Job Overview

The Supreme Court of Ohio is seeking to fill the position of Legislative Counsel in the Office of the Chief Legal Counsel. Under the direction of the Administrative Director and the Chief Legal Counsel, the Legislative Counsel serves as the primary liaison between the Supreme Court and the legislature, with extensive responsibility for communication with the General Assembly, governmental entities, the Supreme Court, and judicial associations on legislative matters affecting the judicial branch.

Responsibilities

What You'll Do:

• Serve as the primary Supreme Court liaison to the Ohio General Assembly, executive branch officials, state agencies, regulatory bodies, other government, judicial associations, bar associations, and court personnel associations on legislative matters, by monitoring legislation, attending committee meetings, discussing initiatives, and presenting testimony at legislative committee hearings. Coordinate contact and communications with legislators and legislative staff.
• Prepare, draft, analyze, and monitor, new legislation. Track and monitor pending legislation affecting the courts, informing affected parties of its status, taking appropriate action, and drafting talking points and other communication tools.
• Advise the Chief Justice, Justices, directors, managers, and staff; Supreme Court boards, commissions, advisory committees and task forces regarding legislative issues and initiatives and provide updates on the status of legislation that is proposed or pending before the Ohio General Assembly; and make presentations to judicial and court personnel associations regarding legislative issues and initiatives, including preparing and providing updates regarding the status of legislation that is proposed or pending before the Ohio General Assembly.
• Interact regularly with the Judicial Conference and court-related associations. Prepare and make presentations to judges and court personnel on the status of legislation, legislative activities during the session, and on new laws after adjournment.
• Develop communication strategies and annual communication plans in support of the Judiciary’s strategic plan and legislative initiatives.
• Research unique legal issues impacting the branch by identifying applicable statutes, judicial branch decisions, and rules. Prepare memoranda and oral and written reports.
• Collaborate with other members of the Office of Chief Legal Counsel on related matters and make recommendations on policy changes affected by legislation. Provide policy analysis and research support within the Office of Chief Legal Counsel.
• When not engaged in legislative duties, review contracts, coordinate responses to public records requests, provide advice on legal questions, review pleadings, motions, memoranda, and briefs in litigation against the Court, and provide guidance to judicial officers on matters related to court administration.
• Participate on or acts as staff liaison to committees, boards, task force, commissions, and workgroups. Provides research and rule drafting expertise on work related to the Ohio Rules of Superintendence, Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure, the Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Rules of Appellate Procedure, the Rules of Juvenile Procedure, the Rules of Evidence, and the Ohio Traffic Rules.

Qualifications

What we’re looking for:

• Juris Doctor required.
• A minimum of five years of experience in Ohio government relations or workingwith the Ohio General Assembly strongly preferred. Experience in judicial affairsa plus.
• Thorough knowledge of the legislative process and State government and of thestructure, organization, and operation of the Ohio court system.
• A high level of proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint; theInternet, and Westlaw or Lexis and other legal-research resources.
• Must be eligible to obtain Ohio lobbying license.
• Demonstrated proficiency drafting policies, rules, and/or legislation preferred.
• Knowledge of the procedural operations of all levels of court preferred.
• Strong writing skills and the ability to construct complete and concise sentences using proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

Work Environment

We are located in the exquisite Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center, a restored 15 story historical building located along the Scioto River in downtown Columbus. The staff of over 250 includes legal professionals as well as those involved with administration, facilities, security, finance, public information, information technology, education, and library services.

Benefits

What’s in it for you:
The Supreme Court of Ohio offers a generous compensation package which includes salaries reviewed annually for market adjustments; health, vision, dental, and life insurance; 14% employer contribution to the state retirement plan (OPERS); tuition reimbursement; flex time; and paid vacation, personal and sick time earned in the first month of employment.

About the Organization

The Supreme Court of Ohio seeks to recruit and retain talented individuals with a commitment to public service. We offer a generous compensation package which includes salaries reviewed annually for market adjustments; health, vision, dental, and life insurance; 14 percent employer contribution to the state retirement plan (OPERS); tuition reimbursement; flex time; and paid vacation, personal and sick time earned in the first month of employment.

How to Apply

Application Process: To be considered for this position, candidates must apply online at http://www.careers.ohio.gov or deliver an application by Jan. 29, 2023, to the Supreme Court of Ohio, 65 S. Front St., Columbus, Ohio 43215. Please submit the following:

1. Application.
2. Resume.
3. Cover letter with salary requirements.