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Entry Level Attorney Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Staff Attorney I

Morehead, KY · On-site

$52K - $76K/yr

We are hiring an entry-level staff attorney to join the criminal defense team in the Morehead Trial Office. Kentucky DPA looks for individuals who have demonstrated a desire to help the ...

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Staff Attorney I

Murray, KY · On-site

$4.2K - $6.3K/mo

We are hiring an entry-level staff attorney to join the criminal defense team in the Murray Trial Office. Kentucky DPA looks for individuals who have demonstrated a desire to help themost vulnerable ...

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Staff Attorney I

Glasgow, KY · On-site

$57K - $78K/yr

We are hiring an entry-level staff attorney to join the criminal defense team in the Glasgow Trial Office. Kentucky DPA looks for individuals who have demonstrated a desire to help themost vulnerable ...

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Staff Attorney I

Catlettsburg, KY · On-site

$57K - $76K/yr

We are hiring an entry-level staff attorney to join the criminal defense team in the Boyd Trial Office. Kentucky DPA looks for individuals who have demonstrated a desire to help themost vulnerable in ...

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Staff Attorney I

Owensboro, KY · On-site

$4.3K - $6.5K/mo

We are hiring an entry-level staff attorney to join the criminal defense team in the Owensboro Trial Office. Kentucky DPA looks for individuals who have demonstrated a desire to help the ...

Morgan & Morgan, P.A.

Receptionist

Lexington, KY · On-site

$16/hr

Assisting attorneys, paralegals, and other staff with various clerical duties as needed Qualifications * High school diploma or GED * Entry level experience working in an office setting, preferably ...

Morgan & Morgan, P.A.

Receptionist

Lexington, KY · On-site

$16/hr

Assisting attorneys, paralegals, and other staff with various clerical duties as needed Qualifications * High school diploma or GED * Entry level experience working in an office setting, preferably ...

All JobsAttorney JobsEntry Level Attorney JobsEntry Level Attorney Jobs in Kentucky

Entry Level Attorney information

See Kentucky salary details

$40K

$93.9K

$149.8K

How much do entry level attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level attorney in Kentucky is $93,940.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $112,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are entry level attorneys?

Entry level attorneys are recent law school graduates or individuals who have recently passed the bar exam and are beginning their legal careers. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced attorneys and assist with research, drafting legal documents, and helping prepare cases. Entry level attorneys can work in various settings, including law firms, government agencies, or corporate legal departments. Their responsibilities often focus on learning practical legal skills and gaining experience in their chosen field of law.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission in your practicing state, and a solid grasp of legal research, writing, and analysis. Familiarity with legal research platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis and proficiency in document management systems are typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and time management skills help you build client relationships and manage caseloads effectively. These competencies are crucial for providing sound legal advice, meeting deadlines, and establishing a successful legal career.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level attorneys in their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level attorneys often encounter challenges such as managing heavy workloads, adapting to the fast-paced environment of law firms, and bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical legal skills. Navigating client expectations, learning firm protocols, and handling multiple assignments simultaneously can feel overwhelming at first. To overcome these challenges, new attorneys should proactively seek feedback, build strong relationships with mentors and colleagues, and prioritize effective time management. Open communication and a willingness to continuously learn are key to successful integration and professional growth in the early stages of a legal career.

What is the difference between Entry Level Attorney vs Paralegal?

AspectEntry Level AttorneyParalegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), Bar AdmissionAssociate's degree or paralegal certificate
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies
Job ResponsibilitiesLegal research, drafting legal documents, client consultationsLegal research, document preparation, case organization

Entry Level Attorneys and Paralegals often work in similar environments and share some responsibilities, but attorneys require a JD and bar admission to practice law, while paralegals support attorneys without needing a law license. The roles differ mainly in legal authority and scope of work.

What are the most commonly searched types of Attorney jobs in Kentucky? The most popular types of Attorney jobs in Kentucky are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Attorney jobs in Kentucky? For Entry Level Attorney jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Attorney jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Attorney jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Entry Level Attorney jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Entry Level Attorney job openings:
Entry Level Attorney jobs near you
Staff Attorney I

Staff Attorney I

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Morehead, KY • On-site

$52K - $76K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Advertisement Closes
7/24/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)
2603562
Staff Attorney I
Pay Grade16
Salary
$52,283.52 - $76,141.68 Annually
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
1225 US 60 West Suite 104
Morehead, KY 40351 USA
Description
Please post this register for 10 days. Thanks! 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 Morehead Trial Office. Kentucky DPA looks for individuals who have demonstrated a desire to help the underprivileged and often the most vulnerable. The Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) is nationally recognized as a model statewide public defendersystem with an exceptional training and education program. Our defense teams ensure the criminal justiceprocess 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 Morehead Trial Office.
Kentucky DPA looks for individuals who have demonstrated a desire to help the underprivileged and often themost vulnerable in their communities. The ideal candidate exhibits exceptional planning and organizationalskills, is self-directed and comfortable working with their defense team which includes other attorneys,investigators, alternative sentencing workers and office administrative legal staff. We seek persons whounderstand it is a privilege to represent our clients and we do so on behalf of the people of Kentucky.
Please be advised that although medical cannabis has been legalized in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, due toother applicable state or federal laws, employees in this position are prohibited from using medical cannabis.
If you need additional information about this prohibition, you may contact the agency point of contact foradditional information.
Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Represents criminal defendants in District Court cases vigorously, effectively, ethically, and withintegrity.
  • Conducts client interviews and maintains notes and records of pertinent case facts sufficient toprovide proper client representation.
  • Research legal issues and writes clear, concise motions.
  • Obtains knowledge of the case through discovery and investigation sufficient to provide advice toclients 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 Adrian Jacob at adrian.jacob@ky.gov or 502-782-2873.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D

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