Assistant Public Defender - Appeals & Postconviction at Ohio Department of Administrative Services

Columbus, Ohio, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

13 May, 26

Salary

105560.0

Posted On

12 Feb, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Attorney/Legal, Client Advocacy, Organizing and Planning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication, Analyzation

Industry

Government Administration

Description

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender is seeking an attorney to serve as an Assistant Public Defender in the Appeals & Postconviction Department. The Appeals & Postconviction Department represents clients in each of Ohio’s twelve appellate districts as well as the Ohio Supreme Court. The APC Department primarily represents adults in the direct appeal of their conviction following a trial. In 2025, nearly every Assistant Public Defender argued a case in the Ohio Supreme Court, and every attorney argued at least one case in an intermediate court of appeals. On a case-by-case basis, the APC Department also files postconviction petitions, state and federal writs, and other motions to address deprivations of statutory and constitutional rights. Through this work, the APC Department has obtained new trials, reduced jail terms and prison sentences, and developed caselaw benefiting people throughout Ohio. Assistant Public Defenders manage their own caseload under the supervision of an experienced supervising attorney. They travel to review the trial record, identify possible appellate claims, consult with the client, draft the appellate briefs, and present oral argument. They also file postconviction petitions and other pleadings as appropriate, participate in moot arguments, and collaborate with colleagues from across the agency. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated a commitment to indigent defense. The candidate also will have strong analytical skills and be adept at legal research and persuasive writing. Excellent interpersonal skills, a desire to expand one’s legal knowledge and skills, and an appreciation for constructive feedback are also valued. Required Documents To apply, please upload and attach a resume, cover letter, and writing sample. Applications without these materials will not be reviewed. Salary Compensation for this position is set by the State of Ohio E1 Exempt Pay Schedule and currently ranges from $74,214 to $105,560. Starting pay may vary based on your relevant experience and state procedures. After you start, you move to the next step in the range after 180 days and annually thereafter. We typically have fiscal year Cost of Living Adjustments as well. FY26 Pay Range Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Step 7 Step 8 Hourly $35.68 $37.62 $39.68 $41.82 $44.17 $46.55 $48.47 $50.75 Annual $74,214 $78,250 $82,534 $86,986 $91,874 $96,824 $100,818 $105,560 The Office of the Ohio Public Defender complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact us at 614-466-5394 or HCM@opd.ohio.gov. Admission to Ohio bar pursuant to section 4705.01. Note: 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. Note: 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. Job Skills: Attorney/Legal, Client Advocacy, Organizing and Planning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication and Analyzation.

Responsibilities

Assistant Public Defenders manage their own caseload under supervision, travel to review trial records, draft appellate briefs, and present oral arguments. They also file postconviction petitions and collaborate with colleagues across the agency.