Staff Attorney

Franklin County; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Franklin County Board of Commissioners seeks a Staff Attorney to advise agency staff and Guardian ad Litem volunteers on legal matters, serve as GAL on cases, and represent the agency in court proceedings.

The role involves providing representation in Franklin County Court and preparing GAL volunteers for testimony, while maintaining case files and documentation in accordance with policy and law.

Qualifications

• JD required with at least two years of law experience.
• Must have a license to practice law in the State of Ohio.
• Ability to conduct home visits and represent the agency in court.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal representation for the agency in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Division of Domestic Relations, and Juvenile Branch.
• Prepare agency GAL volunteers and client analysts for trial testimony.
• Participate in trials and other hearings, write and review court reports, motions, complaints, briefs and any other necessary documents.
• Research legal issues impacting agency cases and policies.
• Complete appropriate paperwork in a timely manner.
• Review child abuse, neglect and dependency complaints scheduled on the daily preliminary docket and select cases meeting criteria.

Skills

Legal analysis

Public relations

Interviewing

Research methods

Report writing

Education

Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school

Job description

Classification Purpose: The primary purpose of the Staff Attorney is to advise agency staff and volunteer Guardians ad Litem (GAL) on various legal matters, serve as GAL on individual cases, and to represent the agency in the court proceedings.

Job Duties: Provide legal representation for the agency in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Division of Domestic Relations, and Juvenile Branch. Prepare agency GAL volunteers and client analysts for trial testimony. Participate in trials and other hearings, write and review court reports, motions, complaints, briefs and any other necessary documents. Research legal issues impacting agency cases and policies. Complete appropriate paperwork in a timely manner. Review child abuse, neglect and dependency complaints scheduled on the daily preliminary docket and select cases that meet the agency case selection criteria.

Perform all case management functions on unassigned cases. Collaborate with the volunteer administrator in assignment of GAL volunteer cases to ensure all responsibilities of the GAL duties are performed in accordance with agency standards, policies and procedures. Conduct home visits and other GAL responsibilities with or in place of a volunteer GAL as needed or requested.

Maintain related documentation and reports as required by local, state and federal guidelines. Gather statistical information regarding work activities. Maintain contact logs. Document all work activities in case files. Attend conferences, workshops, and training as required. Maintain regular and predictable attendance.

These duties are illustrative only and you may perform some or all of these duties or other job-related duties as assigned.

Major Worker Characteristics: Knowledge of supervision; public relations; human relations (Ohio Child Abuse, neglect and dependency law, juvenile rules, and child welfare trends) agency policy and procedures; government structure and process; interviewing; law (JD). Skills in equipment. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; interpret extensive variety of technical material in books, journals and manuals; prepare meaningful, concise and accurate reports; use proper research methods in gathering data; develop complex reports and position papers; gather, collate and classify information about data, people or things; handle sensitive inquiries; resolve complaints from angry citizens & government officials.

Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment: Any equivalent combination of relevant training and experience including but not limited to: Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school with at least two (2) years of law experience.

Additional Requirements: Must have a license to practice law in the State of Ohio. Must maintain a valid Ohio driver’s license and meet background check requirements.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None required.

Unusual Working Conditions: This position requires periodic evening and weekend hours, and conducting home visits.

Requirements

Major Worker Characteristics: Knowledge of supervision; public relations; human relations (Ohio Child Abuse, neglect and dependency law, juvenile rules, and child welfare trends) agency policy and procedures; government structure and process; interviewing; law (JD). Skills in equipment. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; interpret extensive variety of technical material in books, journals and manuals; prepare meaningful, concise and accurate reports; use proper research methods in gathering data; develop complex reports and position papers; gather, collate and classify information about data, people or things; handle sensitive inquiries; resolve complaints from angry citizens & government officials.

Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment: Any equivalent combination of relevant training and experience including but not limited to: Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school with at least two (2) years of law experience.

Additional Requirements: Must have a license to practice law in the State of Ohio. Must maintain a valid Ohio driver’s license and meet background check requirements.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None required.

Unusual Working Conditions: This position requires periodic evening and weekend hours, and conducting home visits.

Summary

At Franklin County Board of Commissioners we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.