Assistant Public Defender

State of Ohio • Chillicothe, OH

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Public Defender will be headquartered in the Ross County Office of the Office of the Ohio Public Defender’s Trial Services Division and serve in the courts of Jackson County or Ross County. The position provides trial-level criminal defense representation to clients who cannot afford an attorney and face misdemeanor or felony charges. It does not involve trial-level representation in federal court or post-trial representation on direct appeal, state post-conviction, or federal habeas litigation.

The successful candidate will thrive in a close-knit team and fast-paced client-service environment, have an interest in trial-level work, and work with a supervisor to learn the position and provide high-quality representation. Recent graduates awaiting bar results are encouraged to apply. Applicants must attach a cover letter and writing sample; applications without both will not be reviewed.

The position is permanent, full-time, and unclassified, and serves at the pleasure and discretion of the State Public Defender. Starting pay is generally Step 1 unless otherwise required by contract or legislation; candidates with exceptional qualifications may be considered for higher starting pay. Steps advance after 180 days and annually thereafter, and fiscal-year cost-of-living adjustments are typical. Final candidates must undergo a drug test, background check, and state income tax check. Criminal convictions do not automatically preclude consideration; an individual assessment will be made.

Requirements

• Admission to the Ohio bar pursuant to Ohio Revised Code section 4705.01, or eligibility to practice under an accepted pending-admission or temporary certification in lieu of Ohio bar admission.
• Attorney/legal skills, client advocacy, analyzation, critical thinking, verbal communication, and written communication.
• Applicants must submit a cover letter and writing sample.

Nice To Haves

• Recent graduates awaiting bar results are encouraged to apply.
• Candidates with exceptional qualifications may be considered for higher starting pay.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cases for trial.
• Try cases as lead counsel or co-counsel.
• Represent clients in community control violations.
• Conduct pre-trial conferences, hearings, and plea negotiations.
• Examine witnesses.
• Present legal arguments and evidence.
• Provide trial-level criminal defense representation to indigent clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges in the courts of Jackson County or Ross County.

Benefits

• Medical coverage.
• Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after completion of the eligibility period.
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year.
• Childbirth, adoption, and foster care leave.
• Education and development opportunities, including Employee Development Funds and Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Public retirement systems, including OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS.
• Optional deferred compensation through Ohio Deferred Compensation.

What This Job Offers

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