Assistant General Counsel

Organization: Supreme Court of Ohio. Work Location: 65 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215. Contact: Office of Human Resources – Recruiting@sc.ohio.gov. Position is unclassified and exempt from union.

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school required.
• Must be an attorney properly admitted to the practice of law, in active status and in good standing at all times during employment with the Court.
• Typically requires two to five years of directly related legal experience in the public or private sector.

Benefits

• Medical coverage
• Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave, and