Assistant Public Defender - Ohio, United States
14 hours ago

Job description
You will serve in the courts of Trumbull County as a trial-level attorney that provides criminal defense representation to clients who cannot otherwise afford an attorney. 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.
To be successful in the position, you should thrive in a close-knit team environment and be interested in trial-level work and providing client service in a fast-paced work environment. You should 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, the following:
Prepare cases for trial
Communicate with clients
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
The Assistant Public Defender Position is assigned to the State of Ohio's E-1, Pay Range 13, presented below in table format. Starting pay 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 180 days and annually thereafter. We typically have fiscal year Cost of Living Adjustments as well.
Note: In the event a candidate demonstrates exceptional qualifications above minimum, they may qualify for a starting salary above step 1.
FY26 Pay Range Step 1Step 2Step 3Step 4 Step 5Step 6Step 7Step 8Hourly$35.68$37.62$39.68$41.82$44.17$46.55$48.47$50.75Annual$74,214$78,250$82,534$86,986$91,874$96,824$100,818$105,560The 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 Tamra Meister, ADA Coordinator, at or
PLEASE NOTE: A WRITING SAMPLE AND COVER LETTER MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH THIS APPLICATION. Your application will not be considered without a writing sample and cover letter.
Admission to Ohio bar pursuant to section 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
Job Skills: Attorney/Legal, Client Advocacy, Attention to Detail, Customer Focus, Problem Solving, Public Speaking, Reasoning
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