Paralegal / legal assistant

The Death Penalty Department is seeking a dedicated professional to serve as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant 2. The Department represents death-sentenced clients in all stages of post-trial litigation and executive clemency. Post-trial litigation may include direct appeal, post-conviction, and federal habeas corpus litigation. The Department emphasizes a client-centered, team approach to representation and is comprised of three core positions and 14 attorneys.

You will support the department by providing paralegal, clerical, and administrative support to department attorneys. You will be tasked with using your legal knowledge and aptitude to work closely with attorneys in drafting, proofing, and filing legal motions, reports, and correspondence to both internal and external customers in addition to conducting legal research.

A familiarity with the legal system and courts of Ohio will help you to succeed in this position. Additionally, organizational and communication skills to track projects across multiple attorneys and clients will benefit you in your daily work. Experience and exposure to case management systems and to the appellate and post-conviction process are highly valued skillsets. An ideal candidate will enjoy working in a professional and friendly environment that collaborates to help others and provide quality customer service.

Job Duties Include But Are Not Limited To

• Prepares or assists in preparing appellate briefs and other pleadings
• Compiles and produces appendix materials for briefs according to various court rules
• Prepares legal reports and letters for court filings or dissemination in the office
• Assists in maintaining department digital case management & docketing system
• Conducts research using legal research tools, computer applications, and online databases
• Maintains due date calendar of important dates related to cases
• Transcribes, formats, types & proofs documents requiring use of legal terminology
• Prepares business letters from written copy from department attorneys to prosecutors, courts, investigators, and other defense attorneys
• Proofreads final written material for completeness and accuracy
• Acts as a liaison between department attorneys and courts
• Files legal documents electronically in federal and state courts
• Screens calls and visitors for department attorneys
• Provides logistical support for video conferences
• Maintains calendar of appointments for department attorneys
• Makes travel arrangements and provides related logistical support for attorneys
• Sorts and distributes mail
• Attends department and agency meetings
  
  

The Paralegal/Legal Assistant 2 position is assigned to the State of Ohio’s OCSEA Pay Schedule, Pay Range 29, presented below in table format. Starting pay will be at Step 1 unless required by contract/legislation; Candidates with exceptional qualifications may be considered for higher starting pay. Our steps give a standard path for earnings growth: you move to the next step after six months and annually thereafter. We typically have fiscal year Cost of Living Adjustments as well.

FY26 Pay Range 29

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Hourly

$24.16

$24.86

$25.77

$26.76

$27.92

$29.22

$30.55

Annual

$50,253

$51,709

$53,602

$55,661

$58,074

$60,778

$63,544

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact us at 614-466-5394 or [email protected].

The Minimum Qualifications For The Position Are

Successful completion of certification program for paralegal or legal assistant; 2 yrs. exp. in legal research & writing.

• Or 24 mos. law school training.
• Or 36 mos. exp. as Paralegal/Legal Assistant 1, 63810.
• Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.
  
  

Job Skills: Attorney/Legal; Attention to Detail; Customer Focus; Written Communication

Organization

Public Defender Commission

Agency Contact Name and Information

Tamra Meister, [email protected]

Unposting Date

Sep 28, 2025, 11:59:00 PM

Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus

Compensation

$50,253 - $63,544

Schedule

Full-time

Classified Indicator

Classified

Union

OCSEA

Primary Job Skill

Attorney/Legal

Technical Skills

Attorney/Legal

Professional Skills

Attention to Detail, Customer Focus, Written 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.

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