attorneys, investigators, alternative sentencing workers and office administrative staff.

The ideal candidate for this particular position possesses a passion for systemic reform through data-driven fact checking and is driven to create and marshal complex data sets to assist in defense of clients. Candidates must be comfortable with travel to areas across Kentucky while maintaining a primary workstation in Frankfort. 

Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Identify, gather and compile case information related to litigation for indigent clients on issues relevant to litigation
• Generate data related to key issues in public defense for the use in the defense of indigent clients
• Represent indigent criminal defendants vigorously, effectively, ethically, and with integrity
• Conduct client interviews and maintains notes and records of pertinent case facts sufficient to provide proper client representation
• Research legal issues and writes clear, concise motions
• Obtain knowledge of the case through discovery and investigation sufficient to provide advice to clients regarding disposition
• Develop a theory of the case that is consistent with the facts and the law
• Try cases to jury and to bench
• Travel is required.

Working Condition: 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. For additional information refer to: http://www.lrc.ky.gov/kar/101/001/325.pdf

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Melanie Foote at [email protected] or 502-564-8006.