Assistant Public Defender - Wrongful Conviction Project

Job Description - Assistant Public Defender - Wrongful Conviction Project (260005LJ) Assistant Public Defender - Wrongful Conviction Project ( 260005LJ ) Organization Public Defender Commission Agency Contact Name and Information : Taylor Molli, View email address on click.appcast.io Unposting Date Aug 11, 2026, 3:59:00 AM Primary Location United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus Compensation : $76,440-$108,722 Schedule Full-time Union : Exempt from Union Primary Job Skill Attorney/Legal Technical Skills : Attorney/Legal, Client Advocacy Professional Skills : Analyzation, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Organizing and Planning, Verbal Communication Agency Overview 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 Mission :Advocating. Fighting. Helping. Our Vision :A Fair Justice System. Our Values :Compassion.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. Follow OPD on Facebook , LinkedIn , Instagram , and Threads | Visit our Website Job Description The Office of the Ohio Public Defender (OPD) is seeking a dedicated attorney to serve as an Assistant Public Defender (APD) in the Wrongful Conviction Project (WCP) within our Appellate Services Division. The APD role involves evaluating applications for assistance, identifying potential innocence claims, and preparing cases for investigation and litigation. You will join a motivated, highly collaborative project team.The WCP is dedicated to identifying, investigating, and litigating cases of actual innocence for incarcerated people in Ohio. The Project also works to educate others on the causes and consequences of wrongful convictions and advocates for policy reform. We are seeking candidates who demonstrate a passionate commitment to social justice and the goals, mission, and values of the WCP and the Office of the Ohio Public Defender. To be successful in the position, you will: have exceptional critical thinking and analytical skills; value working in a collaborative environment; possess superior skills in organization, planning, and attention to detail; have strong interpersonal skills; have the ability to communicate in a compassionate yet direct manner; and possess experience with data language tools, preferably experience with case management tools and searchable databases. The essential job duties include but are not limited to the following: Provide rigorous legal defense and representation for indigent criminal defendants in state and federal court, as solo-counsel, lead counsel, or co-counsel at the appellate and post-conviction level Screen and evaluate claims of wrongful conviction Lead case teamsin developing legal and investigation strategies for potential innocence litigation Work closely with investigators to investigate claims of wrongful conviction Conduct legal research, analyze, and interpret complex issues of law and prepare briefs, memoranda, motions, and other pleadings subject to review Research areas of forensic science and medicine as needed to advocate for a particular client Lead other attorneys and staff in the formulation of legal, media, and advocacy strategies for a particular client and apply such strategies to attain successful representation for a particular client Prepare cases for oral arguments, hearing, or trial Conduct pre-trial #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Ohio