• Represent indigent defendants in the direct appeal of their felony and misdemeanor convictions in the Eighth District Court of Appeals and the Ohio Supreme Court and occasionally federal court.
• Represent indigent criminal defendants in post-conviction matters in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court including, but not limited to, post-conviction petitions, motions for new trial, and state and federal habeas corpus proceedings.
• Represent indigent defendants in other post-conviction matters such as jail credit motions and expungement motions.
• Assist trial attorneys in the juvenile, municipal, and felony divisions on legal issues at the trial court-level including, in some cases, serving as trial co-counsel.
• Respond to requests for legal assistance from individuals with criminal issues who contact the Public Defender’s Office.
• Participate in community events and meetings related to the work of the Cuyahoga County Public Defender.
• Perform all other duties assigned, delegated or required of the assistant public defenders
• Significant legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills and experience
• Prior appellate and/or post-conviction litigation experience is preferred
• A demonstrated capacity to work creatively and collaboratively on legal issues confronting our indigent clients
• Commitment to social justice and defending the rights of indigent individuals charged and convicted of crimes
• Demonstrated understanding of the issues of race, poverty, mental health, and substance abuse as they relate to the criminal justice system
• Experience working in and with racially and socioeconomically marginalized communities
• Availability for court at all times court is open, and to meet and work outside the normal working hours if necessary
Proof of up to date COVID-19 vaccination required for employment.
All applications must be submitted by Friday August 11, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. and must include the following:
• A cover letter
• A resume
• Three references
• Two writing samples that reflects your legal research and writing ability as well as your capacity for persuasive writing
These materials should be addressed to the Chief Public Defender Cullen Sweeney and sent by email or mail at:
Cuyahoga County Public Defender
Courthouse Square
c/o Maria Pollman
310 W. Lakeside - Suite 400
Cleveland, Ohio 44113
If sending via email, please send your application packet to:
[email protected]