HAMILTON COUNTY, OHIO SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR CHIEF PUBLIC DEFENDER

Hamilton County, Ohio is seeking an experienced attorney to fill the position of Chief Public Defender. All interested candidates should submit a resume and letter of application on or before November 12, 2010 to:

Hamilton County Public Defender Commission
c/o William Gallagher
The Citadel
114 E. Eighth St.
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Hamilton County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

 

Job Description

1. Administer the Public Defender Office as required by Constitutional provision, state statute, county policy, local rules of court, and the ABA Ten Principles of a Public Defense Delivery System.

2. Provide high quality representation in the courts served by the Office to individuals found to be indigent for purposes of appointment of counsel.

3. Provide leadership in the development of criminal and juvenile policy in Hamilton County.

4. Advocate for the interests of individuals represented by the Office and attorneys and staff employed by the Office.

5. Provide resources and support to attorneys representing adults and juveniles accused of criminal or juvenile conduct in the courts served by the Office including, but not limited to, investigative, expert, mitigation, and support staff training, professional education, and continuing legal education.

6. Develop a strategic plan which identifies long-term goals of the office; develop and implement office practices and procedures designed to advance the strategic plan.

7. Monitor receipt of and make all case assignment to staff attorneys.

8. Develop, implement and maintain appropriate performance measures and apply and evaluate results for all staff including attorneys contracted or employed by the Office.

9. Represent the office in all communication with other county entities.

10. Maintain effective working relationships with clients, co-workers, subordinates, county employees, department heads, elected and appointed officials, outside organizations, bar associations, attorneys, media and the general public.

11. Prepare and administer the annual budget for the office; control budget expenditures to meet budget goals and requirements.

 

Appointment: Pursuant to ORC chapter 120 the Hamilton County Public Defender Commission appoints the Chief Public Defender.

Salary: Range of Salary is $110,000 to $125,000 based upon experience and salary history.

Required Qualifications: Must be a licensed attorney in Ohio for a minimum of 1 year and a practicing attorney for 2 years.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. A practicing attorney for at least ten years with substantial experience in the practice of criminal law.

2. Counsel in at least one capital murder case.

3. As lead counsel, tried at least 10 felony cases before a jury.

4. Drafted and argued at least one appellate case in state or federal court.

5. Demonstrated leadership in the legal community.

6. Demonstrated history of commitment to improving the quality of representation provided to indigent defendants.

7. Experience in fiscal planning and management of government budgets, including obtaining and administering grants.

8. Leadership experience including positions involving personnel management, public policy development and implementation, and review of performance measures to evaluate the effectiveness of services provided.

9. History of effective communication and cooperation with public defense funding sources and with clients, the local bar, judicial branch, other public defenders (state or federal), and associations of lawyers who provide representation to persons charged with criminal offenses, the media, and the public.