Assistant Public Defender - Appeals & Postconviction

State of Ohio; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 74,214 - 105,560; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

Paid time off including vacation

Educational development opportunities

Job summary

The State of Ohio is seeking an Assistant Public Defender for Appeals & Postconviction in Columbus, Ohio. The role involves managing a caseload, reviewing trial records, and drafting appellate briefs, while also requiring strong advocacy skills. Candidates must be admitted to the Ohio Bar and have the ability to practice in federal courts. Benefits include medical coverage, paid time off, and educational development opportunities. Travel throughout Ohio is required.

Qualifications

• Admission to the Ohio Bar or an acceptable equivalent.
• Strong skills in client advocacy and communication.

Responsibilities

• Manage your own caseload under supervision.
• Review trial records for appellate claims.
• Draft appellate briefs and present oral arguments.
• Travel throughout Ohio to present arguments and visit clients.

Skills

Strong oral and written advocacy skills

Client advocacy

Organizing and planning

Verbal and written communication

Analytical ability

Education

Admission to the Ohio Bar

Ability to practice in federal courts

Job description

Job Overview

Assistant Public Defender – Appeals & Postconviction (2600010H). The Office of the Ohio Public Defender (OPD) provides legal representation for people who cannot afford an attorney. This position focuses on appellate and post‑conviction work in the APC Department in Columbus, Ohio.

Location: Columbus, Ohio (United States). Compensation: $74,214 – $105,560 per year.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage your own caseload under the supervision of an experienced attorney.
• Review trial records and identify viable appellate claims.
• Work with clients to identify goals and develop strategies.
• Draft appellate briefs and present oral arguments.
• File post‑conviction petitions, writs, and other pleadings.
• Participate in moot arguments, department trainings, and collaborative projects.
• Travel throughout Ohio to review records, present arguments, and visit incarcerated clients.

Required Qualifications

• Admission to the Ohio Bar pursuant to section 4705.01 (or acceptable equivalent).
• Ability to admit and practice in federal courts or the U.S. Supreme Court, and certification for capital appellate counsel if required.
• Strong oral and written advocacy skills, client advocacy, organizing and planning, verbal and written communication, and analytical ability.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage after an eligibility period.
• Paid time off including vacation, personal, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year.
• Childbirth, adoption, and foster care leave.
• Educational development opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, etc.).
• Public retirement systems and optional deferred compensation.

Additional Information

The position requires travel throughout Ohio and a valid driver’s license. Candidates will undergo a drug screen, background check, and state income tax check before hire.

ADA & Drug‑Free Workplace Statement

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations. The State of Ohio is a drug‑free workplace and prohibits recreational marijuana use.