Staff Attorney I

Kentucky Personnel Cabinet • Paducah, KY

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) is a nationally recognized statewide public defender system known for its exceptional training and education program. Its defense teams are dedicated to ensuring a fair criminal justice process, just results, and the protection of individual liberties. The DPA is seeking an entry-level staff attorney to join the criminal defense team in the Paducah Office. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated desire to assist the underprivileged and vulnerable members of their communities, possess exceptional planning and organizational skills, be self-directed, and work effectively within a defense team comprising other attorneys, investigators, alternative sentencing workers, and administrative legal staff. The DPA emphasizes that representing clients is a privilege undertaken on behalf of the people of Kentucky.

Requirements

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Willing to try appropriate cases.
• Duties are performed primarily in both office and courtroom settings.
• Travel is required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees