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National Legal Aid & Defender Association · 8 hours ago

Assistant Public Defender - Appeals & Postconviction

Columbus, OH

Full-time

Onsite

Mid Level

The National Legal Aid & Defender Association is seeking a dedicated attorney to serve as an Assistant Public Defender in the Appeals & Postconviction Department. This role involves providing representation in post-conviction cases, conducting legal research, and drafting briefs for appeals while working on a variety of systemic issues related to criminal justice.

LegalNon Profit

Senior Management

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

Legal researchPersuasive writingAnalytical skillsPost-conviction representationDirect appeal litigationCommitment to indigent defenseInterpersonal skillsAccept feedback