Top 19 Public defender Jobs in Kentucky

Staff Attorney I
Commonwealth of Kentucky —Somerset, KY
- $4,230.04 - $6,345.14 a month
- Full-time
- Travel
- Entry level
Law Clerk
Commonwealth of Kentucky —Hopkinsville, KY
- $3,600.84 - $5,401.34 a month
- Full-time
- Writing skills
- Office
- Entry level
4d
Staff Attorney Supervisor
Commonwealth of Kentucky —Catlettsburg, KY
- $69,582.00 - $104,373.84 a year
- Full-time
- Mid-level
- Office
- Travel
Staff Attorney III
Commonwealth of Kentucky —Owensboro, KY
- $5,271.84 - $7,907.74 a month
- Full-time
- Mid-level
- Office
- Travel
5d

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State of Ohio - Public Defender Commission —Columbus, OH
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Staff Attorney I

Commonwealth of Kentucky -
Somerset, KY

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Job Details

Full-time
$4,230.04 - $6,345.14 a month

Qualifications

Legal advocacy
Case assessment
Interviewing clients
Criminal defense law
Legal discovery
Courtroom procedure
Legal case management
Bar
Legal client intake
Entry level

Full Job Description

Advertisement Closes

8/2/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

req79539

Staff Attorney I

Pay Grade

Salary

$4,230.04 - $6,345.14 Monthly

Employment Type

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

Click here for more details on state employment.

Hiring Agency

Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Department of Public Advocacy

Location

203 East Mt Vernon Street, Suite 1
Somerset, KY 42501 USA

Description

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 Somerset Trial Office.

Kentucky DPA looks for individuals who have demonstrated a desire to help the most vulnerable in their communities. The ideal candidate exhibits exceptional planning and organizational skills, is self-directed and also 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.

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

Represents 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.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION: See Special Requirements.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: NONE

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: NONE

Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: NONE

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): 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.

Working Conditions

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, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Dylan A Gorski at [email protected] or 502-782-7343.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D

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public defender jobs in kentucky

Staff Attorney I

Law Clerk

Staff Attorney Supervisor

Staff Attorney III

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