Assistant Public Defender

State of Ohio • Lima, OH

4d • $37 - $52 • Onsite

About The Position

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender is seeking an Assistant Public Defender (APD) for the Northwest Regional Hub of its Trial Services Division, located in Lima, Ohio. The hub serves Allen, Hardin, and Putnam counties. The APD represents indigent clients facing misdemeanor and felony criminal charges in trial-level proceedings in Common Pleas, Municipal, and Juvenile courts, with this position primarily serving in Allen County Municipal Court. The role does not involve trial-level representation in federal court or post-trial representation in direct appeals, state post-conviction proceedings, or federal habeas litigation.

The successful candidate will thrive in a close-knit team and fast-paced work environment, have an interest in trial-level practice and client service, and work with a supervisor to learn the position and provide high-quality representation. The role is permanent and full time, with work hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The position is unclassified and serves at the pleasure and discretion of the State Public Defender.

Compensation is assigned to the State of Ohio E-1 Pay Range 13. The listed hourly range is $36.75 to $52.27, corresponding to an annual range of $76,440 to $108,722. Starting pay is generally Step 1, with higher starting pay potentially available for exceptional qualifications. Employees advance to the next step after 180 days and annually thereafter; fiscal-year cost-of-living adjustments are also typical. Applicants must submit a writing sample and cover letter; applications without these attachments will not be reviewed. Recent law school graduates awaiting bar results are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

• Admission to the Ohio bar pursuant to section 4705.01, or eligibility to practice under an accepted Ohio pending-admission or temporary certification provision.
• Submit a writing sample and cover letter with the application; applications without these attachments will not be reviewed.
• Interest in trial-level work and providing client service in a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to thrive in a close-knit team environment and work with a supervisor to learn the position and provide high-quality representation.

Nice To Haves

• Recent law school graduates awaiting bar results are encouraged to apply.
• 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.
• Represent indigent clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges in trial-level proceedings in Common Pleas, Municipal, and Juvenile courts across the served counties, primarily in Allen County Municipal Court.

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, and optional Ohio Deferred Compensation.

What This Job Offers

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