Assistant Public Defender - Appeals & Postconviction

Ohio Department of Administrative Services•Columbus, OH

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
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.
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