Assistant General Counsel

State of Ohio • Columbus, OH

6d • $120,000 - $130,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Supreme Court of Ohio is seeking an Assistant General Counsel to provide legal, policy, legislative, and rulemaking support to the Court. The role delivers legal counsel, conducts research and analysis, advises Court leadership and advisory bodies, and assists with policy, compliance, litigation, contracts, public records, and legislative matters. It supports the effective administration of the judicial branch and helps ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

The position is permanent, full-time, unclassified, exempt from union membership, and at-will. It is based at 65 South Front Street in Columbus, Ohio, and reports to the Administrative Director. The stated work hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Compensation is $120,000–$130,000, commensurate with experience.

Candidates must have a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and remain an attorney properly admitted to practice, active, and in good standing throughout employment. This qualification is typically acquired through two to five years of directly related legal experience in the public or private sector. Candidates must submit a completed application, resume or CV, and cover letter. The final candidate must undergo pre-employment drug screening and a criminal background check.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Must remain an attorney properly admitted to the practice of law, active, and in good standing throughout employment with the Court.
• Typically acquired through two to five years of directly related legal experience in the public or private sector.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and policy counsel to the Chief Justice, Justices, Court leadership, managers, supervisors, and staff on legal, operational, regulatory, and policy matters.
• Research, analyze, interpret, and apply statutes, court decisions, regulations, advisory opinions, rules, and pending legislation; prepare legal memoranda, reports, advisory opinions, recommendations, and other legal documents.
• Collaborate with the General Counsel and staff to establish project goals, priorities, and strategic plans for Office initiatives.
• Conduct special projects assigned by the Chief Justice, Administrative Director, Deputy Administrative Director, or General Counsel, and lead or participate in cross-functional project teams.
• Provide legal counsel and draft rules for Supreme Court advisory bodies and staff; lead and coordinate rule amendments submitted to the Court, and prepare and present proposed amendments for Administrative Conference.
• Collaborate in managing the relationship between the Supreme Court and the Attorney General’s office regarding litigation involving the Court and its employees.
• Prepare litigation status reports and updates for the Administrative Director, Chief Justice, and Justices.
• Serve as legal counsel and staff liaison to Supreme Court advisory bodies, commissions, boards, and committees; provide legal guidance, rule-drafting assistance, administrative support, and oversight of their processes and procedures.
• Partner with the General Counsel to develop and implement strategic initiatives, office priorities, and long-term objectives.
• Support office operations by developing work plans, coordinating activities, managing special projects, and ensuring compliance with administrative, policy, and financial requirements.
• Review, prepare, and coordinate intergovernmental agreements, grants, and contracts, and advise on legal risks and terms as needed.
• Review, coordinate, and respond to public records requests and assist in developing and updating related policies and procedures.
• Draft and coordinate administrative policy amendments submitted to the Court, and prepare and present proposed amendments for Administrative Conference.
• Research and prepare reference materials, provide training for judges and quasi-judicial employees, and present at educational events for judges, judicial branch personnel, peers, and colleagues.

Benefits

• Medical coverage.
• Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after completion of the eligibility period.
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave, plus 11 paid holidays per year.
• Childbirth, adoption, and foster care leave.
• Education and development opportunities, including Employee Development Funds and Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Public retirement systems, including OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS, and optional Ohio Deferred Compensation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree