Details
01/09/2023
Staff Attorney
Summit Legal Defenders
About SLD
The Summit Legal Defenders’ mission is to treat every client as an individual, not the sum of their charges. We envision our work within the context of social justice and the opportunity for growth and change. Our attorneys work to offer solutions to problems and navigate the criminal justice system in partnership with the client. Our goal is to provide high-quality legal service to the indigent population of Summit County in a respectful, diligent, and responsive manner.
We are a non-profit agency established in 1974 and our main office is located in downtown Akron, Ohio, led by Director Andrea Whitaker.
Job Description – Staff Attorney
The Staff Attorney must maintain the highest personal, professional, and ethical standards as a member of this office. A commitment to indigent defense and compassion for clients and families is essential. The Staff Attorney reports to the Director of the SLD, or to the appropriate Managing Attorney, as assigned. The outside practice of law is not permitted.
The Staff Attorney provides diligent and high-quality representation to indigent defendants primarily in misdemeanor cases or juvenile delinquency. This includes arraignments, discovery, pretrials, pleas, and all necessary motions, pleading, trials and other work integral to a criminal or juvenile case.
The Staff Attorney position may be based in the Akron Municipal, Stow Municipal, Barberton Municipal, Summit County Juvenile, Summit County Probate Court, or any other court served by our office as needed. A Staff Attorney must be available for court at all times their assigned court is open, and be available to meet and work outside the typical working hours if necessary. The Staff Attorney may also be assigned as a float attorney to cover multiple courts, as part of a team, or to handle arraignments.
The Staff Attorney requires an ability to adapt to a variety of social circumstances; ability to speak and write effectively; ability to exercise independent judgment; ability to communicate and work effectively with office personnel, court personnel, prosecutors, law enforcement, probation officers, social workers, and the general public.
Salary and Benefits
Salary range is $59,000.00 – $72,000.00, commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid vacation, sick time, life insurance, dental, vision, medical, and retirement 401(k). SLD does not participate in the OPERS retirement system. Employees qualify for PSLF. This is an exempt, at-will position.
Requirements:
• Licensed to practice law in Ohio in good standing with no disciplinary incidents.
• Experience in criminal law practice at the misdemeanor and felony level, or equivalent experience in juvenile court.
• Excellent judgement and interpersonal skills with the ability to listen and collaborate.
• Commitment to client service and communication.
• Understanding of the needs of indigent clients and an unwavering belief in the right to representation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, remote meeting software platforms and use of the Ohio Public Defender on-line case management system.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and three (3) references to Deputy Director Jill Cabe at jcabe@legaldefenders.org
