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 MissionAdvocating. Fighting. Helping.
Our VisionA Fair Justice System.
Our ValuesCompassion. 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 Death Penalty Department is seeking a dedicated professional to serve as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant 2. The Department represents death-sentenced clients in all stages of post-trial litigation and executive clemency. Post-trial litigation may include direct appeal, post-conviction, and federal habeas corpus litigation. The Department emphasizes a client-centered, team approach to representation and is comprised of three core positions and 14 attorneys.

You will support the department by providing paralegal, clerical, and administrative support to department attorneys. You will be tasked with using your legal knowledge and aptitude to work closely with attorneys in drafting, proofing, and filing legal motions, reports, and correspondence to both internal and external customers in addition to conducting legal research.

A familiarity with the legal system and courts of Ohio will help you to succeed in this position. Additionally, organizational and communication skills to track projects across multiple attorneys and clients will benefit you in your daily work. Experience and exposure to case management systems and to the appellate and post-conviction process are highly valued skillsets. An ideal candidate will enjoy working in a professional and friendly environment that collaborates to help others and provide quality customer service.

Job duties include but are not limited to:

• Prepares or assists in preparing appellate briefs and other pleadings

• Compiles and produces appendix materials for briefs according to various court rules

• Prepares legal reports and letters for court filings or dissemination in the office

• Assists in maintaining department digital case management & docketing system

• Conducts research using legal research tools, computer applications, and online databases

• Maintains due date calendar of important dates related to cases

• Transcribes, formats, types & proofs documents requiring use of legal terminology

• Prepares business letters from written copy from department attorneys to prosecutors, courts, investigators, and other defense attorneys

• Proofreads final written material for completeness and accuracy

• Acts as a liaison between department attorneys and courts

• Files legal documents electronically in federal and state courts

• Screens calls and visitors for department attorneys

• Provides logistical support for video conferences

• Maintains calendar of appointments for department attorneys

• Makes travel arrangements and provides related logistical support for attorneys

• Sorts and distributes mail

• Attends department and agency meetings

The Paralegal position is assigned to the State of Ohio’s OCSEA Pay Range 29, 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.

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 614-466-5394 or HCM@opd.ohio.gov

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• 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 Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems ( such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation ( Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

Successful completion of certification program for paralegal or legal assistant; 2 yrs. exp. in legal research & writing.

-Or 24 mos. law school training.

-Or 36 mos. exp. as Paralegal/Legal Assistant 1, 63810.

-Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.

Job Skills: Attorney/Legal, Verbal Communication, Analyzation, Written Communication, Organizing and Planning, Confidentiality

Intentional omission of relevant information, falsification, or misrepresentation of information on the application will disqualify the applicant. In addition, such intentional acts are grounds for immediate termination of an employee.

Final candidates selected for this position will be required to undergo a background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.