Job Information
Allen County Public Defender Assistant Public Defender in Lima, Ohio
DESCRIPTION: The Assistant Public Defender provides quality, diligent, and zealous legal representation for indigent defendants in Allen County, Ohio. DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: Represent indigent clients charged with misdemeanor, felony, and other qualifying offenses as assigned by the office. Represent clients in criminal matters from start to finish, including but not limited to meeting with clients, reviewing discovery, filing appropriate motions and pleadings, attending hearings, conducting pretrial conferences, engaging in plea negotiations, preparing cases for trial, examining witnesses, presenting evidence, presenting legal arguments, etc. Maintain competence in federal, state, and local legislation and case law. Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS: Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school. Admission to the Ohio Bar/Licensure to practice law in Ohio in good standing. Knowledge of criminal law. Ability to deal with many variables and determine specific action. Ability to research complex legal issues and prepare pleadings, motions, briefs, and memoranda. Ability to handle full range of legal issues, some without precedents, involving significant risks and intense personal pressure and requiring extensive ingenuity and initiative. Ability to handle sensitive contacts and communicate respectfully and effectively with clients and their families, prosecutor's office personnel, court personnel, and other members of the private bar. WORKING CONDITIONS: Requires visits to local jails to meet with clients and/or witnesses. May require travel throughout the State of Ohio to visit clients in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections. Working hours will be 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. However, the demands of representing trial-level clients do not always fit neatly into a predictable daily or weekly work schedule and may require occasional work in the evenings or weekends. BENFITS: Health, dental, vision and life insurance OPERS (Ohio Public Employees Retirement System) Position qualifies for PSLF (Public Service Loan Forgiveness) SALARY: The minimum starting salary for this position is $58,000 per year but is negotiable commensurate with relevant experience. To Apply: Email resume to kjsturgill@allencountyohio.com or Josh.Luke@jfs.ohio.gov