Paralegal/Legal Assistant 2 - Death Penalty Department

About the Role

The Death Penalty Department represents death-sentenced clients in all stages of post-trial litigation and executive clemency, including direct appeal, post-conviction, and federal habeas corpus litigation. The department emphasizes a client-centered, team approach to representation and is comprised of three core positions and 14 attorneys. You will support the department by providing paralegal, clerical, and administrative support to department attorneys, working closely with them to draft, proof, and file legal motions, reports, and correspondence. Familiarity with the legal system and courts of Ohio, along with strong organizational and communication skills, will help you succeed in this role.

Responsibilities

• Prepares or assists in preparing appellate briefs and other pleadings.
• Compiles and produces appendix materials for briefs according to various court rules.
• Prepares legal reports and letters for court filings or office dissemination.
• Assists in maintaining the department’s digital case management and docketing system.
• Conducts legal research using legal research tools, computer applications, and online databases.
• Maintains a due date calendar of important case-related deadlines.
• Transcribes, formats, types, and proofs documents requiring legal terminology.
• Prepares business letters from written copy for department attorneys to prosecutors, courts, investigators, and other defense attorneys.
• Proofreads final written material for completeness and accuracy.
• Acts as a liaison between department attorneys and courts.
• Files legal documents electronically in federal and state courts.
• Screens calls and visitors for department attorneys.
• Provides logistical support for video conferences.
• Maintains calendars of appointments for department attorneys.
• Makes travel arrangements and provides related logistical support for attorneys.
• Sorts and distributes mail.
• Attends department and agency meetings.

Requirements

• Familiarity with the legal system and courts of Ohio.
• Organizational and communication skills to track projects across multiple attorneys and clients.
• Experience with case management systems and exposure to the appellate and post-conviction process (highly valued).
• Legal knowledge and aptitude for drafting, proofing, and filing legal documents.

Pay

This position is assigned to the State of Ohio’s OCSEA Pay Range 29. Starting pay 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, advancing after 180 days and annually thereafter. Fiscal year Cost of Living Adjustments are typically included.

Step Hourly Annual 1 $24.54 $51,750 2 $25.61 $53,269 3 $26.54 $55,203 4 $27.56 $57,325 5 $28.76 $59,821 6 $30.10 $62,608 7 $31.47 $65,458