Assistant Public Defender

State of Ohio • Columbus, OH

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender is seeking an attorney to serve in its Appeals & Postconviction (APC) Department. The department primarily represents adults appealing convictions following trial. It also files postconviction petitions, state and federal writs, and other motions to address deprivations of statutory and constitutional rights. Its work has led to new trials, reduced jail terms and prison sentences, and caselaw benefiting people throughout Ohio.

The Assistant Public Defender manages an individual caseload under the supervision of an experienced supervising attorney. The role includes reviewing trial records, identifying viable appellate claims, working with clients to determine their goals and potential strategies, drafting appellate briefs, and presenting oral arguments. The attorney may also file postconviction petitions and other pleadings, participate in moot arguments and department trainings, and collaborate with agency colleagues on individual cases and broader projects. Travel is required as necessary to visit clients, review records, and present oral arguments.

Requirements

• Admission to the Ohio bar pursuant to section 4705.01, or eligibility to practice under one of the specified pending-admission or temporary certification provisions accepted in lieu of Ohio bar admission.
• Before representing a client in federal court or the U.S. Supreme Court, obtain admission to practice in that court.
• For appointment as appellate counsel for an indigent defendant in a capital case, obtain certification from the Commission on Appointment of Counsel in Capital Cases.

Responsibilities

• Manage an individual caseload under the supervision of an experienced supervising attorney.
• Review trial records and identify viable appellate claims.
• Work with clients to identify their goals and a strategy to try to achieve them.
• Draft appellate briefs.
• Present oral arguments.
• Travel as necessary to visit clients, review records, and present oral arguments.
• File postconviction petitions and other pleadings.
• Participate in moot arguments and department trainings.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the agency on individual cases and larger-scale projects.

Benefits

• Medical coverage.
• Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after completion of the eligibility period.
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal leave, 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
• Education Level: No Education Listed