The Toledo Legal Aid Society (TLAS) is a nationally recognized leader in criminal justice reform. In 2020, TLAS was awarded the Hodson Award from the American Bar Association for sustained and outstanding service by a public sector organization. In addition, TLAS has been a key stakeholder in criminal justice reform efforts in Lucas County including, but not limited to, its involvement with the Safety & Justice Challenge.
POSITION TITLE: ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER (multiple positions)
DIVISION: Positions are available in the Felony and Municipal divisions
DESCRIPTION: An Assistant Public Defender provides representation for indigent defendants that are charged with criminal offenses, probation/community control violations, and traffic offenses that can result in a loss of liberty.
SALARY: Commensurate with experience and the EMPLOYMENT OPTION selected by each new hire (plus Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance)
EMPLOYMENT OPTIONS: TLAS recognizes that their employees value flexibility in their professional and personal lives. Accordingly, TLAS provides a menu of employment options for its Assistant Public Defenders that include:
OPTION ONE: Full-Time positions: 38-40 hours/week (No private practice allowed). Salary range: $68,354.00 – $77,354.00, commensurate with experience;
OPTION TWO: Reduced Full-Time (Limited) positions: 30 hours/week (Limited private practice allowed). Salary range: $51,265.00 - $60,265.00, commensurate with experience; and
OPTION THREE: Reduced Full-Time positions: 20-22 hours/week (Private practice allowed). Salary range: $37,595.00 - $46,595.00, commensurate with experience.
POSITION TITLE: TLAS FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM (2-4 fellowships available)
DIVISION: Felony and Municipal (Combination)
DESCRIPTION: The TLAS Fellowship Program provides meaningful training and experience for entry-level attorneys. Each TLAS Fellow will be paired with an attorney from the felony division and an attorney from the municipal division. These pairings establish a mentoring relationship with experienced attorneys and provide a strong foundation for a career as an Assistant Public Defender with TLAS. Fellows will engage in client interviews; conduct arraignments and bond modification hearings; negotiate with prosecutors; research legal issues; participate in trials and suppression hearings; draft sentencing memorandum; and participate in sentencing hearings. Fellows work 38 -40 hours per week, on average, and must commit to a one-year term. Ideally, it is hoped that successful TLAS Fellows will continue their careers as Assistant Public Defenders with our office.
Compensation: $68,354.00 (plus Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance)
TLAS actively recruits individuals that are passionate about defending the constitutional rights of individuals and are dedicated to helping others. Ideal candidates for TLAS positions are patient, creative, flexible, and resilient. Candidates that possess intellectual curiosity and display excellent problem-solving skills are encouraged to apply.
Candidates for Assistant Public Defenders in the Municipal division must have trial experience and two years of criminal law experience. Assistant Public Defender candidates in the Felony division must have jury trial experience plus five years of criminal law experience. All candidates for the TLAS Fellowship Program and Assistant Public Defender positions must be licensed and in good standing with the Ohio Supreme Court. Graduates from an accredited college of law that are awaiting Ohio bar results; have a UBE score that transfers to Ohio; or are eligible for Practice Pending Admission will be considered.
A successful candidate must have the ability to make regularly scheduled court appearances; conduct case evaluation, investigation, and preparation including, but not limited to, witness interviews, legal research, and motion practice. Additionally, the candidate must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with prosecutors, judges, other professionals, clients, and the general public. Further, the candidate must have the ability to manage a moderate caseload while maintaining adequate levels of communication and attention to individual clients and must possess excellent knowledge of criminal law, criminal procedure, and the Rules of Evidence.
Send resume and cover letter electronically, by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 30, 2023 to:
Email: [email protected]
Subject: Assistant Public Defender Positions OR TLAS Fellowship Program
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