Staff Attorney - DEPC

As a Staff Attorney at the Drug Enforcement and Policy Center (DEPC), your primary responsibilities include providing limited legal counsel to those seeking record sealing and comprehensive representation for individuals applying for pardons. You will also collaborate with the DEPC Program Manager on various community projects and supervise law students engaged in these initiatives. Your input will help streamline operations and potentially expand services across Ohio.

To qualify for the Staff Attorney position at Ohio State University's Drug Enforcement and Policy Center, you must possess a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school, be admitted to the Bar of Ohio, and have a minimum of two years of relevant legal experience. Prior involvement in legal aid or reentry legal services is preferred. Excellent communication skills and technological proficiency are also essential for success in this role.

The Staff Attorney plays a crucial role in enhancing community outreach initiatives at the Drug Enforcement and Policy Center by collaborating with community partners and legal service providers. This position is vital for organizing clinics, public engagements, and educational events, thereby promoting awareness of critical drug policy issues and connecting with individuals needing legal assistance related to pardons and record sealing.

At the Drug Enforcement and Policy Center, the Staff Attorney will engage in impactful projects such as Opportunity Port, which aims to digitize and streamline the record sealing application process, and the Ohio Governor Expedited Pardon Project (OGEPP), focused on facilitating timely pardon applications. Your contributions will directly affect individuals in the justice system, helping them reintegrate into society.

The expected salary range for the Staff Attorney role at Ohio State University’s Drug Enforcement and Policy Center is between $75,000 and $79,000 annually. This salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications, internal equity within the department, and the overall budget.

When answering this question, share your passion for criminal justice reform and how your values align with DEPC's mission. Highlight specific experiences that illustrate your commitment to supporting communities impacted by drug policies.

Focus on specific cases you've worked on, detailing your role and the outcomes. Discuss any challenges you faced and how you navigated them, demonstrating your expertise and proactive approach in this area of law.

Emphasize your collaborative spirit and past experiences working with diverse stakeholders. Provide examples of successful outreach initiatives and your strategies for engaging and building trust within the community.

Recognize the complexities of the pardon process and systemic barriers individuals may face. Demonstrate your understanding by discussing potential solutions or improvements you believe could facilitate a smoother process.

Explain your methods for keeping informed, such as following legal journals, attending seminars, participating in webinars, or networking with legal experts in the field of drug law and policy.

Discuss essential skills such as strong analytical abilities, effective communication, project management, and empathy for clients. Illustrate how these skills have helped you succeed in your previous roles.

Provide examples of projects you've managed, outlining your role, the objectives, and how you ensured successful outcomes. Highlight your ability to lead teams and coordinate efforts with multiple stakeholders.

Detail techniques for mentoring and supervising law students, such as providing constructive feedback, facilitating hands-on learning experiences, and fostering an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions.

Share your personal strategies for managing stress, emphasizing any organizational or time management skills you've developed. Provide examples of past experiences where you've successfully navigated high-pressure situations.

Articulate your vision for making a difference through your work at DEPC. Discuss the positive changes you wish to contribute to in the community and your goals for improving outcomes for clients seeking legal assistance.