Details
10/27/2026
Assistant Public Defender
Cuyahoga County Public Defender Office
Assistant Public Defender Department: Public Defender (Youth and Parent Defense Division)
Reports to: YPDD Division Supervisor
Salary: Minimum $83, 162 (Commensurate with experience)
RESPONSIBILITES: • Represent indigent juveniles in delinquency proceedings in Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court • Represent indigent parents in the abuse, neglect and dependency cases in Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court • Represent indigent parents in contempt, purge review hearings, and establishment child support cases in Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court • Represent indigent parents on show cause motions relating to custody and other matters in Juvenile Court and Domestic Relations Court • Serve as co-counsel to juveniles who are bound over to the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas – General Division • Assist attorneys in the appellate division who are litigating appeals arising out of juvenile court or juvenile related issues • 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 • A demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with clients who are children and adolescents • A commitment to the representation of indigent individuals and an understanding of how systemic societal issues affect families • An ability to engage knowledgeably and compassionately with clients who are experiencing mental health concerns, substance abuse, and trauma • Availability for all times court is open and be available to meet and work outside the normal working hours if necessary • 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 • Be able to work collaboratively with office social workers, investigators, paralegals and parent advocates in an inter-disciplinary approach to client representation.
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.
