Supervising Assistant Public Defender - Ross

Overview

You will supervise Assistant Public Defenders and serve as a mission-driven member of the Ross County Office Supervisor Team. The Ross County Office provides criminal defense representation to clients who cannot afford an attorney in the courts of Ross County and Jackson County. You will directly supervise Assistant Public Defenders (APDs) who practice in the Jackson County Municipal and Common Pleas Courts and the Ross County Common Pleas Courts.

You will also maintain a caseload as lead attorney or co-counsel representing indigent trial-level clients in those same courts. You will work with your team to build and maintain productive working relationships with judicial and court staff and the OPD central office. This position reports directly to the Ross County Office Managing Assistant Public Defender.

To be successful in this position, you will possess strong leadership abilities, excellent communication skills, familiarity with applicable court staff and local procedure, experience in the teaching and mentoring of attorneys, and a strong legal acumen.

• Directly supervise attorney staff
• Coach and develop staff (hold team meetings & one-on-one meetings; set meaningful goals & provide support; complete timely performance evaluations)
• Recommend personnel for hire (screen & interview applicants)
• Represent indigent criminal defendants as co-counsel or lead-counsel at the trial level
• Correspond with clients regarding their legal issues and incarceration
• Meet with clients to explain legal strategies
• Assist external public defenders and members of private bar in researching complex legal issues and render legal advice
• Perform other necessary related legal and administrative work as directed by Managing Assistant Public Defender of the Ross County Office, Assistant Director or State Public Defender