The Office of the Ohio Public Defender (OPD) is seeking a dedicated attorney to serve as an Assistant Public Defender (APD) in the Athens County office of our Trial Services Division. The APD will serve in the courts of Athens County (Common Pleas, Municipal, and Juvenile courts) as a trial-level attorney that provides criminal defense representation to clients who cannot otherwise afford an attorney. The APD position will represent indigent trial-level clients facing misdemeanor and felony criminal charges. 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.
The successful APD candidate will thrive in a close-knit team environment and be interested in trial-level work and providing client service in a fast-paced work environment. A successful candidate will also be eager to work with a supervisor to learn the intricacies of the position and succeed in providing high-quality representation.
Essential duties of this position include but are not limited to:
• Prepare cases for trial
• 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
**Please upload a cover letter and writing sample with your application. Applications without a cover letter and a writing sample will not be reviewed.**