Our Mission

Job Title: Assistant Public Defender

Department: Public Defender (Municipal Division)

Reports to: Municipal Division Supervisor

Salary: Minimum $83, 162 (Commensurate with experience)

RESPONSIBILITES: • Handle felony bindover and misdemeanor cases before the Cleveland Municipal Court. • Represent indigent defendants charged with crimes which may result in incarceration. • Respond to requests for legal assistance from individuals with criminal issues who contact the Public Defender’s Office. • Participate in community events and meetings related to the work of the Cuyahoga County Public Defender. • Perform all other duties assigned, delegated or required of the assistant public defenders

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS • Significant legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills and experience. • A demonstrated capacity to work creatively and collaboratively on legal issues confronting our indigent clients • Commitment to social justice and defending the rights of indigent individuals charged and convicted of crimes • Demonstrated understanding of the issues of race, poverty, mental health, and substance abuse as they relate to the criminal justice system • Experience working in and with racially and socioeconomically marginalized communities • Availability for court at all times court is open, and to meet and work outside the normal working hours if necessary

MINIMUM EDUCATION: Juris Doctor; licensed and in good standing to practice law in the State of Ohio

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: All applications must be submitted by November 4, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. and must include the following: • A cover letter • A resume • Three references • Two writing samples that reflects your legal research and writing ability as well as your capacity for persuasive writing These materials should be addressed to the Chief Public Defender Cullen Sweeney and sent by email or mail at: Cuyahoga County Public Defender Courthouse Square c/o Ashley Williams 310 W. Lakeside - Suite 400 Cleveland, Ohio 44113 If sending via email, please direct to: SM-PD-Employment@cuyahogacounty.us Reasonable accommodation is available to all employees and applicants.

If you have a disability that needs to be accommodated, please contact the Department of Human Resources/ADA Coordinator at (216) 443-7190. Equal Opportunity Employer – Smoke-free and Drug-free workplace. All job offers are made with the understanding that prospective employees pass a drug test and a criminal background investigation prior to being hired. http://publicdefender.cuyahogacounty.us/