The Ohio Public Defender’s Office is looking for an experienced attorney to serve as a Supervising Assistant Public Defender in the Appeals and Postconviction Section (APC) of our Legal Department. The APC Section litigates in Ohio’s state and federal courts on behalf of people who have been convicted of crimes. Our practice includes both direct appeals of convictions and collateral attacks on convictions, with an eye towards remedying systemic issues that exist within the criminal justice system. You will report to the Managing Attorney of the Legal Department and will be part of the APC supervising team that is jointly responsible for identifying litigation opportunities, consulting with Ohio’s criminal defense bar, and supporting/coaching attorneys providing direct representation.
We are looking for candidates who possess and exercise leadership skills in order to effectively supervise Assistant Public Defenders and who can ensure that the agency’s mission and values are communicated to staff, integrated into their goals, and reflected in their work on behalf of clients. The position, which is based in Columbus, currently offers you the opportunity to work from home for a portion of time, so a successful candidate will also be self-motivated and comfortable communicating via Microsoft Teams or other conferencing software during those times.
The duties for this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Supervise appellate staff attorneys who provide post-trial representation in non-capital felony cases. Primary supervisory duties include reviewing and assigning cases to attorneys (taking into account case complexity, caseloads, experience level and expertise of supervisees, etc.) and reviewing, editing, and approving work product drafted by staff attorneys; and assisting attorneys in preparing for oral argument. Supervising duties also include completing timely annual performance evaluations, working with employees to set performance goals, coaching to develop performance, prioritizing and approving work schedules, identifying and/or approving training opportunities for staff, approving work and leave time for payroll purposes, and carrying out other administrative tasks, potentially including the initiation of disciplinary actions.
• Represent clients in post-trial representation in non-capital felony cases, which involves conducting legal research and preparing briefs, motions, memoranda and pleadings; arguing complex cases in the Court of Appeals, the Ohio Supreme Court, and the federal courts; consult with expert witnesses; and meet with clients in prison or jail settings and provide them with legal advice.
• Respond to inquiries from county public defenders and private-practice counsel regarding various procedural and substantive aspects of criminal law. Supervisors are also expected to create and manage targeted contacts in specific areas throughout the state to be aware of issues attorneys are facing in courts and in their communities.
• Collect and track data to allow for statistical analysis of caseloads and workflow. May assist Policy and Outreach Division in drafting or commenting on proposed legislation. Appear at CLE seminars as a presenter on behalf of the State Public Defender. Work individually or collaboratively on special projects at the request of the Department Chief or State Public Defender.
• Serve as project leader and manager for various litigation projects in the Legal Department, to include litigation strategies in response to Ohio legislation and various superior court decisions, as well as developing litigation to address systemic criminal justice issues in Ohio.
• Serve as a leader in the Legal Department and throughout OPD, helping to promote our mission, vision, and values throughout the Agency. This includes fostering community within the department and helping to reach the rest of the agency through networking and cross-departmental work.
Interested individuals can apply at the careers.ohio.gov website. Deadline for applications is 12/4/22.
The following are the minimum qualifications for this position:
Admission to Ohio Bar pursuant to Section 4705.01; 3 yrs. exp. as licensed attorney practicing criminal law; 6 mos. experience or 6 mos. training in supervisor principles & techniques
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 4705.02.
Interested individuals can apply at the careers.ohio.gov website. Deadline for applications is 12/4/22.