Assistant Public Defender - Wrongful Conviction Project

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender (OPD) is seeking a dedicated attorney to serve as an Assistant Public Defender (APD) in the Wrongful Conviction Project (WCP) within the Appellate Services Division. The WCP is dedicated to identifying, investigating, and litigating cases of actual innocence for incarcerated people in Ohio. The Project also works to educate others on the causes and consequences of wrongful convictions and advocates for policy reform.

About the role

You will join a motivated, highly collaborative project team. The APD role involves evaluating applications for assistance, identifying potential innocence claims, and preparing cases for investigation and litigation. We are seeking candidates who demonstrate a passionate commitment to social justice and the goals, mission, and values of the WCP and the Office of the Ohio Public Defender.

To be successful in the position, you will: have exceptional critical thinking and analytical skills; value working in a collaborative environment; possess superior skills in organization, planning, and attention to detail; have strong interpersonal skills; have the ability to communicate in a compassionate yet direct manner; and possess experience with data language tools, preferably experience with case management tools and searchable databases.

Responsibilities

• Provide rigorous legal defense and representation for indigent criminal defendants in state and federal court, as solo-counsel, lead counsel, or co-counsel at the appellate and post-conviction level
• Screen and evaluate claims of wrongful conviction
• Lead case teams in developing legal and investigation strategies for potential innocence litigation
• Work closely with investigators to investigate claims of wrongful conviction
• Conduct legal research, analyze, and interpret complex issues of law and prepare briefs, memoranda, motions, and other pleadings subject to review
• Research areas of forensic science and medicine as needed to advocate for a particular client
• Lead other attorneys and staff in the formulation of legal, media, and advocacy strategies for a particular client and apply such strategies to attain successful representation
• Prepare cases for oral arguments, hearing, or trial
• Conduct pre-trial conferences, hearings, and plea negotiations
• Conduct appeals, prepare motions for new trial, postconviction petitions, and conduct other postconviction matters
• Appear in court on behalf of indigent clients
• Assist in recruiting and training legal interns and students
• Review and advise on casework of legal interns
• Assign legal interns and other personnel the preparation of case files or collecting evidence or data for case work
• Answer inquiries from indigent incarcerated people concerning their wrongful incarceration and render legal advice to clients
• Answer phone calls and letters from indigent incarcerated people and their families while also preparing and sending appropriate letters that include an explanation of legal issues, close factors, status updates, and/or further options when necessary

Requirements

• Admission to Ohio bar pursuant to section 4705.01
• 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 4705.01
• 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
• Recent law school graduates awaiting bar results are encouraged to apply

Skills

• Attorney/Legal
• Client Advocacy
• Verbal Communication
• Analyzation
• Critical Thinking
• Collaboration
• Organizing and Planning

Pay

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. Steps provide a standard path for earnings growth: you move to the next step after 6 months and annually thereafter. The office typically has fiscal year Cost of Living Adjustments.

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

Schedule

Full-time

Agency Overview

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender (OPD) is the state agency responsible for providing legal representation and other services to people accused or convicted of a crime who cannot afford to hire an attorney.

Mission: Advocating. Fighting. Helping.

Vision: A Fair Justice System.

Values: Compassion. Dignity. Equity. Integrity. Service. Community.

We are committed to building a work environment where all team members have a voice and can embrace our differences to innovate service to the public in our pursuit of fairness and justice for all people.