Job Descriptions

Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney – Appellate Division

The Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in the Appellate and Research Division is responsible for all appeals and writs which this office chooses to pursue. The Assistant is responsible for coordinating efforts and cooperating with the trial prosecutor(s) assigned to the case.

Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney – Trial Divisions

The Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney is responsible for all aspects of the prosecution of felony and misdemeanor cases in Jefferson Circuit Court, and in any other jurisdiction when appointed as a Special Prosecutor.

The Assistant is utilized in legal areas for preparation of cases, screening, litigation, or advisement to other governmental agencies as allowed or prescribed by law. The Assistant is responsible for directing the work of the “prosecution team,” consisting of co-counsel, victim advocate, paralegal, detective, law clerk, secretary, and clerical staff.The primary responsibility of the Assistant is to see that justice is accomplished. The Assistant should avoid interests and activities which are likely to appear to, or in fact do, conflict with the duties and responsibilities of the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney

Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney – Rocket Docket Division

The Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney is responsible for all aspects of the prosecution of felony and misdemeanor cases in Jefferson Circuit Court, and in any other jurisdiction when appointed as a Special Prosecutor.

The Assistant is utilized in legal areas for preparation of cases, screening, litigation, or advisement to other governmental agencies as allowed or prescribed by law. The Assistant is responsible for directing the work of the “prosecution team,” consisting of co-counsel, victim advocate, paralegal, detective, law clerk, secretary, and clerical staff.The primary responsibility of the Assistant is to see that justice is accomplished. The Assistant should avoid interests and activities which are likely to appear to, or in fact do, conflict with the duties and responsibilities of the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney.

In addition to the above responsibilities, the Assistant assigned to the Rocket Docket” must possess a keen ability to assess and negotiate cases in a hectic District Court atmosphere. This expertise allows a speedy and fair resolution of felony cases by agreed informations.

Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney – Grand Jury Division

The Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney assigned to the Grand Jury shall act to ensure the following:

  • The Assistant shall be responsible for all aspects if the presentation of felony and related misdemeanor cases to the Jefferson County Grand Jury.
  • The Assistant shall coordinate and present the daily schedule of cases to the Grand Jury, maintain a log of cases, ensure the proceedings are duly recorded, ensure the informations are logged and reported and assist the Grand Jurors in their daily reporting to the Circuit Court Judges.
  • The Assistant shall coordinate the empanelling of the Grand Jury with the Jury Pool Office and Circuit Court Judges and shall conduct a thorough and informative orientation of the selected members of the Grand Jury.
  • The Assistant shall act as a legal advisor to the Grand Jury.
  • The Assistant shall oversee the issuance of all subpoenas from the Grand Jury and shall ensure compliance to those subpoenas.
  • The Assistant shall be responsible for supervising and directing the work of other staff assigned to the Grand Jury Unit.
  • The Assistant shall coordinate with all other members of the staff for the effective flow of cases through the Grand Jury.
  • The Assistant shall be prepared to assist and advise all staff from each Division with Grand Jury-related matters.
  • The Assistant shall maintain and effective and harmonious working relationship with the Grand Jurors.

The primary responsibility of the Assistant is to see that justice is accomplished. The Assistant should avoid interests and activities which are likely to appear to, or in fact do, conflict with the duties and responsibilities of the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney.

Law Clerk

The law clerk in the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney is responsible for assisting staff prosecutors in felony cases by:

  • Drafting responses to post-conviction relief pleadings filed by defendants, especially inmates;
  • Preparing motions, pleadings, memoranda of law, and other written materials regarding various criminal law issues;
  • Researching various criminal law issues related to the individual cases prior to indictment; and,
  • Working on special projects of any type, including resource manual revisions and other legal research related to felony prosecution.

Paralegal

The primary functions of the paralegal position in the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney include:

  • Preparing a criminal history conviction report on each felony case
  • Obtaining records from other criminal justice agencies
  • Preparing and organizing prosecutors case files
  • Assisting prosecutors with trial preparation

Requirements include a paralegal degree. Two years of legal experience in the criminal justice system preferred. National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Certification required (this certification can be obtained through on the job training.)

In addition to the above requirements the paralegal must be detail oriented, self-motivated and possess the ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks with efficiency.

Secretary

The primary responsibility of the legal secretary is to transcribe, type, and proofread to ensure quality of legal documents. In addition to these duties, the legal secretary performs a variety of secretarial duties including telephone, mail distribution and maintain files. Secretarial responsibilities are unique to each trial division.

  • Type, and proofread, edit and copy all materials requested by attorney’s and support staff.
  • Update case management database as instructed by prosecutor.
  • Process incoming and outgoing mail.
  • Provide relief for receptionist.
  • Organize, thoroughly prepare and submit work in correct form.
  • Demonstrate efficient use of time and observe schedules and deadlines.
  • Maintain sufficient supplies for unit.

Victim Advocate

  • Performs duties necessary to ensure compliance with the Crime Victim’s Bill of Rights contained in KRS 421.500 – 421.530.
  • Promptly contact victim/family members and make appropriate referrals.
  • Schedule and participate in prosecutor and victim/family witness interviews.
  • Provide emotional support for victim/family and witnesses.
  • Provide information and explain court proceedings over the phone and in person to victim/family or witnesses.
  • Coordinate witnesses for court appearances.
  • Act as an informed liaison between prosecutor and victim/family, police or other lay witnesses.
  • Advise prosecutors and support staff of any victim/witness address changes.
  • Assist victims with completion of Crime Victims Compensation Claim Forms and Victim Impact Statements.
  • Make travel arrangements for out of town subpoenaed witnesses.
  • Transport victim/witnesses.
  • Notify victims of parole eligibility.
  • Promote public awareness of Victim Advocacy Program be attending community and volunteer meetings dealing with victims of crime.
  • Organize and participate in Kids in Court.