The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), Office of Legal Services, has an opening for a Staff Attorney II in Frankfort.
The Kentucky Department of Education is a service agency of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and part of the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. The department provides resources and guidance to Kentucky's public schools and districts as they implement the state's P-12 education requirements. The department also serves as the state liaison for federal education requirements and funding opportunities.
The department is led by an appointed commissioner of education, who is hired by and answers to the 11-member Kentucky Board of Education. Offices are administered by associate commissioners and divisions within those offices are administered by division directors.
The department employs approximately 425 Frankfort-based workers; 175 employees in support of the Kentucky School for the Blind (Jefferson County) and Kentucky School for the Deaf (Boyle County); and about 518 employees at the 50 Area Technology Centers across the state.
OUR MISSION
To partner with districts, schools, families, students, business, industry, and communities to provide leadership and support to ensure success for each and every student.
OUR CORE VALUES
Equity
Achievement
Collaboration
Integrity
The department's major activities include:
Administering the statewide assessment and accountability system;
Providing technical assistance to schools and districts in the areas of finance, management and curriculum;
Providing support and information to the Kentucky Board of Education as it promulgates state education regulations;
Overseeing the state education technology system; and
Monitoring school and district compliance with state and federal laws.
Providing instructional services to students at Kentucky School for the Blind, Kentucky School for the Deaf, and the Area Technology Centers.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
Provide a variety of legal services for a state agency requiring extensive research and analysis.
Serve as a prosecuting attorney for educator ethics and misconduct cases for the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) pursuant to KRS 161.120(1). Prepare and litigate complex cases in administrative forums and provide timely and thorough legal advice and recommendations to the EPSB to best accomplish their goals on assigned cases. Attorney is expected to resolve cases efficiently and maintain organized and thorough case files to prepare for any civil matters in court.
Attend all EPSB meetings, including closed session discussions and applicable committee meetings regarding educator ethics and discipline cases while being prepared to explain the legal analysis behind cases presented and answer any follow up questions.
Review, collect information from public sources, research applicable law and summarize complaints received in preparation for complaint meetings.
Manage and conduct investigative activities as directed by the EPSB for alleged educator misconduct, including oversight of contracted investigators to ensure timely, accurate, and thorough investigations. Present investigative findings to the EPSB in a professional and comprehensible manner.
Ensure timely and accurate responses to requests for public records, including review and analysis of potential exemptions. Provide timely and thorough review of agency contracts and requests for proposals.
Assist supervisor(s) in the review, design, and implementation of procedures for improving the efficiency of the EPSB and Office of Legal Services.
Maintain exceptional written and verbal communication skills for all forms of communication.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Attorneys with a prosecutorial background or substantial litigation experience are strongly encouraged to apply.
Benefits and Perks:
· Comprehensive health insurance (effective first day of employment)
· Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
· Optional Insurance (Dental/Vision)
· Life Insurance
· Retirement savings.
· Paid Leave (annual, sick, compensatory, jury, voting, election, blood donation, living organ, educational, military)
· Paid holidays (12.5 days per year, 13.5 days in a Presidential Election year)
· Deferred Compensation/Free Financial Planning Program
· Professional development opportunities and ongoing training.
· A collaborative and innovative work environment.
· Flexible Work Schedules
· Employee Resource Groups
· Employee Recognition
· Employee Wellness Programs
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION:
See Special Requirements.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS:
Must have one year of experience as a licensed attorney in the practice of law or one year of supervised practice under Kentucky Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 2.116, or a combination totaling at least one year of experience.
SUBSTITUTION:
EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE:
A Master of Laws degree (LL.M.) will substitute for the one year required experience.
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 credentials.
Pay Grade: 17
Gross Monthly Salary Range: $4,888.34- $ 6,506.30
Position Number: 31178356
Applicants and employees in this classification may be required to submit to a drug screening test and background check.
For further information concerning the application process, go to the following link: Personnel Cabinet
Inquiries about this position should be directed to: Kathy Jennings, Division of Resource Management, 300 Sower Blvd, Frankfort, KY 40601; Fax: 502-564-6771 Email: kathy.jennings@education.ky.gov
The closing date to apply for this position is October 10, 2026.
The agency may authorize the selected applicant to telecommute on a hybrid schedule. The agency may terminate or modify the telecommuting arrangement at any time. Telework will not be permitted outside the state of Kentucky.
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) 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 U.S. KDE 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 KDE has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at
1-888-897-7781 or E-Verify website
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/D