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 Appeals & Postconviction Department provides representation in noncapital,
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
Assistant Public Defender – Appeals &
Postconviction
(250009HI)
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, and these group litigation projects will include both
supervisors and attorneys with varying levels of experience.
The most common day-to-day work for the position relates to the following types of legal
filings/cases:
· Direct Appeal: 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.
· Post-Conviction: 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.
· Federal and State Writs and Other Forms of Relief: 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.
· Motions: 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.
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
and are adept at legal research and persuasive writing. Further, excellent interpersonal skills,
a desire to expand one’s legal knowledge and skills, and an ability to accept constructive
feedback are valuable attributes.
The position requires travel throughout the state of Ohio to review court records, participate in
court hearings and oral arguments, and visit clients who are 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 valid driver’s license and personal auto
insurance coverage.
**In your application, please upload and attach a cover letter and a writing sample.
Applications without a cover letter and writing sample will not be reviewed.**