
Assistant Public Defender - Athens Co.
State of Ohio, Frankfort, KY, United States
Assistant Public Defender (APD)
The Office of the Ohio Public Defender (OPD) is seeking a dedicated attorney to serve as an Assistant Public Defender in the Athens County office of our Trial Services Division. The APD will represent indigent trial‑level clients facing misdemeanor and felony criminal charges in Athens County courts (Common Pleas, Municipal, and Juvenile). The position does not involve trial‑level representation in federal court or post‑trial representation on direct appeal, state post‑conviction, or federal habeas litigation. Responsibilities
Prepare cases for trial Try cases as lead counsel or co‑counsel Represent clients in community control violations Conduct arraignments, pre‑trial conferences, hearings, and plea negotiations Examine witnesses Present legal arguments and evidence Qualifications
Admission to the Ohio Bar pursuant to Section 4705.01 (other accepted credentials listed below) Strong analytical, collaborative, responsive, verbal, and written communication skills Experience or strong interest in criminal defense at the trial level Additional Eligibility
Practicing under a Certificate to Practice Law Pending Admission in Ohio, a Temporary Certification, or other temporary credentials may be accepted in lieu of admission to the Ohio Bar. Compensation
Starting pay at Step 1 (approx. $74,214 annually). Steps and salary progression: Step 2: $78,250; Step 3: $82,534; Step 4: $86,986; Step 5: $91,874; Step 6: $96,824; Step 7: $100,818; Step 8: $105,560. Pay increases occur every 180 days and then annually. Cost of Living Adjustments are provided annually. Application Requirements
Cover letter Writing sample (demonstrating legal writing and client advocacy) Equity & Accessibility Statement
The Office of the Ohio Public Defender complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. Contact 614-466-4 or HCM@opd.ohio.gov for accommodations. Legal & Compliance
Applicants must be admitted to practice federal courts if representing clients in federal court, and must meet applicable certification requirements for appellate counsel in capital cases. Professional Skills
Analytical Collaboration Responsiveness Verbal Communication Written Communication
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The Office of the Ohio Public Defender (OPD) is seeking a dedicated attorney to serve as an Assistant Public Defender in the Athens County office of our Trial Services Division. The APD will represent indigent trial‑level clients facing misdemeanor and felony criminal charges in Athens County courts (Common Pleas, Municipal, and Juvenile). The position does not involve trial‑level representation in federal court or post‑trial representation on direct appeal, state post‑conviction, or federal habeas litigation. Responsibilities
Prepare cases for trial Try cases as lead counsel or co‑counsel Represent clients in community control violations Conduct arraignments, pre‑trial conferences, hearings, and plea negotiations Examine witnesses Present legal arguments and evidence Qualifications
Admission to the Ohio Bar pursuant to Section 4705.01 (other accepted credentials listed below) Strong analytical, collaborative, responsive, verbal, and written communication skills Experience or strong interest in criminal defense at the trial level Additional Eligibility
Practicing under a Certificate to Practice Law Pending Admission in Ohio, a Temporary Certification, or other temporary credentials may be accepted in lieu of admission to the Ohio Bar. Compensation
Starting pay at Step 1 (approx. $74,214 annually). Steps and salary progression: Step 2: $78,250; Step 3: $82,534; Step 4: $86,986; Step 5: $91,874; Step 6: $96,824; Step 7: $100,818; Step 8: $105,560. Pay increases occur every 180 days and then annually. Cost of Living Adjustments are provided annually. Application Requirements
Cover letter Writing sample (demonstrating legal writing and client advocacy) Equity & Accessibility Statement
The Office of the Ohio Public Defender complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. Contact 614-466-4 or HCM@opd.ohio.gov for accommodations. Legal & Compliance
Applicants must be admitted to practice federal courts if representing clients in federal court, and must meet applicable certification requirements for appellate counsel in capital cases. Professional Skills
Analytical Collaboration Responsiveness Verbal Communication Written Communication
#J-18808-Ljbffr