Staff Attorney
About The Position
Are you passionate about expanding opportunity for people impacted by the criminal legal system? Do you believe access to record relief and clemency can transform lives, families, and communities? If so, we want you to join our team. As a Staff Attorney, you will provide direct legal services to individuals with criminal records, with a primary focus on clemency advocacy through Ohio’s Expedited Pardon Project (EPP). This role centers on client‑focused representation, community engagement, and practical legal solutions that remove long‑standing barriers to employment, housing, and civic participation. In addition, as the Staff Attorney you will: Lead clemency‑focused representation through Ohio’s Expedited Pardon Project, including evaluating clients, preparing pardon applications, and preparing clients for Parole Board review, as applicable. Provide direct legal services to people with criminal records, including record sealing, expungement, Certificates of Qualification for Employment (CQEs), and Certificates of Qualification for Housing (CQHs). Conduct client intake, case evaluation, and ongoing client support throughout representation. Participate in Second Chance Legal Clinics, community outreach, and public education related to record relief and clemency. Collaborate with OJPC legal staff on litigation and advocacy supporting broader organizational priorities, as needed. Assist with program data tracking, reporting, and related administrative support. The Ohio Justice & Policy Center creates fair, intelligent, and redemptive criminal justice systems through zealous, client‑centered advocacy, innovative policy reform, and cross‑sector community education. Founded in Cincinnati in 1997, OJPC is a statewide nonprofit law office focused on reducing incarceration, improving conditions inside prisons, and expanding freedom and opportunity for people with criminal records. Learn more about OJPC’s mission by visiting: https://ohiojpc.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/ohio-justice-&-policy-center/
Requirements
- Juris Doctor or advanced law degree.
- Admission to the Ohio Bar (or eligibility consistent with Ohio Supreme Court rules).
- Strong research, writing, analytic, and advocacy skills.
- Ability to work effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds.
- A demonstrated and abiding commitment to social justice and criminal legal system reform.
Nice To Haves
- Work related to record sealing, expungement, clemency, or parole advocacy.
- Experience working within or alongside the criminal legal system.
- Client‑centered, trauma‑informed legal representation.
- Public speaking or community education experience.
Responsibilities
- Lead clemency‑focused representation through Ohio’s Expedited Pardon Project, including evaluating clients, preparing pardon applications, and preparing clients for Parole Board review, as applicable.
- Provide direct legal services to people with criminal records, including record sealing, expungement, Certificates of Qualification for Employment (CQEs), and Certificates of Qualification for Housing (CQHs).
- Conduct client intake, case evaluation, and ongoing client support throughout representation.
- Participate in Second Chance Legal Clinics, community outreach, and public education related to record relief and clemency.
- Collaborate with OJPC legal staff on litigation and advocacy supporting broader organizational priorities, as needed.
- Assist with program data tracking, reporting, and related administrative support.
Benefits
- Competitive benefits package includes 27 PTO days, 13 paid holidays, and an annual winter break between Christmas and New Year’s.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
