Staff Attorney - DEPC

The Drug Enforcement and Policy Center (DEPC) aims to shape and enrich public conversations about the intersecting fields of criminal justice and drug policy and enforcement, and their historical and modern impact on society. Center faculty and staff examine criminal and civil laws, policies, and enforcement efforts related to traditionally illicit drugs, with a particular focus on marijuana laws and reform efforts. We conduct and support interdisciplinary, evidence-based research, scholarship, education, community outreach and public engagement on these issues and their impacts.

DEPC is seeking a dedicated, professional Staff Attorney to support the center’s service engagement projects, Opportunity Port and the Ohio Governor Expedited Pardon Project (OGEPP). Opportunity Port aims to digitize the record sealing application process by connecting those with criminal records in Franklin County, Ohio, with the legal help they need to complete and file a record sealing application. OGEPP is a collaborative project with Governor DeWine and University of Akron to significantly shorten the processing time for pardon applications in the state of Ohio. The Staff Attorney will provide limited scope legal counsel and advice to Opportunity Port’s record sealing applicants as well as comprehensive legal counsel and representation to OGEPP clients seeking a pardon. This role will collaborate with the Program Manager and project stakeholders to improve project operations and support the statewide expansion of their services.

Responsibilities:

• Provide limited scope services and comprehensive legal counsel for clients seeking assistance with record sealing/expungement and pardons.

• Collaborate with DEPC Program Manager and legal service providers on project activities, clinics, and other community events as needed.

• Supervise law students working on both service projects and serve as an adviser to a new staff attorney position for a specific research project, whom we are planning to hire in May 2025.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and admitted to the Bar of the State of Ohio.

• • Prior legal aid or related work experience.

• 2 years of relevant experience required. 2-4 years of relevant experience preferred with reentry legal services.

• Demonstrated project development and management skills.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion.

• Excellent communication skills, both orally and written, with diverse audiences.

• Technologically proficient with client management software.

Desired Qualifications:

Prior experience working as a Staff Attorney with the DEPC program at OSU is desired.

The target hiring range is $75,000 - $79,000 annually. The actual salary will fall within this range based on the candidate’s qualifications, internal equity and the unit’s available budget.

To Apply:

Submit resume and letter of interest.