Description:
Job Duties:About Us:
A Government Entity 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.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Our commitment to inclusion is inseparable from our commitment to a fair justice system. We strive to ensure inclusive spaces and services for our staff, our clients, and Ohio's diverse communities. We are committed to building a work environment where all our team members have a voice and can embrace our differences to innovate service to the public. We can best meet our public defense mission through a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace, where employees thrive, our mission is accomplished, and Ohioans are served. #TeamOPD is grounded in diversity, equity, inclusion as we work together to pursue fairness and justice for all people.
Follow OPD on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/OhioPublicDefender/), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/office-of-the-ohio-public-defender), Instagram (https://instagram.com/ohiopublicdefender?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==&utm_source=qr), and Threads (https://www.threads.net/@ohiopublicdefender) | Visit our Website (https://opd.ohio.gov/)
Click HERE (https://opd.ohio.gov/static/About%20OPD/Communications/Job%20Openings/updated_ross-co-apd-promo-flyer.pdf) to see information about Ross County and more!
About the Position and What You'll Do:
The Assistant Public Defender (APD) will be headquartered in the Ross County Office of our Trial Services Division. The Assistant Public Defender will serve in the courts of Jackson County or Ross County as a trial-level attorney that provides criminal defense representation to clients who cannot otherwise afford an attorney. The APD position will represent indigent trial-level clients facing misdemeanor and felony criminal charges. Note: the position does not involve trial-level representation in federal court and does not involve post-trial representation on direct appeal, state post-conviction, or federal habeas litigation.
The successful APD candidate will thrive in a close-knit team environment and be interested in trial-level work and providing client service in a fast-paced work environment. A successful candidate will also be eager to work with a supervisor to learn the intricacies of the position and succeed in providing high-quality representation.
Essential duties of this position include but are not limited to:
- Prepare cases for trial
- Try cases as lead counsel or as co-counsel
- Represent clients in community control violations
- Conduct arraignments, pre-trial conferences, hearings, and plea negotiations
- Examine witnesses
- Present legal arguments and evidence
Note: In the event a candidate demonstrates exceptional qualifications above minimum, they may qualify for a starting salary above step 1.
Please Note: A Writing Sample and Cover Letter Must Be Submitted with This Application. Your Application Will Not Be Considered without A Writing Sample and Cover Letter.
What's in It for You:
At the State of Ohio, We Take Care of The Team that Cares for Ohioans. We Provide a Variety of Quality, Competitive Benefits to Eligible Full-Time and Part-Time Employees. for A List of All the State of Ohio Benefits, Visit Our Total Rewards Website! Our Benefits Package Includes:
- Medical Coverage
- Quality, Affordable, and Competitive Medical Benefits Are Offered Beginning First Day of The Month Following Your Start Date. You Have Three Options to Choose From.
- Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance
- Dental, Vision, and Basic Life Insurance Premiums Are Free and Coverage Is Offered Beginning First Day of The Month Following Your Start Date.
- Time Away from Work and Work/life Balance
- Paid Time Off, Including Vacation, Personal, and Sick Leave
- 11 Paid Holidays per Year
- Childbirth/adoption Leave
- Employee Development Funds
- The State of Ohio Offers a Variety of Educational and Professional Development Funding that Varies Based on Whether You Are a Union-Exempt Employee or A Union-Represented Employee.
- Ohio Public Employees Retirement System
- Opers Is the Retirement System for State of Ohio Employees. the Employee Contributes 10% of Their Salary Towards Their Retirement. the Employer Contributes an Amount Equal to 14% of The Employee's Salary. Visit the Opers Website for More Information.
- Deferred Compensation
- The Ohio Deferred Compensation Program Is a 457(b) Voluntary Retirement Savings Plan. Visit the Ohio Deferred Compensation Website for More Information.
Qualifications:
The Following Are the Minimum Qualifications for This Position:
Admission to Ohio Bar Pursuant to Section 4705.01.
Note: Prior to Representing a Client in Federal Court or U.S. Supreme Court, Attorney Shall Obtain Admission to Practice Law in That Court; Prior to Appointment as Appellate Counsel for An Indigent Defendant in A Capital Case Pursuant to Appt.Coun.R. 5.02 & 5.03, an Attorney Shall Obtain Certification from The Commission on Appointment of Counsel in Capital Cases.
Note: Eligibility to Practice Under a Certificate to Practice Law Pending Admission in Ohio, Under Rule I, Section 19 of The Supreme Court Rules for The Government of The Bar of Ohio, or Eligibility to Practice Under a Temporary Certification for Practice in Legal Services, Public Defender, and Law School Programs Under Rule Ix of The Supreme Court Rules for The Government of The Bar of Ohio, May Be Accepted in Lieu of Admission to The Ohio Bar Pursuant to R.C. Section 4705.02.
Job Skills: Attorney/legal, Active Learning, Collaboration, Customer Focus
