Temporary Project Innocence Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender (OPD) is seeking a dedicated attorney to serve as an Assistant Public Defender (APD) in the Wrongful Conviction Project (WCP) within our Appellate Services Division. The APD role involves evaluating applications for assistance, identifying potential innocence claims, and preparing cases for investigation and litigation. You will join a motivated, highly collaborative project team. The WCP is dedicated to identifying, investigating, and litigating cases of actual innocence for incarcerated people in Ohio. The Project also works to educate others on the causes and consequences of wrongful convictions and advocates for policy reform.

We are seeking candidates who demonstrate a passionate commitment to social justice and the goals, mission, and values of the WCP and the Office of the Ohio Public Defender. To be successful in the position, you will: have exceptional critical thinking and analytical skills; value working in a collaborative environment; possess superior skills in organization, planning, and attention to detail; have strong interpersonal skills; have the ability to communicate in a compassionate yet direct manner; and possess experience with data language tools, preferably experience with case management tools and searchable databases.

The essential job duties include but are not limited to the following:

        Provide rigorous legal defense and representation for indigent criminal defendants in state and federal court, as solo-counsel, lead counsel, or co-counsel at the appellate and post-conviction level

        Screen and evaluate claims of wrongful conviction

        Lead case teams in developing legal and investigation strategies for potential innocence litigation

        Work closely with investigators to investigate claims of wrongful conviction

        Conduct legal research, analyze, and interpret complex issues of law

and prepare briefs, memoranda, motions, and other pleadings subject to review

        Research areas of forensic science and medicine as needed to advocate for a particular client

        Lead other attorneys and staff in the formulation of legal, media, and advocacy strategies for a particular client and apply such strategies to attain successful representation for a particular client

        Prepare cases for oral arguments, hearing, or trial

        Conduct pre-trial conferences, hearings, and plea negotiations

        Conduct appeals, prepare motions for new trial, postconviction petitions, and conduct other postconviction matters

       Appear in court on behalf of indigent clients

        Assist in recruiting and training legal interns and students. Review and advise on casework of legal interns. Assign legal interns and other personnel the preparation of case files or collecting evidence or data for case work

        Answer inquiries from indigent incarcerated people concerning their wrongful incarceration and render legal advice to clients

        Answer phone calls and letters from indigent incarcerated people and their families while also preparing and sending appropriate letters that include an explanation of legal issues, close factors, status updates, and/or further options when necessary.

*Please submit a writing sample and cover letter with your application. Applications without these attachments will not be reviewed. Recent law school graduates awaiting bar results are encouraged to apply. *

Starting pay for this position will be at Step 1 unless required by contract/legislation; Candidates with exceptional qualifications may be considered for higher starting pay. Our steps give 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.

FY27 Wages

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Step 8

Hourly

$36.75$38.75$40.87$43.07$45.50$47.95$49.92$52.27

Annual

$76,440$80,660$85,010$89,586$94,640$99,736$103,834$108,722

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 the OPD HCM Department at 614-466-5394 or HCM@opd.ohio.gov.

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 4705.01.
Job Skills: Attorney/Legal, Client Advocacy, Verbal Communication, Analyzation, Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Organizing and Planning