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Assistant Lake County Public Defender –  Misdemeanor Division

The Lake County Public Defender’s Office, located in Painesville, Ohio, has immediate openings for a full-time attorney 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 Concetta Rogazione, Chief Assistant Public Defender, via email at [email protected] or call the office at 440-350-3200 for more information. 

Lake County Public Defender Legal Intern Position

The Lake County Public Defender’s Office, located in Painesville, Ohio, has an immediate opening for a full-time certified legal intern to represent clients under supervision of a licensed attorney to appear in juvenile court on juvenile delinquency and unruly cases, and civil contempt cases for nonpayment of child support.  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 under supervision of a licensed attorney in juvenile court in delinquency cases for misdemeanor level offenses, unruly offenses, and civil contempt cases for nonpayment of child support.  This includes all stages of the process, including arraignments, discovery, motion hearings, pleas, trials, sentencings and post-sentencing hearings; conducting client interviews and gathering 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.  

There may also be opportunities to assist attorneys with legal research, motion drafting, trial preparation, and other duties as assigned.

Experience and Skills: Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school; Ohio Supreme Court Certified Legal Intern; awaiting results of the Ohio Bar Exam; strong written and verbal communication skills; legal research, writing and oral advocacy skills; commitment to providing quality legal representation to underprivileged individuals; knowledge of juvenile and criminal law and procedures, evidence and professional responsibility and ethics; excellent judgment and interpersonal skills; ability to communicate and work effectively with clients, office personnel, court personnel, prosecutors, law enforcement, probation officers, social workers and the general public.

Pay and Benefits: Pay rate of $20.50 per hour, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System, on-the-job training and mentoring.

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.

Interested candidates should a submit cover letter and resume to Chief Assistant Lake County Public Defender Concetta F. Rogazione via email at [email protected] or call the office at 440-350-3200 for more information.