The Lake County Public Defender’s Office, located in Painesville, Ohio, has an immediate opening for an Ohio Supreme Court-certified legal intern to represent clients under attorney supervision in its juvenile division. Applicants must have just sat for the July Bar Exam and be eligible for attorney status this Fall.
Please submit cover letters and resumes to Chief Assistant Lake County Public Defender Concetta Rogazione via email at concetta.rogazione@lakecountyohio.gov 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 who is awaiting results of the Ohio Bar Exam 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. Upon successful results of the Bar Exam, the candidate may have the opportunity to transition into an Assistant Public Defender role. 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. Possible opportunity to transition into Assistant Public Defender role upon obtaining attorney licensure.
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 concetta.rogazione@lakecountyohio.gov or call the office at 440-350-3200 for more information.