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Assistant State Attorney Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Staff Attorney III

Frankfort, KY · On-site

$5.2K - $7.9K/mo

Responsible for federal and state civil litigation. * Represent the agency in suits filed by the KY ... Provide accurate and timely legal advice and assistance. * Assist with open records questions and ...

Staff Attorney III

Frankfort, KY · On-site

$5.2K - $7.9K/mo

With the highest level of professionalism and integrity the Kentucky State Police works to prevent ... Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: * Assist in drafting KSP responses ...

Maintain customer agronomic records, assist in establishing customer financial records and ... For Washington Job Applicants, see theWashington State Attorney General's Washington Fair Chance ...

Legal Assistant

Lexington, KY · On-site

$58K - $69K/yr

... electronic formats * Assist attorneys with monthly billing, invoicing, expense reports and ... State filings as needed * Obtain asset and personal information necessary for estate and trust ...

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Maintain customer agronomic records, assist in establishing customer financial records and ... For Washington Job Applicants, see the Washington State Attorney General's Washington Fair Chance ...

Maintain customer agronomic records, assist in establishing customer financial records and ... For Washington Job Applicants, see the Washington State Attorney General's Washington Fair Chance ...

From attorneys in all 50 states, to client support staff, creative marketing to operations teams ... state or local laws. E-Verify This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal ...

We are currently seeking a Legal Practice Assistant to support our attorneys and other timekeepers ... E-file documents with federal and state courts and other agencies. * Maintain and manage timekeeper ...

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Paralegal Legal Assistant

Louisville, KY · On-site

$17.50 - $30/hr

This role is essential in supporting attorneys through all stages of litigation--from case intake ... state and federal courts and track filing deadlines · Maintain and organize electronic and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Assistant State Attorney information

See Kentucky salary details

$46K

$75.1K

$120.3K

How much do assistant state attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant state attorney in Kentucky is $75,080.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,900.00 and $82,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Assistant State Attorney vs Prosecutor?

AspectAssistant State AttorneyProsecutor
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar admissionJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar admission
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, courtroomsGovernment agencies, courts
Employer & IndustryState or local government, legal systemGovernment agencies, legal system
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Assistant State Attorneys and Prosecutors are legal professionals working within the criminal justice system, often in government settings. An Assistant State Attorney typically refers to a lawyer working under a State Attorney, handling criminal cases, and representing the government in court. A Prosecutor is a broader term that can include Assistant State Attorneys and other legal officials responsible for prosecuting criminal cases. The roles overlap significantly, with the main difference being that 'Prosecutor' is a general term, while 'Assistant State Attorney' specifies a particular position within the state's legal system.

What are Assistant State Attorneys?

Assistant State Attorneys are licensed lawyers who work for the government, typically under the direction of a State Attorney, to prosecute criminal cases on behalf of the state. They are responsible for reviewing evidence, filing charges, presenting cases in court, and working with law enforcement to ensure justice is served. Their duties may also include negotiating plea deals and advising police on legal matters. Assistant State Attorneys play a crucial role in upholding the law and protecting public safety within their jurisdiction.

What are some common challenges Assistant State Attorneys face when managing a heavy caseload?

Assistant State Attorneys often handle a large number of cases simultaneously, which requires exceptional time management and organizational skills. Balancing court appearances, legal research, witness preparation, and negotiations can create pressure, especially when deadlines overlap. Working closely with law enforcement, victims, and defense counsel also demands clear communication and adaptability. Successful attorneys rely on teamwork, available resources, and strategic prioritization to ensure each case receives the necessary attention.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant State Attorney, and why are they important?

To excel as an Assistant State Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the state bar, and a solid understanding of criminal law and courtroom procedures. Familiarity with case management software, legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and electronic filing systems is typically required. Exceptional written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and negotiation skills help you effectively advocate in court and collaborate with law enforcement. These competencies ensure fair and efficient prosecution, uphold justice, and maintain public trust in the legal system.
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Assistant State Attorney jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Assistant State Attorney job openings:
Infographic showing various Assistant State Attorney job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,080 per year, or $36.1 per hour.

$76K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Summary
One Assistant United States Attorney position located Lexington, Kentucky.
As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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Our mission is to enforce vigorously the federal criminal laws of the United States, to effectively represent the interests of the United States in civil litigation, and to meet fully the public safety needs of the community through an efficient, well-coordinated law enforcement effort.
In all matters, our responsibilities are to promote the fair and impartial administration of justice, adhering to the highest ethical, professional and performance standards; promote effective partnerships with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, and the community at large in furtherance of law enforcement; protect the rights of citizens, victims of crime and witnesses; enhance community safety by reducing crime and the fear of crime, through outreach and education; and inspire confidence in the criminal justice system.
This position offers an exciting and challenging career opportunity. The Department of Justice has a diverse and talented workforce of over 100,000 men and women and is tasked with ensuring the protection of all Americans, while preserving constitutional freedoms. The position provides an opportunity to be part of a dedicated team helping to enforce Federal law (criminal and civil) and protect life, liberty, and the property of citizens.
The USAO for the Eastern District of Kentucky has a staff of approximately 42 attorneys and 38 support personnel. The main office is located in Lexington, with staffed branch offices in Ft. Mitchell and London, Kentucky. Unstaffed offices are located in Ashland and Frankfort, Kentucky. The United States Attorney's Office seeks to maintain the highest standards of excellence in the enforcement of federal laws and the representation of the United States.
The Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) selected for the General Crimes section of the Criminal Division will prosecute cases primarily involving violent crime, the illegal possession or use of firearms, and child exploitation, in furtherance of the U.S. Attorney's Office's Project Safe Neighborhood and Project Safe Childhood missions. The selected candidate will be fully dedicated to the Criminal Division and may work on other matters within that Division as assigned. The selected candidate would potentially handle related appeals as assigned, including drafting appellate briefs and presenting oral arguments before the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • You must be a United States Citizen or National.
  • Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
  • You must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
  • J.D. degree and active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) required.
  • Must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district specific information.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree and be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction).
United States citizenship is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
Successful candidates should have a strong academic background and the demonstrated ability to produce high quality written work. Successful candidates must work effectively with a team. Successful candidates should possess strong oral skills, character, and interpersonal skills, and have demonstrated the capacity to function with minimal guidance in a highly demanding environment. Successful candidates must also possess the knowledge and ability to use computers and computer applications in performing day-to-day work requirements. Finally, successful candidates must have an exceptional work ethic, and a constant commitment to the fair and impartial administration of justice.
You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.
Security Requirements: Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprints, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. In addition, continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
Education
Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree.
Additional information
Salary Information: Assistant United States Attorney's pay is administratively determined based, in part, on the number of years of professional attorney experience.
The overall range of basic pay Lexington, KY is $76,748 to $180,078, which includes 17.06% locality pay, in accordance with Department experience.
Other Benefits: The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; telework; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. The Benefits link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal Employees.
Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses will not be authorized.
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This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships. The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.
Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.
Political Appointees (Current and Former): Political Appointees (Current or Former): The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.