Court Appointed Counsel Receive a Pay Increase for the First Time in 15 Years

Contact: Jill Snitcher, Esq • jill@cbalaw.org

Attorneys appointed by Franklin County courts to represent indigent persons charged with criminal offenses will receive a pay increase beginning in January 2022. The Columbus Bar Association has been advocating for the increase since 2019.

Since 2005, appointed counsel have been paid $60 per hour for their work in the courtroom and $50 per hour for all other work. In addition, caps are placed on fees based on the complexity and severity of the case. These fees are paid out of both state and county funds.

“Appointed counsel provide a critical service to the administration of justice in Franklin County. These lawyers are private practitioners whose overhead has continued to increase with each passing year, and this increase allows these lawyers to be compensated for their important role in the courts,” noted current CBA President Charles Schneider."

In 2019, the Columbus Bar Association began encouraging Franklin County leaders to increase its funding consistent with guidelines issued by the Ohio Public Defender that increased hourly compensation for appointed counsel and the maximum fee schedule for appointed cases. The County adopted a Resolution implementing the increase in November, for cases appointed on or after January 1, 2022.

“Appointed counsel provide a critical service to the administration of justice in Franklin County. These lawyers are private practitioners whose overhead has continued to increase with each passing year, and this increase allows these lawyers to be compensated for their important role in the courts,” noted current CBA President Charles Schneider.

The Columbus Bar Association has been serving lawyers throughout central Ohio since 1869, and remains committed to maintaining professional honor and dignity; encouraging the highest legal knowledge; and promoting the professional interests of its members.