Public Defender Director

Law Office of the Public Defender

Montgomery County, Ohio

The Montgomery County, Ohio Public Defenders Commission is seeking applications from dynamic and committed attorneys for the position of Public Defender Director. The selected candidate must demonstrate exceptional management and leadership skills, and actively promote the organization’s vision, mission, and high ethical standards in support of legal advocacy for Public Defender clients.

Preliminary Responsibilities

The candidate will be expected to:

• Collaborate with community organizations to educate the public and stakeholders about the role and importance of Public Defenders in advancing criminal justice.
• Address and work toward eliminating racial disparity and bias within the criminal justice system.
• Advocate for public defense within the governance structure to secure essential funding, staffing, resources (including operations and technology), and organizational independence.
• Develop partnerships and working arrangements with external organizations to obtain resources, such as grants, to further the Office’s mission.
• Maintain an inclusive workplace that fosters teamwork, cooperation, professional development, and constructive conflict resolution.
• Implement and maintain methods for gathering feedback from clients and departing employees to improve workplace conditions and service delivery and create plans to integrate this information into Office practices.
• Establish effective working relationships with clients, Office employees, external agencies, County department heads, County Commissioners, and the Public Defender Commission.
• Collaborate with management to prepare the Organization’s annual budget, advocate for its adoption, and collaborate with the Commission regarding preparation and approval.
• Work effectively with union representatives and assigned counsel to maintain a collaborative work environment, including participating in union negotiations.
• Effectively formulate and implement policies for providing legal services to the poor, and develop strategies to maximize employee potential in achieving these goals.
• Demonstrate proficiency with emerging technology and artificial intelligence.

Required Qualifications

Additional Required Qualifications : At the time of assuming the role of Public Defender, the candidate must be licensed to practice law in Ohio and in good standing with all licensing authorities in all jurisdictions. The candidate must have significant years of experience as a practicing attorney, including relevant experience in criminal defense and legal management.

Preferred qualifications include at least two years of director-level experience and experience in budget management.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience, with a starting range beginning at $163,000. Benefits are provided as outlined by Montgomery County.

Application Instructions

Interested applicants should submit resumes, letters, and three references to the Montgomery County, Ohio Public Defenders Commission, c/o Nicola Lewis, 117 S. Main Street, 4th Floor, Dayton, Ohio 45422, or email [email protected]. Apply by no later than May 15, 2026.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $163,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person