Position Title: Assistant Public Defender (One position available)
Division: Lucas County Court of Common Pleas
Description: An Assistant Public Defender provides representation for indigent defendants that have been charged with criminal offenses, traffic offenses, or community control violations. On average, Assistant Public Defenders work three morning or afternoon dockets each week. In addition, this attorney shall devote a minimum of one morning or afternoon per week for clients meetings, jail visits, legal research/writing, motion practice, and trial/hearing preparation.
(Assistant Public Defenders may maintain a private practice but may not accept court appointed cases in criminal, traffic, or delinquency matters in the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas or in a municipal court located in Lucas County, Ohio)
Salary: $35,360.00, plus health benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life)
Position Title: Assistant Public Defender (One position available)
Division: Drug Court
Description: An Assistant Public Defender (Drug Court) represents clients that have been accepted into the Drug Court of the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas. This attorney will be assigned to work four (4) blocks of time per week including one treatment team meeting (Wednesday) and two court dockets (Thursday morning and afternoon). In addition, this attorney shall devote a minimum of one morning or afternoon per week to meet with new clients and to assist all clients in addressing issues that may arise, as appropriate. This attorney must advocate for the fair and equal treatment of our clients; commit to the program mission and goals; and work to ensure the success of our clients. Additionally, this attorney will allocate time to research, study, and identify best practices for our clients. Finally, this attorney must establish and maintain effective working relationships with judges, clients, prosecutors, behavioral health service providers, probation officers, court personnel; DART officers, and the other Assistant Public Defender (Drug Court). (Assistant Public Defenders may maintain a private practice but may not accept court appointed cases involving criminal or traffic matters in the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas or in a municipal court located in Lucas County, Ohio).
Salary: $35,360.00, plus health benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life)
Position Title: Assistant Public Defender (One position available)
Division: Sylvania Municipal Court
Description: An Assistant Public Defender provides representation for indigent defendants that have been charged with criminal offenses, traffic offenses, or probation violations. An Assistant Public Defender in Sylvania Municipal Court is assigned to work on Monday (morning), Wednesday (all day), and will designate a minimum of one morning or afternoon each week for legal research and writing, motion practice, client meetings, trial/hearing preparation, and other duties.
(Assistant Public Defenders may maintain a private practice but may not accept court appointed cases in criminal, traffic, or delinquency matters in the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas or in a municipal court located in Lucas County, Ohio)
Salary: $35,360.00, plus health benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life)
Position Title: TLAS Fellowship Program (4-8 positions available)
Division: Felony and Misdemeanor (Combination)
Description: The TLAS Fellowship Program provides meaningful training and experience for entry-level attorneys. Each Fellow will be paired with an attorney from the felony division and an attorney from the misdemeanor division. These pairings establish a mentoring relationship with experienced attorneys and provide a strong foundation for a career in criminal defense. Fellows will engage in client interviews; conduct arraignments and bond modification hearings; negotiate with prosecutors; research legal issues; participate in trials and suppression hearings; draft sentencing memorandum; and participate in sentencing hearings. Fellows must commit to a one-year term and typically work 16-20 hours each week, on average. Fellows are eligible to apply for permanent positions with The Toledo Legal Aid Society and, ideally, it is hoped that successful participants will continue their careers with our office (TLAS Fellowship program participants are encouraged to establish a private practice and they may accept court appointments. In addition, several TLAS Fellows have participated in the Toledo Bar Association (TBA) Fellowship Collaborative in addition to the TLAS Fellowship Program, for additional support and benefits. More information on how to apply for the Toledo Bar Association's Fellowship Collaborative can be found at https://www.toledobar.org/?pg=Fellowship-Collaborative )
Compensation: $26,000.00
The Toledo Legal Aid Society (TLAS) is a nationally recognized leader in criminal justice reform. In 2020, TLAS was awarded the Hodson Award from the American Bar Association for sustained and outstanding service by a public sector organization.
Toledo Legal Aid Society provides high quality legal representation to indigent persons that are charged with the commission of criminal or traffic offenses for which the penalty includes the potential for loss of liberty.
The Toledo Legal Aid Society actively recruits individuals that are passionate about defending the constitutional rights of individuals and are dedicated to helping others. Ideal candidates for TLAS positions are patient, creative, flexible, and resilient. Candidates that possess intellectual curiosity, are self-directed learners, and display excellent problem solving skills are encouraged to apply.
Candidates for the TLAS Fellowship Program positions and Assistant Public Defender positions must be licensed and in good standing with the Ohio Supreme Court. Graduates from an accredited college of law that are awaiting Ohio bar results; have a UBE score that transfers to Ohio; or are eligible for Practice Pending Admission will be considered.
A successful candidate must have the ability to make regularly scheduled court appearances; conduct case evaluation, investigation, and preparation including, but not limited to, witness interviews, legal research, and motion practice. Additionally, the candidate must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with prosecutors, judges, other professionals, clients, and the general public. Further, the candidate must have the ability to manage a moderate caseload (consistent with NAC standards) while maintaining adequate levels of communication and attention to individual clients and must possess excellent knowledge of criminal law, criminal procedure, and the Rules of Evidence.
Send resume and cover letter electronically, by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 5, 2022 to:
Email: [email protected]
Subject: Assistant Public Defender Positions OR TLAS Fellowship Program