Careers at DPA
The Department of Public Advocacy employs attorneys, investigators, social workers, paralegals, and administrative staff across Kentucky. Working at DPA means defending the constitutional rights of people who need it most. Below are current openings.
Trial Division Attorney
Trial Division · Lexington, KY
Represent indigent clients in felony and misdemeanor cases in Fayette County District and Circuit Courts. Handle cases from arraignment through trial and sentencing, conduct legal research, negotiate plea agreements, and advocate for clients at all stages of the criminal process.
Requirements
- •Juris Doctor from an accredited law school
- •Active Kentucky Bar license (or eligibility to sit for the next exam)
- •Strong oral and written advocacy skills
- •Commitment to indigent defense
Investigator
Trial Division · Louisville, KY
Conduct field investigations for assigned criminal defense cases, including witness interviews, scene documentation, evidence gathering, and background research. Work directly with attorneys to develop defense strategy and prepare cases for trial.
Requirements
- •Bachelor's degree or equivalent investigative experience
- •Minimum 2 years of investigative or law enforcement experience
- •Valid Kentucky driver's license
- •Strong written communication and report-writing skills
Social Worker
Post-Conviction Division · Frankfort, KY
Provide mitigation investigation and psychosocial assessments for clients facing serious criminal charges. Develop comprehensive social histories, coordinate mental health and substance abuse evaluations, and assist attorneys with sentencing advocacy.
Requirements
- •Master of Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program
- •Kentucky LCSW or CSW licensure
- •Experience with forensic or criminal justice populations preferred
- •Ability to travel to correctional facilities statewide
IT Specialist
Administration · Frankfort, KY
Support DPA's technology infrastructure including the agency website, Trumpet intranet, case management systems, and office networking. Assist with application deployment, user account administration, hardware provisioning, and help desk support for statewide staff.
Requirements
- •Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, or related field
- •Experience with Windows Server, Active Directory, and web hosting
- •Familiarity with WordPress or CMS platforms
- •Strong troubleshooting and customer service skills
DPA positions are state government jobs with benefits including health insurance, retirement through the Kentucky Employees Retirement System (KERS), paid leave, and tuition assistance. All positions are posted through the Kentucky Personnel Cabinet. For general inquiries about employment, contact us.