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, Juvenile Division

The Staff Attorney, Juvenile Division, 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, Juvenile Division, reports to the appropriate Managing Attorney, as assigned. The outside practice of law is not permitted.

The Staff Attorney, Juvenile Division, provides diligent and high-quality representation to indigent parent defendants primarily in abuse, neglect, and dependency cases.  The primary responsibilities include handling indigent clients’ representation and defending their constitutionally protected relationship with their children. Attorneys will conduct investigations and interviews throughout the case and work with social workers and parent advocates to understand and address clients’ needs and barriers.  This includes arraignments, discovery, pretrials, pleas, and all necessary motions, pleading, trials and other work integral to a juvenile case. Some juvenile delinquency defense and defense of indigent parents in adoption proceedings may be required.  Experience in juvenile law, including parent defense and juvenile delinquency, excellent organizational skills, and a commitment to multi-disciplinary indigent defense is highly preferred. 

The Staff Attorney, Juvenile Division, position will be based in the Summit County Juvenile Court. A Staff Attorney, Juvenile Division, 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, Juvenile Division, may also be assigned as a float attorney to cover multiple courts, as part of a team, or to handle detention and preliminary hearings.

The Staff Attorney, Juvenile Division, 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 $60,000.00 – $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.

•               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.