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. In addition, TLAS has been a key stakeholder in criminal justice reform efforts, including its involvement with the Safety & Justice Challenge, in Lucas County, Ohio.
TLAS recognizes that its employees value flexibility and balance in their professional and personal lives. Accordingly, TLAS provides a menu of EMPLOYMENT OPTIONS for its Assistant Public Defenders that include:
OPTION ONE: Reduced Full-Time positions: 20-22 hours/week (Private practice allowed);
OPTION TWO: Reduced Full-Time positions: 30 hours/week (Limited private practice allowed); and
OPTION THREE: Full-Time positions: 38-40 hours/week (No private practice allowed)
Position Title: ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER (Multiple positions available)
Division: Positions are available in the Felony, Municipal, Juvenile, and Drug Court divisions
Description: An Assistant Public Defender provides legal representation for indigent defendants that are charged with criminal offenses, probation/community control violations, delinquency charges, and traffic offenses that can result in a loss of liberty.
Compensation: Commensurate with experience and the EMPLOYMENT OPTION selected by each new hire (plus Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance)
Position Title: TLAS FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM (Multiple 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 municipal 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 20 hours/week, on average. In addition, TLAS Fellowship Program participants may establish/maintain a private practice and may accept court appointed cases.
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.
Compensation: $30,000.00 (plus Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance)
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 and display excellent problem-solving skills are encouraged to apply.
Candidates for the TLAS Fellowship Program 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.
Successful candidates 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, candidates must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with prosecutors, judges, other professionals, clients, and the general public. Further, candidates must have the ability to manage a moderate caseload 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 Friday, May 12, 2023 to:
Email: [email protected]
Subject: Assistant Public Defender Positions OR TLAS Fellowship Program