Public Defender Commission

Members Name	Law Firm	Telephone Number
Term Expires	Email Address	Link to Attorney Profile

THOMAS D. HEEKIN (Chairman)	Taft, Stettinus & Holister LLP	513-357-9310
7/21/2018	heekin@taftlaw.com	www.taftlaw.com/attorneys/29-thomas-d-heekin

HEATHER BLESSING		614-352-5819
7/01/2018	heather.n.blessing@gmail.com

ERIC K. COMBS	Dinsmore	513-977-8677
7/01/2018	eric.combs@dinsmore.com	www.dinsmore.com/eric_combs

WILLIAM R. GALLAGHER	Arenstein & Gallagher	513-823-3012
7/31/2021	bill@arensteingallagher.com	www.arensteinlaw.com/About/William-R-Gallagher

STEVEN P. GOODIN	Grayden, Head & Ritchey LLP	513-629-2845
7/21/2020	sgoodman@grayden.com	www.graydonhead.com/professional-profiles/attorneys/goodin

Establishing Authority: Pursuant to Chapter 120 of the Ohio Revised code the county commissioners established the Public Defender Commission on July 26, 1976 by BOCC resolution, Volume 183, Image 36.

Composition: The commission shall have five members, three of whom shall be appointed by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), and two by the presiding judge of the Hamilton County Court of common Pleas. At least one member appointed by each of these appointing bodies shall be an attorney admitted to the practic of law in Ohio. Meetings shall be held at least quartly and at such other times as called by the chairman or by request of the county Public Defender.

Terms: Terms of office shall be for four years, each term ending on the same day of the same month of the year as did the term which it succeeds. Each member shall hold office from the date of his appointment until the end of the term for which he was appointed. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which his predecessor was appointed shall hold office for the remainder of such term. Any member shall continue in office subsequent to the expiration date of his term until his successor takes office, or until a period of sixrty days has elapsed, whichever occurs first.

Compensation: Members may recieve an amount fixed by the County commissioner's, not in excess of the amounts set for the members of the OH Public Defender Commission pursuant to ORC Section 124.14 per diem, and necessary expenses including mileage for each mile traveled.