The Toledo Legal Aid Society (TLAS) has been recognized locally, statewide, and nationally as a leader in criminal justice reform. In addition, TLAS has been a key stakeholder in criminal justice reform efforts in Lucas County, Ohio including, but not limited to, its involvement with the Safety & Justice Challenge.
POSITION TITLE: TLAS FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM (2-4 fellowships available)
DIVISION: Felony and Municipal (Combination)
DESCRIPTION: The TLAS Fellowship Program provides meaningful training and experience for entry-level attorneys. Each TLAS 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 as an Assistant Public Defender with TLAS. 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 work 38-40 hours per week, on average, and must commit to a one-year term. Ideally, successful TLAS Fellows will continue their careers as Assistant Public Defenders with our office.
Compensation: $73,500.00 (plus 401(K), Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance)
TLAS 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.
All candidates for the TLAS Fellowship Program position 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 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, September 26, 2025 to:
Email: [email protected]
Subject: TLAS Fellowship Program
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