Paralegal/Legal Assistant 2 - Death Penalty Department

State of Ohio • Columbus, OH

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender (OPD) is the state agency responsible for providing legal representation and other services to people accused or convicted of a crime who cannot afford to hire an attorney. Our Mission: Advocating. Fighting. Helping. Our Vision: A Fair Justice System. Our Values: Compassion. Dignity. Equity. Integrity. Service. Community. We are committed to building a work environment where all team members have a voice and can embrace our differences to innovate service to the public in our pursuit of fairness and justice for all people. The Death Penalty Department is seeking a dedicated professional to serve as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant 2. The Department represents death-sentenced clients in all stages of post-trial litigation and executive clemency. Post-trial litigation may include direct appeal, post-conviction, and federal habeas corpus litigation. The Department emphasizes a client-centered, team approach to representation and is comprised of three core positions and 14 attorneys. You will support the department by providing paralegal, clerical, and administrative support to department attorneys. You will be tasked with using your legal knowledge and aptitude to work closely with attorneys in drafting, proofing, and filing legal motions, reports, and correspondence to both internal and external customers in addition to conducting legal research. A familiarity with the legal system and courts of Ohio will help you to succeed in this position. Additionally, organizational and communication skills to track projects across multiple attorneys and clients will benefit you in your daily work. Experience and exposure to case management systems and to the appellate and post-conviction process are highly valued skillsets. An ideal candidate will enjoy working in a professional and friendly environment that collaborates to help others and provide quality customer service.

Requirements

• Successful completion of certification program for paralegal or legal assistant; 2 yrs. exp. in legal research & writing.
• 24 mos. law school training.
• 36 mos. exp. as Paralegal/Legal Assistant 1, 63810.
• Equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.
• Job Skills: Attorney/Legal, Verbal Communication, Analyzation, Written Communication, Organizing and Planning, Confidentiality
• Familiarity with the legal system and courts of Ohio
• Organizational and communication skills to track projects across multiple attorneys and clients
• Experience and exposure to case management systems
• Experience and exposure to the appellate and post-conviction process

Nice To Haves

• An ideal candidate will enjoy working in a professional and friendly environment that collaborates to help others and provide quality customer service.

Responsibilities

• Prepares or assists in preparing appellate briefs and other pleadings
• Compiles and produces appendix materials for briefs according to various court rules
• Prepares legal reports and letters for court filings or dissemination in the office
• Assists in maintaining department digital case management & docketing system
• Conducts research using legal research tools, computer applications, and online databases
• Maintains due date calendar of important dates related to cases
• Transcribes, formats, types & proofs documents requiring use of legal terminology
• Prepares business letters from written copy from department attorneys to prosecutors, courts, investigators, and other defense attorneys
• Proofreads final written material for completeness and accuracy
• Acts as a liaison between department attorneys and courts
• Files legal documents electronically in federal and state courts
• Screens calls and visitors for department attorneys
• Provides logistical support for video conferences
• Maintains calendar of appointments for department attorneys
• Makes travel arrangements and provides related logistical support for attorneys
• Sorts and distributes mail
• Attends department and agency meetings

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
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed