Master Commissioner

State of Ohio • Columbus, OH

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Supreme Court of Ohio is seeking an experienced lawyer to fill the position of Master Commissioner (Attorney) within the Office of Legal Resources. The successful candidates will join a team of knowledgeable and dedicated public servants to provide the Justices of the Supreme Court of Ohio expert legal analysis concerning all phases of litigation in complex areas of law. Master Commissioners assist the whole Court with its non-discretionary docket, which includes extraordinary writs, death-penalty-related matters, workers’ compensation mandamus appeals, attorney discipline, the unauthorized practice of law, state and local taxation, and public utilities. Master commissioners review and analyze case filings and documents, conduct extensive legal research, and prepare comprehensive written work product for review by the Justices of the Court. The new hire will begin working primarily on extraordinary writs or in their demonstrated area of expertise and experience, such as death-penalty-related matters, with the opportunity to explore other subject areas based on interest and the needs of the court.

Requirements

• Must be an attorney properly admitted to the practice of law and be in good standing with the appropriate admitting authority of any state or territory of the United States.
• Outstanding legal research and analysis capabilities.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Sound judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in evaluating information.
• Strong time-management skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the Justices, and with supervisors, co-workers, attorneys, and the public.
• Must keep sensitive information strictly confidential.

Nice To Haves

• Over two years of legal experience.
• Previous experience as a judicial law clerk or staff attorney at the appellate level.
• Experience in the courtroom or interacting with clients.
• Experience with any of the areas of law in which the Office of Legal Resources routinely provides legal analysis, including death-penalty-related matters, extraordinary writs, workers’ compensation direct appeals, public utilities cases, state and local taxation appeals, or practice-of-law matters.

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze the pleadings, motions, transcripts, exhibits, records, and briefs in appeals and original actions filed in the Supreme Court of Ohio.
• Review the case law, statutory, and constitutional authorities cited by the parties and perform additional legal research as needed pertaining to the assigned matters.
• Prepare for the Justices a comprehensive written analysis of the facts and issues presented in an appeal or original action, recommend disposition of the case, including any pending motions, and prepare draft opinions and entries as needed.
• Consult with other master commissioners concerning legal issues in pending cases.
• May conduct hearings as assigned by the Court, primarily in state and local taxation appeals.
• Review editorial changes made to opinions before publication.
• Assist the Justices or senior management in complex legal matters; conduct research of complex legal issues; evaluate factual information.
• Collaborate with the administrative coordinator in maintaining a log of the status of assigned cases, as requested.
• Propose amendments to court rules when appropriate.
• Attend state and national seminars when directed, participate in bar association committee activities as appropriate, and otherwise remain current with developing legal trends and authority.

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 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems ( such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS ) & Optional Deferred Compensation ( Ohio Deferred Compensation )
• Biweekly commuter stipend (alternative to remote work)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior