Ohio Public Defender Symposium

Judges, attorneys, county officials, and public defense leaders will convene to examine the current state of indigent defense in Ohio and the proposals aimed at shaping its future. The symposium will feature Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy, Ohio Public Defender Elizabeth Miller, and leaders from across the justice system.

Attendance is available in person or remotely. Approved for 2.5 hours of CLE and Judicial College CLE.

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Event at a Glance

• Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2026

• Time: 12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.

• Location: Supreme Court of Ohio, Room 101, 65 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215

• Format: Hybrid (in person or via Zoom)

• Credit: Approved for 2.5 hours of CLE and Judicial College CLE

About the Symposium

Ohio’s assigned counsel system provides legal representation to individuals who cannot afford an attorney. Courts, counties, and appointed counsel share the responsibility for ensuring the system functions effectively, while facing ongoing challenges such as funding and attorney availability.

This symposium offers a structured forum to review recent progress and consider opportunities for future improvement. Sessions will explore a regional service model currently in operation, proposed statewide infrastructure to support appointed counsel, and the qualification standards that determine attorney eligibility for court appointments. Through these discussions, participants will learn of strategies to strengthen Ohio’s indigent defense system and enhance access to quality legal representation statewide.

Key Topics

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. Panelists will share lessons learned, collaborative practices, and considerations for other assigned counsel systems.

A Proposed Division of Assigned Counsel
A presentation on the proposed creation of a Division of Assigned Counsel within the Office of the Ohio Public Defender. The division would provide centralized infrastructure to support appointed counsel and the judiciary.

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

Program Schedule

Who Should Attend

The symposium is designed for professionals involved in the appointment, delivery, or oversight of indigent defense, including:

• Judges and magistrates

• Indigent defense counsel

• Court administrators and staff

• Bar association leaders

Attendance Information

In-Person Attendees

• The symposium will take place in Room 101 at the Supreme Court of Ohio, 65 South Front Street, Columbus.

• All visitors must pass through security screening. Please allow additional time upon arrival.

• Photo identification may be required.

• Parking information

Remote Attendees

• The symposium will be available via Zoom.

• Registered participants will receive the Zoom link by email before the event.

• Remote attendees seeking credit must follow the attendance verification procedures provided at registration.

CLE and Judicial College Credit

The symposium has been approved for 2.5 hours of CLE and Judicial College CLE. Details on attendance verification and credit reporting will be provided during closing remarks and in follow-up communications to registered attendees.

Register for the Symposium

Registration is open for in-person and remote attendance. Complete the registration form to reserve your place and receive event updates, including the Zoom link and credit information.

Register Now