Public Defender Commission
Assistant Public Defender – Trumbull County Office
Public Defender Commission, Frankfort, Kentucky, United States
Overview
You will serve in the courts of Trumbull County as a trial-level attorney that provides criminal defense representation to clients who cannot otherwise afford an attorney. Note: the position does not involve trial-level representation in federal court and does not involve post-trial representation on direct appeal, state post-conviction, or federal habeas litigation. To be successful in the position, you should thrive in a close-knit team environment and be interested in trial-level work and providing client service in a fast-paced work environment. You should also be eager to work with a supervisor to learn the intricacies of the position and succeed in providing high-quality representation. Responsibilities
Prepare cases for trial Communicate with clients Try cases as lead counsel or as co-counsel Represent clients in community control violations Conduct arraignments, pre-trial conferences, hearings, and plea negotiations Examine witnesses Present legal arguments and evidence Compensation
The Assistant Public Defender position is assigned to the State of Ohio’s E-1, Pay Range 13. Starting pay will be at Step 1 unless required by contract/legislation; candidates with exceptional qualifications may be considered for higher starting pay. Our steps provide a standard path for earnings growth: you move to the next step after 6 months and annually thereafter. We typically have fiscal year Cost of Living Adjustments as well. Note: In the event a candidate demonstrates exceptional qualifications above minimum, they may qualify for a starting salary above step 1. FY26 Pay Range: Step 1 to Step 8 with corresponding hourly and annual salaries: Hourly: $35.68, $37.62, $39.68, $41.82, $44.17, $46.55, $48.47, $50.75 Annual: $74,214, $78,250, $82,534, $86,986, $91,874, $96,824, $100,818, $105,560 Requirements and Work Environment
The Office of the Ohio Public Defender complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Tamra Meister, ADA Coordinator, at 614-466-5394 or . PLEASE NOTE: A WRITING SAMPLE AND COVER LETTER MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH THIS APPLICATION. Your application will not be considered without a writing sample and cover letter. Law school graduates awaiting results from the July 2025 Ohio bar examination are encouraged to apply. Qualifications
Admission to Ohio bar pursuant to section 4705.01. Note: 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. Note: 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 4705.02. Job Skills: Attorney/Legal, Attention to Detail, Customer Focus, Problem Solving, Public Speaking, Reasoning Public Defender Commission
#J-18808-Ljbffr
You will serve in the courts of Trumbull County as a trial-level attorney that provides criminal defense representation to clients who cannot otherwise afford an attorney. Note: the position does not involve trial-level representation in federal court and does not involve post-trial representation on direct appeal, state post-conviction, or federal habeas litigation. To be successful in the position, you should thrive in a close-knit team environment and be interested in trial-level work and providing client service in a fast-paced work environment. You should also be eager to work with a supervisor to learn the intricacies of the position and succeed in providing high-quality representation. Responsibilities
Prepare cases for trial Communicate with clients Try cases as lead counsel or as co-counsel Represent clients in community control violations Conduct arraignments, pre-trial conferences, hearings, and plea negotiations Examine witnesses Present legal arguments and evidence Compensation
The Assistant Public Defender position is assigned to the State of Ohio’s E-1, Pay Range 13. Starting pay will be at Step 1 unless required by contract/legislation; candidates with exceptional qualifications may be considered for higher starting pay. Our steps provide a standard path for earnings growth: you move to the next step after 6 months and annually thereafter. We typically have fiscal year Cost of Living Adjustments as well. Note: In the event a candidate demonstrates exceptional qualifications above minimum, they may qualify for a starting salary above step 1. FY26 Pay Range: Step 1 to Step 8 with corresponding hourly and annual salaries: Hourly: $35.68, $37.62, $39.68, $41.82, $44.17, $46.55, $48.47, $50.75 Annual: $74,214, $78,250, $82,534, $86,986, $91,874, $96,824, $100,818, $105,560 Requirements and Work Environment
The Office of the Ohio Public Defender complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Tamra Meister, ADA Coordinator, at 614-466-5394 or . PLEASE NOTE: A WRITING SAMPLE AND COVER LETTER MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH THIS APPLICATION. Your application will not be considered without a writing sample and cover letter. Law school graduates awaiting results from the July 2025 Ohio bar examination are encouraged to apply. Qualifications
Admission to Ohio bar pursuant to section 4705.01. Note: 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. Note: 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 4705.02. Job Skills: Attorney/Legal, Attention to Detail, Customer Focus, Problem Solving, Public Speaking, Reasoning Public Defender Commission
#J-18808-Ljbffr