Paralegal
About The Position
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.
Requirements
- 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
Responsibilities
- 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Number of Employees
1,001-5,000 employees
