Assistant Public Defender - Lima, OH

Overview

Job Description - Assistant Public Defender - Lima, OH (260000M2)

Assistant Public Defender - Lima, OH (260000M2)

Public Defender Commission

Agency Contact Name and Information:
Zachary Wemlinger, Zachary.

Wemlingero.gov

Unposting Date:
Ongoing

Primary

Location:

United States of America-OHIO-Allen County-Lima

Schedule:

Full-time

Union:
Exempt from Union

Primary Job Skill:
Attorney/Legal

Technical

Skills:

Attorney/Legal, Client Advocacy

Professional

Skills:

Analyzation, Attention to Detail, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender (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.

Our Mission:
Advocating. Fighting. Helping.

Our Vision: A Fair Justice System.

Our Values:
Compassion. Dignity. Equity. Integrity. Service. Community.

We are committed to building a work environment where all team members have a voice and can embrace our differences to innovate service to the public in our pursuit of fairness and justice for all people.

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The Office of the Ohio Public Defender is seeking a qualified attorney to serve as an Assistant Public Defender (APD) in the Northwest Regional Hub (NWRH) of our Trial Services Division. The NWRH is located in Lima, OH and serves individuals in Allen County, Hardin County, and Putnam County. The APD position will represent indigent trial-level clients facing misdemeanor and felony criminal charges in Common Pleas, Municipal, and Juvenile courts within those counties.

While, generally, all APDs in our office may represent individuals in all listed courts and jurisdictions, this position will primarily serve in the Allen County Municipal Court.

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.

The successful APD candidate will thrive in a close-knit team environment and be interested in trial-level work and providing client service in a fast-paced work environment. A successful candidate will also be eager to work with a supervisor to learn the intricacies of the position and provide high-quality representation.

• Prepare cases for trial
• Try cases as lead counsel or as co-counsel
• Represent clients in community control violations
• Conduct pre-trial conferences, hearings, and plea negotiations
• Examine witnesses
• Present legal arguments and evidence

Please submit a writing sample and cover letter with your application. Applications without these attachments will not be reviewed.

The Assistant Public Defender position is assigned to the State of Ohio’s E-1 Pay Range 13. 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 provide a standard path for earnings growth: you move to the next step after 6 months and annually thereafter. We typically have fiscal year Cost of Living Adjustments as well.

FY26 Pay Range — Step 1 to Step 8 (illustrative):

• Step 1: $35.68 hourly
• Step 2: $37.62 hourly
• Step 3: $39.68 hourly
• Step 4: $41.82 hourly
• Step 5: $44.17 hourly
• Step 6: $46.55 hourly
• Step 7: $48.47 hourly
• Step 8: $50.75 hourly

Annual range examples: $74,214 to $105,560

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 us at  or HCMo.gov.

Why Work for the State of Ohio

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan…