Appellate Unit Secretary/Paralegal

Appellate Unit Secretary/Paralegal Public Defender Office Columbus, OH Job Details Full-time $48,000 a year 1 hour ago Benefits Health savings account Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Flexible spending account Paid time off Vision insurance 401(k) matching Flexible schedule Life insurance Retirement plan Qualifications Civil litigation support High school diploma or GED Attention to detail Legal research Legal case management

Paralegal Certificate Editing Full Job Description Position:

Appellate Unit Secretary/Paralegal Starting Salary:

$48,000

Deadline:

June 8, 2026

Instructions:

Applicants interested in the above position, please submit a cover letter and resume to . The Franklin County Public Defender's Office provides zealous, high-quality legal representation to individuals who cannot afford counsel. We believe that justice is a right, not a privilege. We are seeking a highly motivated and organized Appellate Secretary/Paralegal to join our Appellate Unit. This position provides essential, high-level administrative and legal support to appellate attorneys, playing a critical role in the preparation and filing of appeals in our courts.

Responsibilities:

• Document preparation: Format, proofread, and prepare complex appellate briefs, motions, petitions, and legal correspondence, ensuring compliance with strict court rules (including Table of Authorities/Contents).

Electronic Filing:

File legal documents electronically (e-filing) in the 10th District Court of Appeals and the Ohio Supreme Court.

Record Preparation:

Compile, organize, and index the record on appeal.

Case Management:

Maintain, update, and track case management databases, ensuring all deadlines are accurately scheduled.

Communication:

Serve as a point of contact between staff attorneys, appellate courts, and clients both incarcerated in correctional facilities and those in the community.

File Maintenance:

Organize and maintain both physical and electronic case files from assignment to closure.

Library:

Maintain the Office's Law Library

• Perform all other duties assigned, delegated or required by the assistant public defenders or unit chief.

Experience and Skills:

• Paralegal certificate preferred; will consider other relevant experience
• A demonstrated capacity to work creatively and collaboratively on legal issues confronting our indigent clients
• Commitment to social justice and defending the rights of indigent individuals charged with or convicted of crimes
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to proofread for accuracy
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple competing deadlines
• Strong, compassionate communication skills for working with client populations as well as with other office staff, court personnel and prosecutors.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$48,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Flexible schedule Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Education:

High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

Administrative Assistants & Receptionists:

1 year (Preferred) Legal research: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person