Municipal Trial Counsel - Attorney 1 (4939-47)

Hamilton County, Ohio; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Hamilton County Public Defender in Cincinnati, Ohio seeks an attorney to represent indigent clients charged with misdemeanors from early stages through trial and appeal, including post-trial motions.

The role requires a JD, an active Ohio license (or pending temporary certification), and excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a working knowledge of criminal law and a commitment to serving indigent clients.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required
• Juris Doctorate (JD) required
• Active license to practice law in Ohio or pending temporary certification/permits for recent graduates
• Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills
• Working knowledge of substantive criminal law
• Commitment to providing criminal legal services to indigent clients
• Ability to handle multiple tasks to meet deadlines

Responsibilities

• Represents indigent clients charged with misdemeanors from the earliest possible time and continuing representation until the conclusion of the case, including all trial court appearances, post-trial motions, and appeals
• Advises clients on legal and practical ramifications of steps in the criminal justice system
• Determines legal strategy at all stages of a case and, with investigators or law clerks, seeks out facts and circumstances surrounding charges
• Researches legal questions and examines procedures to protect constitutional rights, pursuing necessary services if rights are violated
• Represents clients in trial, using appropriate tactics for each case
• Maintains knowledge of criminal law, legislative activities, policing and prosecuting procedures and court decisions
• Works with social workers and mitigation specialists to advance clients' stated interests

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Juris Doctorate (JD)

Active Ohio license or Temporary Certification

Job description

Location: Cincinnati, OH

Job Id:4937-47

# of Openings:1

09/22/2026

Deadline to Apply: Open Until Filled

Work Location:

Hamilton County Public Defender

230 East Ninth Street. 2nd Floor Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Work Hours: 80 Hours Bi-Weekly

Requirements (Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification):

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution of higher learning.
• Jurist Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in the State of Ohio OR has an application pending with the Ohio Supreme Court for Temporary Certification or is eligible for Practice Pending Admission in Ohio for Recent Graduates.
• Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Working knowledge of substantive legal issues regularly addressed by attorneys in criminal law.
• History of a demonstrated commitment to providing criminal legal services to indigent clients.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks to meet deadlines.

Job Duties (Summary):

• Represents indigent clients charged with misdemeanors from the earliest possible time and continuing representation until the conclusion of the case. This includes, but is not limited to, all trial court appearances, post-trial motions, and appeals.
• Advises clients on the legal and practical ramifications of the various steps in the criminal justice system.
• Determines legal strategy to be employed at all stages of a case and, along with assistance from investigators and/or law clerks, seeks out facts and circumstances surrounding the charges.
• Researches legal questions and examines the procedures used by police and prosecuting authorities to assure that the constitutional rights of each client are not violated and, if a violation appears, performs such legal services as are necessary to assure that these rights are protected.
• Representing clients in trial, whether before a jury or the Court, determines and utilizes the most appropriate trial tactics as required for each individual case.
• Maintains an ongoing knowledge of criminal law, legislative activities, current policing and prosecuting procedures and other criminal justice activities, including significant court decisions.
• Will work with social workers and mitigation specialists to advance their client’s stated interests.