As the Staff Attorney, you will represent incarcerated individuals seeking release through judicial release, parole advocacy, resentencing efforts, and other post-conviction remedies. You will provide client counseling, legal advocacy, hearing preparation, and representation before courts and the Ohio Parole Board. Working primarily within OJPC's Beyond Guilt Project, you will help individuals serving excessive or unjust sentences pursue release through post-conviction advocacy and litigation.
Salary Range: $36K-$38K (pro-rated for part-time schedule), based on experience and qualifications.
Location: Cleveland, Ohio | Hybrid work environment with a flexible part-time schedule of approximately 20 hours per week.
As the Staff Attorney, you will:
Carry a docket of approximately 6 to 12 client matters annually.Draft, file, and argue judicial release motions in Ohio courts.Prepare clients and their supporters for judicial proceedings and parole hearings.Prepare and present parole and clemency cases before the Ohio Parole Board, including SB256 hearings and full board hearings.Collaborate with the project's paralegal on intake, case development, rehabilitation portfolios, reentry plans, and mitigation records.Participate in intake review and evaluate candidates against the project's selection criteria.Work with community partners and organizations to strengthen clients' release plans and post-release aftercare within the scope of representation.Participate in regular docket reviews and maintain case status in the project's tracking system.Assist with other OJPC litigation matters, grant reporting, and community or educational events as needed.QUALIFICATIONS:
Juris Doctor or advanced law degree required.Admission to the Ohio Bar, or eligibility consistent with Ohio Supreme Court rules.Minimum 1 to 2 years of litigation experience on behalf of indigent defendants or others accused or convicted of crimes.Strong written and verbal communication skills.Ability to work independently within a part-time schedule while collaborating closely with a small team.Ability to work with diverse populations and stakeholders in respectful, equitable, and inclusive ways.A demonstrated and abiding commitment to social justice.Experience with judicial release, resentencing, parole advocacy, or other post-conviction matters preferred.Experience conducting mitigation investigations or working with complex case records preferred.Experience supervising students or paralegals preferred.Bilingual Spanish skills are a plus.Returning citizens are strongly encouraged to apply.The Ohio Justice & Policy Center creates fair, intelligent, and redemptive criminal justice systems through zealous, client‑centered advocacy, innovative policy reform, and cross‑sector community education. Founded in Cincinnati in 1997, OJPC is a statewide nonprofit law office focused on reducing incarceration, improving conditions inside prisons, and expanding freedom and opportunity for people with criminal records.
Learn more about OJPC's mission by visiting:
https://ohiojpc.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ohio-justice-&-policy-center/
Join our dedicated team and help drive meaningful change for people impacted by Ohio's criminal legal system. Apply online today!
Employer is EOE/M/F/D/V. No third‑party candidates please.
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Read LessAs a Paralegal, you will support direct legal services for individuals with criminal records by assisting attorneys with client representation, legal clinics, community outreach, and case management. This role is ideal for someone who is organized, client-focused, and enjoys legal research, community engagement, and direct client interaction while helping individuals overcome barriers to employment, housing, licensing, and opportunity created by criminal records.
In addition, as the Paralegal you will:
Support direct client representation under the supervision of OJPC attorneys by collecting client information, reviewing case histories, conducting research, and assisting with case preparation.Assist with Second Chance Legal Clinics, including client intake, document preparation, interviews, fact gathering, and litigation support activities.Build and maintain positive relationships with clients to support ongoing engagement and communication throughout the legal process.Participate in community outreach, presentations, and trainings that educate individuals and organizations about legal remedies available to people with criminal records.Connect clients with community resources and referral partners to address legal and non-legal needs.Maintain accurate client records, case files, and data within OJPC's case management system.Assist with data tracking, reporting, and administrative support related to program operations and funding requirements.QUALIFICATIONS:
Associate degree and 1-2 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.Paralegal certificate, bachelor's degree, or legal research training preferred.Strong research, writing, organization, and communication skills.Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with legal case management software preferred.Experience with public speaking, community outreach, or client-facing work preferred.Knowledge of barriers faced by individuals with criminal records and a commitment to expanding access to opportunity.The Ohio Justice & Policy Center creates fair, intelligent, and redemptive criminal justice systems through zealous, client‑centered advocacy, innovative policy reform, and cross‑sector community education. Founded in Cincinnati in 1997, OJPC is a statewide nonprofit law office focused on reducing incarceration, improving conditions inside prisons, and expanding freedom and opportunity for people with criminal records.
Learn more about OJPC's mission by visiting:
https://ohiojpc.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ohio-justice-&-policy-center/
Salary range: $45,000-$55,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
Competitive benefits package includes 27 PTO days, 13 paid holidays, and an annual winter break between Christmas and New Year's.
Join our dedicated team and help expand access to second chances across Ohio. Apply online today!
Employer is EOE/M/F/D/V. No third‑party candidates please.
#ZR
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