Assistant Public Defender - Appeals & Postconviction

State of Ohio • Columbus, OH

3d

About The Position

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender is seeking an attorney to serve as an Assistant Public Defender in the Appeals & Postconviction Department. The Appeals & Postconviction Department represents clients in each of Ohio’s twelve appellate districts as well as the Ohio Supreme Court. The APC Department primarily represents adults in the direct appeal of their conviction following a trial. In 2025, nearly every Assistant Public Defender argued a case in the Ohio Supreme Court, and every attorney argued at least one case in an intermediate court of appeals. On a case-by-case basis, the APC Department also files postconviction petitions, state and federal writs, and other motions to address deprivations of statutory and constitutional rights. Through this work, the APC Department has obtained new trials, reduced jail terms and prison sentences, and developed caselaw benefiting people throughout Ohio. Assistant Public Defenders manage their own caseload under the supervision of an experienced supervising attorney. They travel to review the trial record, identify possible appellate claims, consult with the client, draft the appellate briefs, and present oral argument. They also file postconviction petitions and other pleadings as appropriate, participate in moot arguments, and collaborate with colleagues from across the agency. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated a commitment to indigent defense. The candidate also will have strong analytical skills and be adept at legal research and persuasive writing. Excellent interpersonal skills, a desire to expand one’s legal knowledge and skills, and an appreciation for constructive feedback are also valued.

Requirements

• Admission to Ohio bar pursuant to section 4705.01
• Prior to representing a client in federal court or U.S. Supreme court, attorney shall obtain admission to practice law in that court
• Prior to appointment as appellate counsel for an indigent defendant in a capital case pursuant to Appt.Coun.R. 5.02 & 5.03, an attorney shall obtain certification from the Commission on Appointment of Counsel in Capital Cases
• Eligibility to practice under a Certificate to Practice Law Pending Admission in Ohio, under Rule I, Section 19 of the Supreme Court Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio, or eligibility to practice under a Temporary Certification for Practice in Legal services, Public Defender, and Law School Programs under Rule IX of the Supreme Court Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio, may be accepted in lieu of admission to the Ohio Bar pursuant to R.C. Section 4705.01

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated a commitment to indigent defense
• Strong analytical skills
• Adept at legal research and persuasive writing
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• A desire to expand one’s legal knowledge and skills
• An appreciation for constructive feedback

Responsibilities

• Manage own caseload under the supervision of an experienced supervising attorney
• Travel to review the trial record
• Identify possible appellate claims
• Consult with the client
• Draft the appellate briefs
• Present oral argument
• File postconviction petitions and other pleadings as appropriate
• Participate in moot arguments
• Collaborate with colleagues from across the agency

Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems ( such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS ) & Optional Deferred Compensation ( Ohio Deferred Compensation )

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed