Assistant Public Defender 2 - Wrongful Conviction

Primary Location: United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus
Organization: Public Defender Commission
Classified Indicator: Unclassified
Bargaining Unit / Exempt: Exempt
Schedule: Full-time
Work Hours: 8am-5pm
Compensation: $17.89 - $54.09
Unposting Date: Aug 23, 2021, 11:59:00 PM
Job Function: Attorney/Legal
Job Level: Individual Contributor

Agency Contact Name: Cherish Berry
Agency Contact Information: 614-466-5394

Assistant Public Defender 2 - Wrongful Conviction
(210004QP)

Job Duties

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender seeks a committed, compassionate advocate for an Assistant Public Defender 2 (APD2) position for the Wrongful Conviction Project (WCP). 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.

A successful APD2 in the Wrongful Conviction Project must exhibit a strong commitment to indigent defense. They will possess excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrate compassion for the WCP’s clients, their families, and all people who ask the WCP for assistance. They must have strong analytical skills, think creatively, be adept at legal research and writing, and have comfort advocating for clients in court. The position currently offers you the opportunity to work from home for a portion of time each week, so a successful candidate will also be self-motivated and comfortable communicating via Teams or other conferencing software during those times. The WCP takes a collaborative approach to the analysis and investigation of innocence claims, and the APD2 will play a key role in those collaborations. The APD2 will work closely with the Project’s Director, attorneys, and investigator, as well as law students, as cases are reviewed and investigated.

Essential job duties include but are not limited to:

Screen and evaluate claims of wrongful conviction
Research, analyze, and interpret very complex issues of law. Prepare briefs, memoranda, motions, and other pleadings subject to review (e .g., work as co-counsel or lead counsel on criminal cases at the trial, appellate, and post-conviction level)
Help lead other attorneys and staff in forming legal strategies for a particular client
Research areas of forensic science and medicine as needed to advocate for particular clients
Work with investigators to investigate claims of wrongful conviction
Render legal advice to clients in conjunction with senior attorneys (e.g., correspond and meet with clients to explain legal strategies and obtain clients' input and approval)
Appear in state and federal courts to represent indigent criminal defendants (e.g. oral arguments, hearings, trials, other proceedings)
Assist county public defenders and members of the private bar in researching complex legal issues and preparing briefs, memoranda, and motions
Under general supervision, prepare motions for new trial, postconviction petitions, and/or other legal memoranda; prepare cases for evidentiary hearings, oral arguments, or trial; try cases; examine witnesses; present legal arguments and evidence; conduct pre-trial conferences, hearings, and plea negotiations; conduct appeals; conduct other postconviction matters
In conjunction with senior attorneys and staff, work with media and other stakeholders to advocate for particular clients and policy reform
Assist in recruiting, training, and supervising legal interns and volunteers. Review drafts of briefs, memoranda, motions, and pleadings by legal interns. Assign legal interns and other personnel the preparation of case files or to collect evidence or data for case work
Answer inquiries from indigent incarcerated people concerning their wrongful incarceration (e.g., answer phone calls and letters from indigent incarcerated people and their families; initiate correspondence; review and research claims; initiate legal petitions where appropriate; appear in court on behalf of indigent clients)
Train county public defenders and members of the private bar in the areas of forensic science and evidence most prevalent in cases of wrongful conviction, by presenting at seminars and conferences. Interact with and assist the Innocence Network by participating in working groups and committees that focus on issues surrounding wrongful convictions
Represent the Wrongful Conviction Project on internal agency task-groups, projects, and assorted committees
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.

About the Office of the Ohio Public Defender

The OPD is the state agency responsible for providing legal representation and other services to people accused or convicted of a crime who cannot afford to hire an attorney.

OPD Mission: Advocating. Fighting. Helping.
OPD Vision: A Fair Justice System.
OPD Values: Compassion. Dignity. Equity. Integrity. Service. Community.
OPD Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Our commitment to inclusion is inseparable from our commitment to a fair justice system. We strive to ensure inclusive spaces and services for our staff, our clients, and Ohio’s diverse communities. We are committed to building a work environment where all our team members have a voice and can embrace our differences to innovate service to the public. We can best meet our public defense mission through a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace, where employees thrive, our mission is accomplished, and Ohioans are served. #TeamOPD is grounded in diversity, equity, inclusion as we work together to pursue fairness and justice for all people

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Benefits of joining the State of Ohio team:

Extensive health benefits for all full- and part-time permanent employees
Guaranteed 10 paid state holidays every year and paid leave accrues each pay period
At least a 14 percent employer contribution to your OPERS pension plan
Employee Tuition Reimbursement programs
Life insurance coverage for all permanent employees
See more at totalrewards.ohio.gov
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 Tamra Meister, ADA Coordinator, at 614-466-5394 or [email protected].