Supervising Assistant Public Defender - Athens County Office

State of Ohio; Athens (OH); On-site; USD 78,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Ohio is seeking a Supervising Assistant Public Defender for the Athens County Office. This full-time role involves supervising attorneys, maintaining caseloads, and representing clients in court. Ideal candidates will possess strong leadership and legal skills, with a commitment to public service. The position offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, ensuring a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plans

Qualifications

• Must be admitted to Ohio Bar with at least 3 years of criminal law practice.
• Experience in training and development required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Assistant Public Defenders and maintain a complex caseload.
• Represent indigent clients as lead or co-counsel.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Legal Knowledge

Problem Solving

Education

Ohio Bar Admission

3 Years Criminal Law Practice

Job description

Job Description - Supervising Assistant Public Defender - Athens County Office (250003L1)

Organization: Public Defender Commission

Agency Contact Name and Information: Joshua Barton, [e-mail]

Unposting Date: May 19, 2025, 11:59:00 PM

Primary Location: United States of America-OHIO-Athens County-Athens

Compensation: $78,062 - $111,446

Schedule: Full-time

Union: Exempt from Union

Primary Job Skill: Attorney/Legal

Technical Skills: Attorney/Legal

Professional Skills: Coaching, Customer Focus, Developing Others, Problem Solving, Reasoning

Agency Overview

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender (OPD) is responsible for providing legal representation and services to those who cannot afford an attorney. Our mission is advocating, fighting, helping; our vision is a fair justice system; our values include compassion, dignity, equity, integrity, service, and community. We are committed to an inclusive work environment that embraces diversity to improve public service.

Follow OPD on social media and visit our website

Job Description

You will supervise Assistant Public Defenders, maintain a complex caseload, and serve as a member of the Athens County leadership team reporting to the Office Director. The office provides criminal defense to clients who cannot afford an attorney. Responsibilities include supervising attorneys, building relationships with court staff, and representing indigent clients as lead or co-counsel.

Ideal candidates will have strong leadership, communication skills, familiarity with local court procedures, experience in mentoring attorneys, and strong legal knowledge.

This is an in-office position, with office hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and standard attorney hours between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Essential duties include:

1. Participating in office leadership, decision-making, and policy implementation.
2. Supervising attorneys practicing in Athens County courts, including coaching, developing staff, and hiring.
3. Representing indigent clients at trial as co-counsel or lead counsel, conducting legal research, preparing legal documents, and communicating with clients.
4. Performing related legal and administrative work as directed by supervisors.

The position is on the State of Ohio’s E1 Pay Schedule, Pay Range 14. Starting salary is at the minimum ($37.53/hour), with increases based on tenure and performance. Exceptional qualifications may qualify for a higher starting salary.

Note: Candidates with exceptional qualifications may be considered for a salary above the minimum.

Pay Range FY25:

• Step 1: $37.53/hr, $78,062/year
• Step 2: $39.67/hr, $82,514/year
• Step 3: $41.80/hr, $86,944/year
• Step 4: $44.07/hr, $91,666/year
• Step 5: $46.56/hr, $96,845/year
• Step 6: $49.15/hr, $102,232/year
• Step 7: $51.19/hr, $106,475/year
• Step 8: $53.58/hr, $111,446/year

The Ohio Public Defender complies with disability laws and offers reasonable accommodations. Contact [e-mail] for accommodations.

Why Work for the State of Ohio

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid time off, holidays, parental leave, development opportunities, and retirement plans. Benefits depend on employment status and eligibility.

Qualifications

Must be admitted to Ohio Bar, with at least 3 years of criminal law practice and 6 months in training and development. Additional requirements include federal court admission, appellate certification, or provisional practice eligibility. Relevant legal skills include legal research, client communication, and courtroom representation.

Supplemental Information

Misrepresentation or falsification on application disqualifies candidates. Final candidates will undergo background checks and drug testing. This is an unclassified position serving at the discretion of the State Public Defender, with fiduciary responsibilities.

ADA and Drug-Free Workplace Statements

We are committed to inclusion, providing reasonable accommodations, and maintaining a drug-free workplace per state policies.