For individuals accused of a crime who can’t afford an attorney, Ohio courts are tasked with appointing counsel to represent them. Representation can be provided by public defenders or by appointed private attorneys. Courts, counties, and appointed counsel share the responsibility for ensuring that the state’s assigned counsel system functions effectively while facing ongoing challenges such as funding, support, and attorney availability.

An upcoming symposium in early November offers a structured forum to review recent progress and consider opportunities for future improvement. Registration is open for “Progress and Possibility: Strengthening Ohio's Indigent Defense System,” which will be hosted by the Supreme Court of Ohio. Sessions will explore a currently operating regional model for providing indigent defense in Ohio, a proposed statewide structure to support appointed counsel, and the qualification standards that determine whether attorneys are eligible for court appointments. Through these discussions, participants will explore strategies to strengthen Ohio’s indigent defense system and enhance access to quality legal representation statewide.

Judges, attorneys, county officials, and public defense leaders will be among the participants and panelists. Joining them will be featured speakers Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy and Ohio Public Defender Elizabeth Miller.

Key Topics for Panels
The State of Indigent Defense in Ohio
An overview of Ohio’s indigent defense system, including its current structure, recent developments, and ongoing challenges.

Northwest Regional Hub: From Vision to Reality
A panel discussion on the development and implementation of the Northwest Regional Hub, a regional office created last year for indigent defense services serving Allen, Hardin, and Putnam counties. Panelists will include Judge Keith H. Schierloh of the Putnam County Common Pleas Court and Judge Andrew R. Tudor of the Hardin County Municipal Court. The group will share lessons learned from the regional pilot project, the benefits of collaborative practices to the justice system, and considerations for other assigned counsel systems.

A Proposed Division of Assigned Counsel
An exploration of proposed strategies that the Ohio Public Defender’s Office can implement to address the rural attorney shortage and to support assigned counsel systems across Ohio. The speakers will discuss the benefits of providing a more centralized structure to support appointed counsel and the judiciary.

Appointed Counsel Qualifications: Too Much or Not Enough?
A review of the current qualification standards for reimbursement of appointed counsel with an eye toward the challenges associated with attorney eligibility, access, and implementation. The session will also address a proposed amendment to state law that would modify qualification requirements for certain types of cases.

Attendance is available in person or remotely. The symposium is approved for 2.5 hours of continuing legal education (CLE) and qualifies for Judicial College CLE.