Policy Counsel

Supreme Court of Ohio; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 109,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

The Supreme Court of Ohio is seeking a Policy Counsel to provide legal guidance and support to internal and external justice system partners. The role focuses on domestic relations, juvenile, and probate law with emphasis on rule development and training for judges and staff.

Ideal candidates hold a JD, are admitted to the Ohio Bar, and have 2–5 years of related legal experience. This full-time position is based at the Ohio Judicial Center in Columbus, OH.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school is required.
• Admittance to the Ohio bar is required.
• Two to five years of directly related legal experience is typically required; strong court-management understanding preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assists judges, court administrators, clerks, local court staff and partners through information sharing, education, rules, processes, and grants.
• Monitors trends and disseminates best practices to judges and staff.
• Provides legal guidance in domestic relations, juvenile, probate law and related areas.
• Develops and reforms rules and standards governing family law matters.
• Supports grant management and program development for family law initiatives.

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Bar Admission - Ohio

Job description

What You’ll Do

• Assistance & Support: Provides assistance to judges, court administrators, clerks, local court staff, justice system partners, and advisory committees through information dissemination, technical assistance, education, rules, business processes, and projects/grants.
• Trends Monitoring: Monitors innovative trends, identifies effective practices, and disseminates information to judges, local staff, and justice system partners.
• Committee Support: Works closely with and provides administrative and legal support to Advisory Committee on Children and Families , and acts as staff liaison for subcommittees on court policy projects. Provides legal expertise in domestic relations, juvenile, and probate law.
• Subject Matter Expertise and Legal Guidance: Provides legal expertise in domestic relations, juvenile, and probate law. Interprets legal issues, policies, and procedures and recommends appropriate actions to staff and leadership for rule amendments, standardized forms, publications, and policies regarding guardians ad litem, family law, parents living separately, abuse, neglect and dependency, delinquency, school attendance, guardianships, adult protection, assisted outpatient treatment programs, and other family law related areas.
• Rule Development: Develops rules and standards that govern family law matters.
• Develops Resources: Monitors and analyzes statutory, regulatory, and court rule changes; develops and disseminates training, resources, publications, and educational materials to assist local court in understanding, implementing, and maintaining compliance with evolving legal and procedural requirements in domestic relations, juvenile, and probate law.
• Event Coordination & Training: Coordinates consultations, seminars, and meetings with experts; serves as a presenter for local court training; participates in regional/national associations and trainings.
• Relationship Building: Develops and maintains relationships with judges, local court staff, justice system partners, and relevant agencies at all levels.
• Board Participation: Participates in outside agency boards, task forces, or workgroups; reports court-related topics to manager/director.
• Family Law Program Support: Assists local courts in developing family law programs; encourages collaborative efforts with agencies and community resources.
• Facilitation: Facilitates roundtable meetings for judges and staff involving complex legal and operational issues; attends relevant committees and public discussions.
• Constituent Support: Responds to constituent calls, suggests resources, and maintains ethical standards in providing information.
• General Legal Support: Assists in rule drafting, contract review, and preparation of written documents.
• Evaluation & Research: Participates in evaluations, research, and data analysis to support evidence-based decision-making. Offers legal and policy considerations based on such research.
• Grant Management: Manages grants and financial resources, ensuring alignment with the strategic plan; seeks alternative funding for special projects.

What We’re Looking For

Juris Doctor from an accredited law school required with admittance to the Ohio bar 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. Typically requires two to five years of directly related legal experience. An understanding of effective court management processes and domestic relations, juvenile, and probate law is preferred.

Organization

Supreme Court of Ohio

Agency Overview

The Supreme Court of Ohio is seeking to fill the position of Policy Counsel. The Policy Counsel is responsible for providing assistance to internal and external justice system partners through a variety of methods including the dissemination of information to judges, local court staff and justice system partners; technical assistance; and education in key functional areas with a focus on domestic relations, juvenile, and probate law.

Work Location

Ohio Judicial Center

Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus

Compensation

$109,000 - $115,700

Schedule

Full-time

Classified Indicator

Unclassified

Union

N/A

Primary Job Skill

Attorney/Legal

Technical Skills

Attorney/Legal

Professional Skills

Written Communication