Legal Counsel

Insurance: Comprehensive Health, Dental, Vision, Life and an Employee Assistance Program. Supplemental Life may be purchased at group rates.

Paid Time Off: Twelve (12) holidays, vacation time (after 6 months) of three (3) weeks per year for the first eight (8) years of service, and sick time.

Retirement: Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) with 14% annual employer contribution and Deferred Compensation Plans.

This is a director-level position responsible for managing and directing the day-to-day operations of the Court’s entire Legal Department, which encompasses in-house counsel attorneys and support staff, a Records Custodian and staff handling all public records requests, and the law student intern/extern program through partnerships with local law schools.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty listed below. Reasonable accommodations will be made for disabled persons covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, in accordance with its requirements.

Responsible for the direction and administration of the Legal Department from a director management level. Provides direction in the operation of attorneys, legal support staff, and law student interns/externs.

Delegates and coordinates work, plans and implements objectives and organizational goals. Evaluates, directs, and monitors performance of assigned department staff. Develops and maintains standards of practice.

Responsible for supervising, conducting, and coordinating legal research and education at the Court. Drafts subsequent opinions and memorandums of law.

Monitors, reviews, and ensures completion and accuracy of all legal research requests from Judges, Magistrates, and other appropriate Court staff as needed. Reviews orders, journal entries, pleadings, motions, and objections when appropriate.

Monitors, reviews, and ensures completion and accuracy of all public records requests as needed.

Conducts staff meetings and participates in other departmental meetings regarding legal issues.

Regularly monitors and reviews updates and changes in the law and notifies the Deputy Court Administrator/Chief Legal Counsel and other appropriate individuals.

Assists in developing, updating, and disseminating legal forms for use in all areas of the Court.

Assists in developing, coordinating, and conducting Continuing Legal Education (CLEs) and informational programs for Judges, Magistrates, Court employees, attorneys, and members of the public.

Assists in maintaining an open and effective communication with legal entities including, but not limited to, the Supreme Court of Ohio, Bar Associations, and State and Local Representatives.

Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Has supervisory accountability for other employees, volunteers, or interns. Plans, directs and coordinates activities for a work unit. Duties may include scheduling and assigning of work, training in all facets of work, quality control, and decisions impacting the pay, status and tenure of others. Conducts performance evaluations, provides input into and participates in discipline, dismissal, and hiring processes, and is accountable for reviewing timecards in Kronos for assigned staff.

Standard office equipment and office technology such as copy machines, personal computers and telephones.

All court-related information regarding hearings, etc. that the employee may come in contact with by working in the facility.

Potential exposure to hazardous situations that may occur in the court environment. Must be able to tolerate exposure to evidence and testimony that may be disturbing; clients who may potentially be verbally or physically uncooperative; allergens, such as perfumes and dust. Works in a general office setting with moderate noise levels. May be subject to interruptions, quick deliverables, and changing work deadlines. Availability may be required beyond standard (8:30 AM – 4:30 PM) work hours.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, to speak clearly, and to hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Excellent interpersonal skills required to communicate effectively with judicials, Court Administration, staff, and public officials. Knowledge of Ohio Juvenile Rules and Ohio Revised Code; demonstrated oral, written, and research skills. Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively; detail oriented; demonstrated leadership skills. Personal computer skills including working knowledge of computer legal research software and the Internet.

JD Degree

AND

Minimum of five (5) years of legal work experience conducting legal research and drafting legal opinions, appeals, or case briefs; or trial experience (juvenile division cases preferred). This experience must include a minimum of one (1) year of demonstrable leadership experience or direct supervisory experience.

License to practice law in the State of Ohio

In accomplishing the responsibilities of this position, the Court expects that the employee will adhere to the mission and values of the Court as well as all Court policies and procedures. In addition, while carrying out the duties of this position, the employee is expected to model high ethical conduct on and off the job, and exhibit a professional and respectful demeanor with all Court employees.

To administer justice, rehabilitate juveniles, support and strengthen families, and promote public safety.

Current Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Juvenile Division Employees:

• The deadline to apply is _11/15/24_.
• Please visit https://juvenilecourt.applicantstack.com/x/openings-internal to complete and submit the Job Posting Response Form to the Human Resources Division.
• The Job Posting Response form must be received in Human Resources by the job posting deadline for consideration as a candidate for the posted position.
• If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you can submit a waiver to Human Resources. Please refer to the Employee Handbook Policy number 1.02.04.

External Applicants:

• This position will remain posted until filled.
• Please visit https://juvenilecourt.applicantstack.com/x/openings to view this posting and to complete and submit the Application for Employment.

EEO/ADA/SMOKE-DRUG FREE ENVIRONMENT

Ohio Relay Service 1-800-750-0750