KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC ADVOCACY
Public Defenders in Kentucky work for a state agency called the Department of Public Advocacy (DPA). The Kentucky DPA is recognized as a model state-wide public defender system with an emphasis on holistic defense, representing individuals at both trial and post-trial levels (Appeals, Post-Conviction, Capital Post-Conviction, and Juvenile Post-Disposition).
Newly-hired public defenders receive over 150 hours of training in their first year with the agency. This training puts the students on their feet practicing skills they will need in a courtroom and preparing them to become experts in Kentucky’s criminal law. Kentucky’s Public Defender College is nationally recognized as one of the best defender training programs in the country.
Additionally, the KY DPA hires Alternative Sentencing Workers for each trial office. These individuals assist clients battling substance disorders and/or mental health challenges by creating and presenting a treatment plan to the court encouraging treatment as opposed to time in prison. Our agency also has an established mentorship program for newly hired attorneys and we are a partner agency with Gideon’s Promise Law School Partnership Program.
We serve the Commonwealth of Kentucky by protecting the rights of its poorest citizens. We seek dedicated and highly motivated individuals with a strong desire to serve those who often do not have a voice in the criminal legal system. We seek individuals who will enrich our agency and our practice by sharing their varied perspectives and approaches.
LAW CLERK (3Ls and Graduates)
These attorney-track positions are especially perfect for the recent graduates who want to be in a courtroom from Day 1 with a public defender agency. Our Law Clerks receive roughly 150 educational / training hours in their first year to help them prepare to be the best criminal defense attorney in our state. They are also supported by an assigned mentor for their first year. If a Law Clerk begins in a trial office, they work with a team of other attorneys, office staff, investigators and Alternative Sentencing Workers. Positions may also be available in our Post Trial Division (Appeals, Post-Conviction, Capital Post-Conviction and Juvenile Post-Disposition).
Clerks usually begin working immediately following the first available bar exam. The salary is $42,373 with benefits. Our Law Clerks have the opportunity of becoming full-time attorneys upon passing the bar or upon receiving their Supervised Practice License if they take the Ky bar exam. Staff Attorney I salaries are $52,000 with a 5% increase following a 6 month probationary period.
Kentucky is now a UBE state requiring a passing score of 266. Kentucky also has a special license available to anyone taking the Ky Bar exam. With this “Supervised Practice of Law” license, an individual may practice under close supervision of a licensed attorney in their office. With this special license, they will be hired as a staff attorney and have 2 opportunities to pass the Kentucky exam. APPLY VIA SYMPLICITY POST 7354 by September 26.
SUMMER INTERNSHIP (2Ls)
Summer Internships are available in our Trial offices across the state as well as our Frankfort Post-Trial Division. These positions begin mid-May and end in early August. The work week is 37.50 hours with a total of 450 hours for 12-week internship or 375 hours for a 10-week internship. This schedule is flexible and can be adjusted according to the needs of the student. It is possible our agency will have a limited number of paid positions available for summer interns, otherwise the position is eligible for Pro Bono credit at Memphis law, and possibly externship credit if pre-approved by Prof. Danny Schaffzin.
There is a two-day virtual Orientation prior to the first day in the office and additional video recorded trainings to supplement the experiential learning interns receive in their assigned office. Interns are also invited to assist with our Annual Conference which will be the end of May 2024 in Northern KY.
The experiences of our summer interns are as varied as the offices to which they are assigned. However, they receive mentoring and training in all situations. Drafting briefs and memos, conducting law research, transcribing trial tapes, assisting with client interviews are examples of what a DPA summer intern may expect. APPLY via Symplicity Post 7355 by September 26.
More information about the Kentucky DPA may be found at:https://dpa.ky.gov
You may also contact Patti Heying, Recruiter at (502) 782-3510 or Patti.Heying@ky.gov
Ms. Heying will be at the law school for the Public Interest Fair on September 19.
