Assistant Public Defender

Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; Chillicothe (OH); On-site; USD 76,440 - 108,722; Full time

Job summary

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender in Ross County seeks an Assistant Public Defender to provide criminal defense representation to indigent clients in Jackson or Ross County courts. The APD handles misdemeanor and felony cases, with opportunities to lead or co-counsel, and to engage in pre-trial conferences, hearings, and plea negotiations.

Recent graduates awaiting bar results are encouraged to apply. Starting pay is stepped, with upward mobility, and the organization emphasizes

Qualifications

• Preparing cases for trial
• Ability to try cases as lead or co-counsel
• Represent indigent clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges
• Recent graduates awaiting bar results encouraged to apply

Responsibilities

• Prepare cases for trial and try cases as lead counsel or co-counsel
• Represent clients in community control violations
• Conduct pre-trial conferences, hearings, and plea negotiations
• Examine witnesses and present legal arguments and evidence
• Upload cover letter and writing sample with application

Job description

## Assistant Public Defender### Office of the Ohio Public DefenderThe 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 pre-trial conferences, hearings, and plea negotiations Examine witnesses Present legal arguments and evidence \*\*In your application, please upload and attach a cover letter and a writing sample. Applications without a cover letter and writing sample will not be reviewed. Recent graduates awaiting bar results are encouraged to apply. \*\* Starting pay for this position will be at Step 1 unless required by contract/legislation; Candidates with exceptional qualifications may be considered for higher starting pay. Our steps give a standard path for earnings growth: you move to the next step after 6 months and annually thereafter. We typically have fiscal year Cost of Living Adjustments as well. FY27 Wages Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Step 7 Step 8 Hourly $36.75 $38.75 $40.87 $43.07 $45.50 $47.95 $49.92 $52.27 Annual $76,440 $80,660 $85,010 $89,586 $94,640 $99,736 $103,834 $108,722 The Office of the Ohio Public Defender complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the OPD HCM Department at 614-466-5394 or [e-mail]