Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the . gov website . Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites .

Home ▸ Departments ▸ Public Defender

Job Postings

Assistant Lake County Public Defender –  Misdemeanor Division

The Lake County Public Defender’s Office, located in Painesville, Ohio, has immediate openings for two full-time attorneys to represent clients in its misdemeanor division. We represent individuals charged with crimes who cannot afford to hire attorneys.  Our mission is to advocate strongly and zealously for these individuals and to ensure that their constitutional rights to due process, fair trial and effective assistance of counsel are protected.

Job responsibilities include representing indigent clients in misdemeanor criminal cases at all stages of the criminal process, including arraignments, discovery, motion hearings, pleas, trials, sentencings and post-sentencing hearings; conducting client interviews and gather relevant information for case preparation; reviewing discovery and conducting investigations in conjunction with staff investigator; researching and analyzing legal issues related to assigned cases; drafting legal documents for court filings; negotiating plea agreements with prosecutors when appropriate; advocating for clients’ rights and best interests throughout the legal process; and working collaboratively with other members of the defense team, including investigators, paralegals, social workers, law clerks and legal interns.

Experience and Skills: Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school; licensed to practice law in Ohio; strong written and verbal communication skills; legal research, writing and oral advocacy skills; ability to work independently and manage a caseload effectively; commitment to providing quality legal representation to underprivileged individuals; knowledge of criminal law and procedures, evidence and professional responsibility and ethics; and excellent judgment and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate and work effectively with clients, office personnel, court personnel, prosecutors, law enforcement, probation officers, social workers and the general public.

Pay: The salary varies depending upon the number of years of experience as a criminal defense attorney, but the minimum starting salary is $75,000.

Work Hours: Normally 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday, but longer hours may be required with evening or weekend work depending upon status of cases.

Benefits: On-the-Job Training and Mentoring; Retirement through Ohio Public Employees Retirement System; Health Insurance (includes medical, dental, prescription and vision coverage); Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program; Deferred Compensation; Paid Time Off via Vacation, Sick, Personal Days and Federal and State Holidays, Continuing Education Credits; and Loan Forgiveness.

Please submit cover letters and resumes to Lake County Public Defender Vanessa Clapp via email at [email protected] or call the office at 440-350-3200 for more information.