Assistant Public Defender - Athens Co. at Ohio Department of Administrative Services

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Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

22 Apr, 26

Salary

74214.0

Posted On

22 Jan, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Attorney/Legal, Client Advocacy, Analyzation, Collaboration, Responsiveness, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

Industry

Government Administration

Description

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender (OPD) is seeking a dedicated attorney to serve as an Assistant Public Defender (APD) in the Athens County office of our Trial Services Division. The APD will serve in the courts of Athens County (Common Pleas, Municipal, and Juvenile courts) as a trial-level attorney that provides criminal defense representation to clients who cannot otherwise afford an attorney. The APD position will represent indigent trial-level clients facing misdemeanor and felony criminal charges. Note: the position does not involve trial-level representation in federal court and does not involve post-trial representation on direct appeal, state post-conviction, or federal habeas litigation. The successful APD candidate will thrive in a close-knit team environment and be interested in trial-level work and providing client service in a fast-paced work environment. A successful candidate will also be eager to work with a supervisor to learn the intricacies of the position and succeed in providing high-quality representation. Essential duties of this position include but are not limited to: • Prepare cases for trial • Try cases as lead counsel or as co-counsel • Represent clients in community control violations • Conduct arraignments, pre-trial conferences, hearings, and plea negotiations • Examine witnesses • Present legal arguments and evidence **Please upload a cover letter and writing sample with your application. Applications without a cover letter and a writing sample will not be reviewed.** 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. Our steps give a standard path for earnings growth: you move to the next step after 180 days and annually thereafter. We typically have fiscal year Cost of Living Adjustments as well. FY26 Wages 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, Analyzation, Collaboration, Responsiveness, Verbal Communication, Written Communication.

Responsibilities

The Assistant Public Defender will prepare cases for trial, represent clients in various court proceedings, and conduct hearings and plea negotiations. The role involves working closely with a supervisor to ensure high-quality representation for indigent clients.