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State of Ohio · 12 hours ago

Assistant Public Defender - Appeals & Postconviction

Columbus, OH

Full-time

Onsite

Mid Level

$74K/yr - $106K/yr

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender is seeking a dedicated attorney to serve as an Assistant Public Defender in the Appeals & Postconviction Department. The role involves providing representation in various post-conviction proceedings and appeals, working on issues related to constitutional rights, and collaborating with trial counsel on complex legal matters.

GovernmentOffice Administration

Responsibilities

You generally act as sole counsel on direct appeal cases, but occasionally will work with co-counsel when appropriate

In pursuing an appeal, you will review the record of the case and all transcripts, meet with the client, conduct research and identify issues, draft the merit and reply briefs, and present oral arguments

You will also conduct merit reviews for cases that have potential merit for a discretionary appeal to the Ohio Supreme Court, may file jurisdictional memoranda in meritorious cases, and will pursue the appeal if the case is accepted

You are assigned to review the cases of individuals who have gone to trial, who may have claims that a violation of their constitutional rights occurred, which can be established by evidence outside of the trial record of the case

You may work with an investigator to identify, locate, and interview witnesses, and/or may secure affidavits from expert witnesses in support of a post-conviction petition

If the trial court grants an evidentiary hearing, you will participate in the hearing

You review cases for arguable merit for a variety of writ filings, including state and federal habeas petitions, mandamus actions, and writs of procedendo, as well as other non-traditional filings including temporary restraining orders and injunctions

You provide representation on various motions, including new trial motions, motions for the correction of jail-time credit, motions to vacate post-release control and judicial sanctions, etc

Qualification

Attorney/LegalClient AdvocacyLegal ResearchPersuasive WritingAnalyzationOrganizingPlanningVerbal CommunicationWritten Communication

Required

Admission to Ohio bar pursuant to section 4705.01

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

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 4705.01

Strong analytical skills

Adept at legal research and persuasive writing

Excellent interpersonal skills

Desire to expand one's legal knowledge and skills

Ability to accept constructive feedback

Valid driver's license and personal auto insurance coverage