Advocacy Attorney Supervisor

Kentucky Personnel Cabinet • Harlan, KY

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) is seeking a zealous advocate manager to lead the Harlan Trial Office. This role requires a licensed attorney with four or more years of experience who is passionate about the criminal justice system, mentoring future legal professionals, and community problem-solving. The Advocacy Attorney Supervisor will manage a team including lawyer advocates, a criminal defense investigator, an alternative sentencing worker, and administrative staff. While maintaining a personal caseload, the supervisor will ensure the team effectively files motions, engages in plea negotiations, assists clients with treatment and other needs, and prepares cases for trial. Leaders in DPA Trial Offices also contribute to departmental educational initiatives, stay updated on legal changes, engage in community outreach, and build relationships with stakeholders. The Kentucky DPA values individuals dedicated to assisting vulnerable populations. The ideal candidate possesses strong organizational skills, is self-directed, and collaborates effectively with their defense team. A commitment to representing clients with integrity and as a privilege on behalf of the people of Kentucky is essential. Please note that while medical cannabis is legal in Kentucky, employees in this position are prohibited from using it due to other applicable state or federal laws.

Requirements

• Must have four years of experience as a licensed attorney in the practice of law.
• 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.
• Must immediately notify the employing agency of any lapse, suspension, revocation, or restriction.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated a desire to help the most vulnerable in their communities.
• Exceptional organizational skills.
• Self-directed.
• Comfortable working with their defense team which includes other attorneys, investigators, alternative sentencing workers, and legal office administrative staff.
• Understand it is a privilege to represent our clients and that we do so on behalf of the people of Kentucky.

Responsibilities

• Manages day-to-day operations of the trial office and supervision of staff.
• Represents people not able to afford an attorney who the government has charged with criminal offenses in misdemeanor, juvenile, and felony cases vigorously, effectively, ethically, and with integrity.
• Provide management and direction to a team of lawyer advocates, a criminal defense investigator, an alternative sentencing worker, and administrative staff.
• Maintain a caseload while ensuring that the office team is filing motions on behalf of clients, participating in plea negotiations, assisting clients in seeking treatment and other assistance as appropriate, and preparing cases for trial.
• Participate in departmental educational initiatives.
• Stay current on all changes in the law.
• Seek outreach in the local community.
• Maintain relationships with political and systemic stakeholders.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: No Education Listed