The Supreme Court of Ohio is seeking to fill the position of Assistant General Counsel The Assistant General Counsel provides legal, policy, legislative, and rulemaking support to the Supreme Court of Ohio by delivering legal counsel, conducting research and analysis, advising Court leadership and advisory bodies, and assisting with policy, compliance, litigation, contracts, public records, and legislative matters. The position supports the effective administration of the judicial branch and helps ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
What You'll Do:
• Legal Research & Counsel: Provides legal advice and policy counsel to the Chief Justice, Justices, Court leadership, managers, supervisors, and staff on a broad range of legal, operational, regulatory, and policy matters. Researches, analyzes, interprets, and applies statutes, court decisions, regulations, advisory opinions, rules, and pending legislation; prepares legal memoranda, reports, advisory opinions, recommendations, and other legal documents.
• Project Management: Collaborates with the General Counsel and staff to establish project goals, priorities, and strategic plans for Office initiatives. Conducts special projects assigned by the Chief Justice, Administrative Director, Deputy Administrative Director, or General Counsel. Leads or participates in cross-functional project teams.
• Rule Drafting & Counsel: Provides legal counsel and rule drafting for Supreme Court advisory bodies and Supreme Court staff. Serves as lead drafter and coordinator of rule amendments submitted to the Court. Prepares and presents proposed amendments for Administrative Conference.
• Litigation Management: Collaborates in managing the relationship between the Supreme Court and the Attorney General’s office as it relates to litigation involving the Court and its employees. Prepares requisite reports and updates to the Administrative Director, Chief Justice, and Justices on the status of such litigation.
• Advisory Body Support: Serves as legal counsel and staff liaison to Supreme Court advisory bodies, commissions, boards, and committees; provides legal guidance, rule-drafting assistance, administrative support, and oversight of advisory body processes and procedures.
• Strategic Planning: Partners with the General Counsel in developing and implementing strategic initiatives, office priorities, and long-term objectives. Assists with office operations by developing work plans, coordinating activities, managing special projects, and ensuring compliance with administrative, policy, and financial requirements.
• Contracts: Reviews, prepares, and coordinates intergovernmental agreements, grants, and contracts; advises on legal risks and terms, as needed.
• Public Records: Reviews, coordinates, and responds to public records requests and assists in the development and update of related policies and procedures.
• Policy Development: Drafts and coordinates for administrative policy amendments submitted to the Court. Prepares and presents proposed amendments for Administrative Conference.
• Training & Education: Researches and prepares reference materials and provides training for judges and quasi-judicial employees. Presents to judges, judicial branch personnel, peers and colleagues at educational events.
At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:
*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.
What we’re looking for:
Juris Doctor from an accredited law school required. At all times during employment with the Court, must be an attorney properly admitted to the practice of law, be in active and in good standing. This is typically acquired through two to five years of legal experience directly related legal experience in the public or private sector.
Supplemental InformationApplication Process
This is an exempt unclassified position, reporting to the Administrative Director. The salary range for this position, which is commensurate with experience, is $120,000 - $130,000.
Formal consideration of interested applicants responding to this job announcement will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. To be considered for this position, candidates must apply online at www.careers.ohio.gov or deliver an application to the Supreme Court of Ohio, 65 S. Front St., Columbus, OH 43215 and attach or enclose all of the following:
Only completed applications will be considered. In response to your application, this system will send you a confirmation email. Interviews will be scheduled as soon as practical. We will contact you if you are selected for an interview. Please do not duplicate your application and please, no phone inquiries.
The Supreme Court of Ohio is an equal employment opportunity employer that supports an alcohol and drug-free, and a weapons and violence free, work environment.
At-Will Employment
The Supreme Court of Ohio is an at-will employer that seeks to attract, employ, and retain highly skilled and motivated individuals, attempts to maintain staff continuity for the efficiency of its operation, and desires to foster and maintain an ethical, professional, and impartial work environment. Pursuant to Adm. P. 4 (At-Will Employment), no person shall be offered or denied a position of employment with the Court, and no employee shall have the employee's employment terminated based solely upon political party affiliation, political activity permitted under Adm. P. 17 (Employee Code of Ethics), or other partisan considerations. Further, no employee shall have the employee's employment terminated with or without cause unless upon the concurrence of a majority of the Court.
Background Check Information:
The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug screening and a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant’s prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.
Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
Employment with the State of Ohio is more than ‘just a job’ – it is a privilege to serve our families, friends and neighbors who rely on us throughout our great state. We are a team of dedicated public servants committed to high performance, innovative thinking, and delivering excellent and efficient services. Our goal is to recruit and retain the best talent for our positions, because when we have the best talent, we get the best results for our community. We are #TeamOhio.
