Assistant Public Defender - Athens County Office

Ohio; Athens (OH); On-site; USD 71,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

The Assistant Public Defender will provide criminal defense representation to indigent clients in Athens County courts. The role requires preparation and trial of cases involving misdemeanor and felony charges. Candidates should possess a strong commitment to public defense and the willingness to work in a supportive team setting. A writing sample and cover letter are required for application.

Qualifications

• Must be admitted to the Ohio bar as per required qualifications.
• Must thrive in a close-knit team and fast-paced environment.
• Willing to learn from a supervisor and provide high-quality representation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cases for trial and try cases as lead or co-counsel.
• Represent clients in community control violations and conduct hearings.
• Examine witnesses and present legal arguments and evidence.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Customer Focus

Problem Solving

Public Speaking

Reasoning

Education

Admission to Ohio bar

Job description

The Assistant Public Defender (APD) will be headquartered in the Athens County office of our Trial Services Division. The APD will serve in the courts of Athens County (Common Pleas, Municipal, and Juvenile courts) 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

The Assistant Public Defender Position is assigned to the State of Ohio’s E-1, Pay Range 13, presented below in table format. Starting pay 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 monthsand annually thereafter. We typically have fiscal year Cost of Living Adjustments as well.

Note: In the event a candidate demonstrates exceptional qualifications above minimum, they may qualify for a starting salary above step 1.

FY25 Pay Range Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Step 7 Step 8 Hourly $34.14 $36.00 $37.97 $40.02 $42.27 $44.55 $46.38 $48.56 Annual $71,011 $74,880 $78,978 $83,242 $87,922 $92,664 $96,470 $101,005

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 Tamra Meister, ADA Coordinator, at 614-466-5394 or [e-mail].

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.

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, Attention to Detail, Customer Focus, Problem Solving, Public Speaking, Reasoning