About The Office of the Ohio Public Defender
The Office of the Ohio Public Defender (OPD) is the state agency responsible for providing legal representation and other services to people accused or convicted of a crime who cannot afford to hire an attorney.
Our Mission : Advocating. Fighting. Helping.
Our Vision: A Fair Justice System.
Our Values: Compassion. Dignity. Equity. Integrity. Service. Community.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion : Our commitment to inclusion is inseparable from our commitment to a fair justice system. We strive to ensure inclusive spaces and services for our staff, our clients, and Ohio’s diverse communities. We are committed to building a work environment where all our team members have a voice and can embrace our differences to innovate service to the public. We can best meet our public defense mission through a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace, where employees thrive, our mission is accomplished, and Ohioans are served. #TeamOPD is grounded in diversity, equity, inclusion as we work together to pursue fairness and justice for all people.
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About the Wrongful Conviction Project
The Wrongful Conviction Project (WCP) was created in 2009 to address post-conviction claims of innocence where biological evidence (DNA) was not available. The WCP hosts paid student interns, externs, and volunteers, training them to be quality advocates. The WCP is also a member of the Innocence Network, an affiliation of organizations around the world dedicated to providing pro bono legal and investigative services to individuals seeking to prove their innocence of crimes for which they have been convicted, working to redress the causes of wrongful convictions, and supporting the exonerated after they are freed.
About the Student Intern Position and What You’ll Do
The Wrongful Conviction Project is seeking to fill a student position with an energetic, team-oriented individual who demonstrates a commitment to reforming our criminal legal system and a dedication to aiding individuals wrongfully convicted in Ohio. The position is open to law students, however we will also consider undergraduate students who are pre-law. The position is a temporary, intermittent, part-time role designed to supplement your current course of study and provide useful experience in addition to your education.
Under the direct supervision of WCP staff, you will review cases of unrepresented individuals incarcerated in Ohio who advance claims of wrongful conviction. You will work directly with incarcerated individuals whose cases are reviewed by the Project, providing substantial case analysis, research and investigation, and intensive document review, to inform future litigation with the ultimate goal of exoneration. You will be expected to be able to work collaboratively with WCP team members.
Your job duties may include but are not limited to:
- Assist Wrongful Conviction Project team members in screening and evaluating claims of wrongful conviction.
- Conduct legal research.
- Gather, review, and organize case records.
- Assist team members in the formulation of legal strategies for a particular client and litigation.
- When appropriate, aid investigator in conducting field work (e.g. interview potential witnesses).
- When possible, attend court proceedings.
- Other duties as assigned.
What we’re looking for : Excellent legal research and writing skills with an emphasis on detail; a working knowledge of criminal law and procedure; strong organization and time management skills; proficient verbal communication skills; skill in the use of office equipment (computer, copier, scanner); and basic skills in the use of Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat.
Wage Information : The hourly wage for this position is determined by level of study. Current law students will receive $20.59/hr., and current undergraduate students will receive $16.93/hr.
Schedule and work location : This is an in-person position, but the offered hours are flexible and can be worked around your academic schedule. You will work approximately 10-12 hours each week, Monday-Friday, between 8am-6pm. The projected start date will be late October or early November 2023, with the internship concluding in May of 2024. The Project will work with you to ensure that your start and end dates do not conflict with your academic schedule.
*Please upload a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to your application. In your letter, please include the number of hours per week you’re able to work*
The Office of the Ohio Public Defender complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Tamra Meister, ADA Coordinator, at 614-466-5394 or HCM@opd.ohio.gov.
Qualifications
Currently enrolled as a student in a program of study.
Job Skills: Internship, Building Trust, Collaboration, Attention to Detail, Customer Focus, Teamwork