Legal Counsel

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:

• 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)

*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.

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.

What we’re looking for…

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
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.

COMPETENCIES

• Legal Knowledge (Proficient)\: Applies legal knowledge independently to analyze issues, interpret laws, and make sound decisions. Provides guidance to others on routine legal matters.
• Legal Research: Proficiency in analyzing statutes, case law, and regulations.
• Communication Skills\: Ability to articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively either verbally or in writing. 
• Independence and Teamwork\: Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Relationship Building\: Establish and maintain collaborative, effective working relationships with all stakeholders. 
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to assess complex issues logically.
• Problem Solving\: Ability to troubleshoot, think critically, and solve issues independently.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 
This position operates in a professional office environment.  Occasional travel on Court business may be required.  This role routinely uses standard office equipment, including but not limited to computers and phones. Primarily a sedentary role; this position requires the ability to lift files and documents and involves constant operation of computer or other office equipment. Regular duties include communicating and exchanging information, as well as moving about the office and building as needed.

COURT EXPECTATIONS OF EMPLOYEE 
Employees may be regularly exposed to sensitive information and the employee is expected to keep any such information strictly confidential. 
In completing the duties and responsibilities of the position, the Court expects the employee will:

• Adhere to all Court policies, guidelines, practices, and procedures;
• Act as a role model both inside and outside the Court;
• Exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others; 
• Work to maintain constructive working relationships;
• Maintain a positive and respectful approach with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the Court;

Professional Skill(s): Organizing and Planning, Strategic Thinking, Critical Thinking, Ethics and Values, Verbal Communication, Conflict Management, Written Communication
Technical Skill(s)\: Attorney/Legal

What You'll Do:
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Legal Advice\: Provides legal and policy counsel to the Chief Justice, Justices, Court leadership and staff regarding a wide variety of programs, policies, and regulations. Collaborates with other Supreme Court policy, legal, and research personnel. 
• Legal Research & Analysis: Researches, analyzes, appraises, and interprets laws, court decisions, rulings, advisory opinions, regulations, statutes, and pending legislation to determine an appropriate outcome. Drafts advisory opinions, memoranda, and reports on legal issues affecting the Court.
• Legislation: Assists with preparing, drafting, analyzing, monitoring, and implementing legislative issues and initiatives affecting the Ohio judicial system; recommends appropriate action; and drafts talking points and other communication measures. 
• Policy and Rulemaking\: Assists with developing, reviewing, and implementing Supreme Court administrative policies and rules. Assists with the dissemination and implementation of approved amendments to rules and policies, including updates to CenterSource, internal binders, and staff communications. Maintain comprehensive records of all policy and rule changes, including historical versions and approval documentation.
• Litigation: Assists with managing, preparing, monitoring, and tracking litigation. Drafts summary and advisory memos for the Court.
• Public Records: Reviews, prepares, and coordinates public records requests; updates policies and procedures.
• Agreements & Contracts: Reviews and coordinates intergovernmental agreements, grants, and contracts; advises on legal risks and terms.
• Training & Reference Materials\: 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.
• Advisory Bodies: Provide backup counsel and rule drafting for Court advisory bodies, including rule commissions.
• Consultation: Advises managers and Court personnel on programs, policies, and regulations. 
• Special Projects: Manages special projects assigned by senior leadership.
• Compliance: Ensures compliance with Court rules, procurement, personnel policies, and federal laws (e.g., ADA, FLSA, FMLA).

STAFF SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

The Supreme Court of Ohio is seeking two experienced lawyers to fill the positions of Legal Counsel within the Office of the Chief Legal Officer. The Legal Counsel is responsible for assisting with the legal, legislative, and policy affairs of the Supreme Court, providing comprehensive legal counsel and support to the Supreme Court and its advisory bodies and addressing other legal issues impacting the Ohio judicial branch. The Legal Counsel will assist the Deputy Chief Legal Officer, Legal & Government Affairs and the Deputy Chief Legal Officer, Policy & Rulemaking with the delivery of legal, policy, and regulatory advice and support across the organization.

This is an exempt unclassified position that reports to the Deputy Chief Legal Officer, Policy & Rulemaking OR Deputy Chief Legal Officer, Legal & Government Affairs. The salary range is $115,000-$125,000.

Application Process
Formal consideration of interested applicants responding to this job announcement will begin on January 14, 2026. To be considered for this position, candidates must submit an application online at www.careers.ohio.gov or deliver an application by January 25, 2026, to the Supreme Court of Ohio, 65 S. Front St., Columbus, OH 43215 and attach or enclose all of the following:
1.    Complete application 
2.    Resume or CV
3.    Cover letter with salary requirements
Only completed applications will be considered.  Interviews will be scheduled as soon as practical. We will contact you if you are selected for an interview. Additional details are available to candidates interested in applying, by contacting the Office of Human Resources – Recruiting at recruiting@sc.ohio.gov. 

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.

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.

Background Check Information:
The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo 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.