Appellate Attorney

Job Title:

Appellate Attorney

Minimum $80,000.00-$98,000.00 (Commensurate with Experience) and benefits including paid vacation, sick time, life insurance, dental, vision, medical, and retirement 401(k). Employees are not eligible for participation in the OPERS retirement system but do qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. This is an exempt, at-will position.

• Represent indigent defendants in their direct appeal before the Ninth District Court of Appeals and the Ohio Supreme Court.
• Assist staff attorneys on legal issues at the trial court-level.
• Respond to requests for legal assistance from individuals with criminal issues who contact the SLD.
• Draft and argue objections to magistrate’s decisions and motions to set aside magistrate’s orders.
• Research and draft extraordinary writs when required, including but not limited to writs of habeas corpus related to excessive bond.
• Maintain an ongoing knowledge of juvenile and criminal law, legislative activities, current policing and prosecuting procedures and other justice activities, including significant court decisions, and regularly update staff regarding same.
• Participate in training and seminars and may present at same.
• Attend meetings, round tables, case consultations, and practice moots.
• Participate in community events and meetings related to the work of SLD.
• Perform all other duties assigned, delegated or required of the Appellate Attorney.
• The Appellate Attorney reports to the Director of the Summit Legal Defender, or to the appropriate Managing Attorney, as assigned.
• The outside practice of law is not permitted.

• Licensed to practice law in Ohio in good standing with no disciplinary incidents.
• Significant legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills and experience.
• Prior appellate and/or post-conviction litigation experience is preferred.
• Experience in criminal law practice at the misdemeanor or felony level, or equivalent experience in juvenile court.
• Commitment to client service and communication.
• Excellent judgement and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate and work effectively with office personnel, court personnel, prosecutors, law enforcement, probation officers, social workers, and the general public.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the issues of race, poverty, mental health, and substance abuse as they relate to the criminal justice system.

Interested candidates should send the following:

• a cover letter addressing your interest and/or experience
• a resume
• three (3) references
• a writing sample that reflects your legal research and persuasive writing ability

These materials should be addressed to: employment

The Summit Legal Defenders’ mission is to treat every client as an individual, not the sum of their charges. We envision our work within the context of social justice and the opportunity for growth and change. Our attorneys work to offer solutions to problems and navigate the criminal justice system in partnership with the client. Our goal is to provide high-quality legal service to the indigent population of Summit County in a respectful, diligent, and responsive manner.

We are a non-profit agency established in 1974 and our main office is located in downtown Akron, Ohio, led by Director Andrea Whitaker.