Staff Attorney III

Overview

Final date to receive applications: 2/12/2026 (7:00 PM EST)

Job Code: 26-00542
Position:
Staff Attorney III
Pay Grade: 18
Salary: $5,271.84 - $7,116.98 Monthly

Employment Type:

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

Hiring Agency:
Education & Labor Cabinet | Office of the Secretary

Location:

500 Mero Street, Frankfort, KY 40601 USA

Note:

for more details on state employment.

The Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet advances education, workforce development, and economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. The Cabinet provides education and training programs, employment and reemployment services, and workforce support to help Kentuckians gain skills, find meaningful work, and connect with employers. It also partners with education providers, workforce boards, and employers to align training with labor market needs and oversees labor programs that promote fair and safe workplaces.

This position is in the Workplace Standards Legal Division, working as a Staff Attorney III in the Office of Legal Services at the Education and Labor Cabinet. The position will be based in Franklin County. The ability to telecommute may be available up to two days per week after successful completion of a probationary period. The position provides a variety of legal services such as providing legal support to Cabinet programs, reviewing contracts, processing requests under the Kentucky Open Records Act, and defending administrative appeal matters for the Education and Labor Cabinet.

• Handle complex legal matters that are unique and technical in nature regarding Kentucky's Workplace Standards' laws and enforcement. Perform extensive original research to prepare pleadings, discovery and motion practice relative to trials, hearing and other court proceedings.
• Under minimal supervision, make legal recommendations on whether violation occurred. Perform mediation and settlement negotiations related to violations of Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) Chapter 338.
• Prepare pleadings including complaints, discovery pleadings, motions and briefs. Review and respond to Open Records Requests, Wage and Hour and personnel cases.
• Communicate with department employees and leadership on legal issues and provide assistance.

• Administrative law experience
• Kentucky Open Records Act experience
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong oral and written advocacy skills; ability to communicate effectively
• Attention to detail
• Microsoft Office (WORD, EXCEL, OUTLOOK)
• Ability to review documentation for accuracy and legal compliance
• Committed to meeting deadlines
• Ability to work volume and changing priorities
• Experience in information gathering and legal research
• Ability to work independently and as a team member

If you are interested in a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to make a positive difference in our Cabinet, we would love to review your application for the Staff Attorney III position within the Workplace Standards Legal Division.

This position will have access to confidential and sensitive information. The successful candidate will be required to ensure the safeguarding and security of all confidential and sensitive information and will be required to complete training, sign acknowledgements, follow all policies and adhere to all statutes and requirements pertaining to the safeguarding and security of confidential and sensitive information while employed and after employment ends.

The Education and Labor Cabinet (ELC) participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. ELC will only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that ELC has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at  or https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

EDUCATION: See Special Requirements.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR

SKILLS:

Must have two years experience as a licensed attorney in the practice of law.

Substitute EDUCATION for

EXPERIENCE:

A Master of Laws degree (LL.M.) will substitute for one year of the required experience.

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 2.117 (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…