Part-Time Staff Attorney

Career Opportunity

About the Role

The Ohio Justice & Policy Center seeks a dynamic and passionate Staff Attorney to join our team in Cleveland, Ohio. This position offers a unique opportunity to advocate for incarcerated individuals seeking release through various post-conviction remedies.

Responsibilities

• Carry a docket of approximately 6 to 12 client matters annually.
• Draft, file, and argue judicial release motions in Ohio courts.
• Prepare clients and their supporters for judicial proceedings and parole hearings.
• Prepare and present parole and clemency cases before the Ohio Parole Board, including SB256 hearings and full board hearings.
• Collaborate with the project's paralegal on intake, case development, rehabilitation portfolios, reentry plans, and mitigation records.
• Evaluate candidates against the project's selection criteria.
• Work with community partners and organizations to strengthen clients' release plans and post-release aftercare within the scope of representation.
• Participate in regular docket reviews and maintain case status in the project's tracking system.
• Assist with other OJPC litigation matters, grant reporting, and community or educational events as needed.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor or advanced law degree required.
• Admission to the Ohio Bar, or eligibility consistent with Ohio Supreme Court rules.
• Minimum 1 to 2 years of litigation experience on behalf of indigent defendants or others accused or convicted of crimes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently within a part-time schedule while collaborating closely with a small team.
• Ability to work with diverse populations and stakeholders in respectful, equitable, and inclusive ways.
• A demonstrated and abiding commitment to social justice.
• Experience with judicial release, resentencing, parole advocacy, or other post-conviction matters preferred.
• Experience conducting mitigation investigations or working with complex case records preferred.
• Experience supervising students or paralegals preferred.
• Bilingual Spanish skills are a plus.
• Returning citizens are strongly encouraged to apply.

Benefits

Salary Range: $36K-$38K (pro-rated for part-time schedule), based on experience and qualifications.

Location: Cleveland, Ohio | Hybrid work environment with a flexible part-time schedule of approximately 20 hours per week.

Pay

$36K-$38K (pro-rated for part-time schedule)

Schedule

Flexible part-time schedule of approximately 20 hours per week.