Assistant Public Defender

Assistant Public Defender – Human Resource Department Portage County, Ohio

Responsibilities:

• Providing legal representation in the Portage County Municipal, Common Pleas Courts for adult cases, Domestic Relations Court, or in the Portage County Juvenile Court.
• Responsible for supervising and overseeing the training of the Assistant Public Defenders assigned to their respective court.
• Participating in pre-trial proceedings, trials, and post-trial proceedings.
• Oversee and modify weekly court schedule in their respective court.
• Responsible of assignment of co-counsel for upcoming jury trials and bench trials.
• Responsible for assigning felony cases to staff attorneys.
• Providing coverage and support in all other Courts on an as needed basis.
• Conducting legal research.
• Providing legal advice to clients including weekly jail visits to incarcerated defendants and in person meetings with defendants and witnesses.
• Negotiate with prosecutors about discovery and plea offers.
• Investigating cases and preparing for trials including printing and preparing all discovery for each case;
• Attend monthly staff meetings;
• Review and analyze discovery and case issues with clients.
• Stay apprised of BMV rule changes.
• Able to evaluate BMV suspensions and educate clients on suspensions.
• Serving subpoenas.
• Preparing and filing pleadings.
• Drafting briefs and presenting oral arguments for appeals.
• Draft and prepare pretrial motions and argue before court.
• Keeping informed and updated on changes or developments in Ohio or federal law as may relate to the duties of the position and the mission of the office.

• Mid-Senior level

• Full-time

• Legal
• Human Resources Services