Wrongful Conviction Project Director

Position Description

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender is seeking a dedicated leader to serve as the Director of the Wrongful Conviction Project (this position is classified as a Managing Assistant Public Defender). The Wrongful Conviction Project (WCP) is dedicated to identifying, investigating, and litigating cases of actual innocence for incarcerated people in Ohio. The WCP also works to educate others on the causes and consequences of wrongful convictions.

The Project Director will be responsible for the planning, strategic direction, and management of the Project. The position will directly supervise and mentor attorneys, investigative staff, and student interns, and will also carry an independent case load. You will also be an active member of OPD’s managing leadership team, which works together on issues of cross-departmental importance and identifies issues and solutions that impact the agency's staff, culture, and client-centered service.

To be successful in this position, you will exhibit thoughtful communication, organization, leadership, team building, and decision-making skills. You must have strong analytical skills, the ability to think creatively, be adept at legal research and writing, and have demonstrated skill and expertise advocating for clients in court and arguing cases of actual innocence. You must also have the ability to handle complex cases, coordinate and motivate focused attention across a small and collaborative Project team, and the ability to partner collaboratively with innocence networks and efforts within OPD and across the nation. The position will work closely with the Deputy Director of Appellate Service and the Managing Counsels of the other five Departments within the Appellate Services Division, requiring high-level teamwork and communication skills.

Essential duties of this position include but are not limited to:

Establish expectations and goals for the Project, including for operations and management as well as client representation, independently and in collaboration with the Deputy Director of Appellate Services.

Conduct regular, recurring team meetings and one-on-one meetings, and foster a collaborative environment.

Directly supervise Assistant Public Defenders, Mitigation/Investigation Specialist, and Interns (respond to questions and concerns and resolve problems; disseminate and interpret information, policies, procedures and best practices; provide coaching and training; complete timely performance reviews; serve on hiring panels)

Oversee intake for the Project (screen and evaluate claims of wrongful conviction; assign cases to staff and establish case strategy on pending cases and act as an advisor on creating case strategies)

Represent indigent criminal defendants with claims of innocence in Ohio courts at trial, appellate, and postconviction levels, and federal courts. Act as lead counsel on complex cases. Correspond and meet with clients and families. Conduct legal research on and interpret the most complex innocence issues.

Manage the Project’s membership and connection to the Innocence Network.

Lead and manage various training projects for internal staff and members of the private bar in the areas of forensic science and evidence most prevalent in cases of wrongful conviction

Appear in public and private settings to discuss the factors that lead to wrongful conviction and advocate for clients and system reforms.

Serve on task forces and internal committees.

Respond to inquiries from incarcerated individuals, legislators, and the public regarding wrongful conviction and the project’s policy and procedures.

Assist in budget preparation (e.g., prepare and provide information and statistical analysis on requests for additional staff and equipment).

This role also carries its own caseload, and those duties comprise approximately 35% of this position’s responsibilities.