Staff Attorney

Franklin County Ohio Department of Human Resources; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Franklin County Ohio Department of Human Resources seeks a Staff Attorney to advise agency staff and Guardian ad Litem volunteers on a range of legal matters, and to serve as GAL on individual cases in Franklin County.

The attorney will represent the agency in the Court of Common Pleas, prepare trial materials, conduct research, manage case files, perform home visits as needed, and ensure compliance with state and federal guidelines.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in Ohio.
• Valid Ohio driver's license and background check as required.

Responsibilities

• Advise agency staff and GAL volunteers on legal matters.
• Serve as GAL on individual cases and represent the agency in court proceedings.
• Prepare GAL volunteers and client analysts for trial testimony.
• Participate in trials and hearings; write and review court reports, motions, briefs, and related documents.
• Research legal issues affecting agency cases and policies; complete required paperwork promptly.
• Review child abuse, neglect, and dependency complaints and select cases meeting selection criteria.
• Perform case management for unassigned cases and collaborate with the volunteer administrator.
• Conduct home visits and other GAL duties as needed; maintain documentation and logs.
• Attend conferences, workshops, and training; maintain regular attendance.

Skills

Legal research

Court representation

Trial testimony preparation

Written communication

Education

Juris Doctorate

Job description

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

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 GAL volunteer 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.

Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school with at least two (2) years of law experience; or any equivalent combination of training and experience.

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.