Description

Job Title: Appellate Attorney

Salary: 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 updates
  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.

Experience and Skills

• 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@legaldefenders.org

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.