National Legal Aid & Defender Association
Assistant Public Defender - Appeals & Postconviction
National Legal Aid & Defender Association, Columbus, Ohio, United States, 43224
Assistant Public Defender - Appeals & Postconviction
Position Description
The Office of the Ohio Public Defender (OPD) is seeking a dedicated attorney to serve as an Assistant Public Defender (APD) in the Appeals & Postconviction Department, Appellate Services Division. The department provides representation in non‑capital, post‑trial cases. Assistant Public Defenders review cases for deprivations of statutory and constitutional rights and litigate those with arguable merit. We routinely practice in each of Ohio’s state appellate courts and have a well‑developed practice in the Supreme Court of Ohio on behalf of indigent people who have been convicted of crimes. We may consult with trial counsel on particularly complex legal issues.
As an APD in the Appeals & Postconviction Department, you will provide representation in a wide range of proceedings occurring after a client has been convicted of one or more misdemeanor or felony crimes. You will work on a variety of postconviction issues, including inadequate pretrial investigations, misuse of forensic evidence, and other systemic problems related to race in the criminal justice system, criminalization of poverty, and criminal defense immigration consequences. You will work individually on cases as well as in a group setting on projects reviewing larger issues; these group litigation projects will include supervisors and attorneys with varying levels of experience.
Most common day‑to‑day work relates to the following types of legal filings and cases:
Direct Appeal : You generally act as sole counsel on direct appeal cases, but occasionally will work with co‑counsel when appropriate. You review the record and transcripts, meet with the client, conduct research, identify issues, draft merit and reply briefs, and present oral arguments. You may also conduct merit reviews for discretionary appeals to the Ohio Supreme Court, file jurisdictional memoranda in meritorious cases, and pursue the appeal if the case is accepted.
Post‑Conviction : You review cases of individuals who have gone to trial and may have claims that a violation of their constitutional rights occurred, including evidence outside of the trial record. You may work with an investigator to identify, locate, and interview witnesses, and/or 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.
Federal and State Writs and Other Relief : You review cases for arguable merit involving state and federal habeas petitions, mandamus actions, writs of procedendo, and other non‑traditional filings such as temporary restraining orders and injunctions.
Motions : You provide representation on various motions, including new trial motions, motions to correct jail‑time credit, motions to vacate post‑release control, and motions to address judicial sanctions.
We are looking for zealous, creative attorneys who have a commitment to indigent defense and compassion for their clients. Successful candidates will also have strong analytical skills, be adept at legal research and persuasive writing, and possess excellent interpersonal skills. A desire to expand one’s legal knowledge and ability to accept constructive feedback are valuable attributes.
The position requires travel throughout Ohio to review court records, participate in court hearings and oral arguments, and visit clients incarcerated in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. The agency maintains a fleet of vehicles for you to reserve; use of a fleet vehicle requires evidence of a valid driver’s license and personal auto insurance coverage.
Seniority level Entry level
Employment type Temporary
Job function Legal
Industry Non‑profit Organizations
Location & Salary: Columbus, OH – $75,000.00‑$95,000.00
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The Office of the Ohio Public Defender (OPD) is seeking a dedicated attorney to serve as an Assistant Public Defender (APD) in the Appeals & Postconviction Department, Appellate Services Division. The department provides representation in non‑capital, post‑trial cases. Assistant Public Defenders review cases for deprivations of statutory and constitutional rights and litigate those with arguable merit. We routinely practice in each of Ohio’s state appellate courts and have a well‑developed practice in the Supreme Court of Ohio on behalf of indigent people who have been convicted of crimes. We may consult with trial counsel on particularly complex legal issues.
As an APD in the Appeals & Postconviction Department, you will provide representation in a wide range of proceedings occurring after a client has been convicted of one or more misdemeanor or felony crimes. You will work on a variety of postconviction issues, including inadequate pretrial investigations, misuse of forensic evidence, and other systemic problems related to race in the criminal justice system, criminalization of poverty, and criminal defense immigration consequences. You will work individually on cases as well as in a group setting on projects reviewing larger issues; these group litigation projects will include supervisors and attorneys with varying levels of experience.
Most common day‑to‑day work relates to the following types of legal filings and cases:
Direct Appeal : You generally act as sole counsel on direct appeal cases, but occasionally will work with co‑counsel when appropriate. You review the record and transcripts, meet with the client, conduct research, identify issues, draft merit and reply briefs, and present oral arguments. You may also conduct merit reviews for discretionary appeals to the Ohio Supreme Court, file jurisdictional memoranda in meritorious cases, and pursue the appeal if the case is accepted.
Post‑Conviction : You review cases of individuals who have gone to trial and may have claims that a violation of their constitutional rights occurred, including evidence outside of the trial record. You may work with an investigator to identify, locate, and interview witnesses, and/or 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.
Federal and State Writs and Other Relief : You review cases for arguable merit involving state and federal habeas petitions, mandamus actions, writs of procedendo, and other non‑traditional filings such as temporary restraining orders and injunctions.
Motions : You provide representation on various motions, including new trial motions, motions to correct jail‑time credit, motions to vacate post‑release control, and motions to address judicial sanctions.
We are looking for zealous, creative attorneys who have a commitment to indigent defense and compassion for their clients. Successful candidates will also have strong analytical skills, be adept at legal research and persuasive writing, and possess excellent interpersonal skills. A desire to expand one’s legal knowledge and ability to accept constructive feedback are valuable attributes.
The position requires travel throughout Ohio to review court records, participate in court hearings and oral arguments, and visit clients incarcerated in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. The agency maintains a fleet of vehicles for you to reserve; use of a fleet vehicle requires evidence of a valid driver’s license and personal auto insurance coverage.
Seniority level Entry level
Employment type Temporary
Job function Legal
Industry Non‑profit Organizations
Location & Salary: Columbus, OH – $75,000.00‑$95,000.00
#J-18808-Ljbffr