Assistant Public Defender

Objectives

Under the general direction of the Delaware County Public Defender, the individual represents indigent clients in the Delaware County Common Pleas Court General Division, the Delaware County Juvenile Court, and the Delaware County Municipal Court. The Public Defender’s Office is committed to practicing cultural competence by working respectfully and effectively with people of all cultures, classes, races, genders, ethnic backgrounds, religions, sexual orientations, mental and physical abilities, ages and appearances in a manner that recognizes, affirms and values the worth of individuals, families and communities and protects and preserves the dignity of each. Individual reports to the Public Defender.

Job Standards

• Juris Doctorate degree is required, and must be licensed, admitted, and be in good standing with the Ohio Bar for practice as an Attorney in the State of Ohio pursuant to section 4705.01 of the Revised Code;
• Must possess a State of Ohio Driver’s License and acceptable driving record;
• Must meet and maintain qualifications for driving on county business as a continued condition of employment;
• All required licenses and certificates must be maintained as a condition of continued employment.
  
  

Essential Functions

• Under general supervision of Public Defender represents indigent criminal clients in the Delaware County Common Pleas Court General Division, the Delaware County Juvenile Court, and the Delaware County Municipal Court;
• Researches, analyzes, and interprets complex issues of law;
• Conducts legal research and prepares documents, pleadings, and motions;
• Under general supervision of Public Defender prepares cases for trial;
• Under general supervision of Public Defender independently tries cases as lead or co-counsel;
• Supervises administrative professionals, investigators, social workers, and legal interns in preparation of cases for trial;
• Reviews drafts of pleadings, briefs, motions, and memoranda prepared by legal interns, administrative staff, and other attorneys (has final responsibility for documents prepared at the individual’s request in cases where the individual is lead counsel);
• Verbally presents legal arguments to courts;
• Formulates legal strategies for indigent criminal clients;
• Applies those legal strategies to the attain the successfully and representation of indigent criminal clients (e.g. corresponds and consults with clients to explain and discuss legal strategies in their cases);
• Appears in court as counsel or co-counsel as agent for the Public Defender;
• Renders legal advice to others public defenders and members of the private bar on matters of criminal law. Instructs and reviews work of lesser experienced public defenders on particular cases where both are assigned or as requested by the Public Defender; and
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Supplemental Information

Complete job description is available on the Class Specifications page.

Equal Opportunity Employer

M/F/D/V

Full job descriptions are available on the Class Specifications page.

Equal Opportunity Employer

M/F/D/V