Staff Attorney

Franklin County Department of Human Resources; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Franklin County Department of Human Resources seeks a Staff Attorney to advise agency staff and GAL volunteers on legal matters, and to represent the agency in court. The position involves services in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Division of Domestic Relations, and Juvenile Branch, and requires preparing volunteers for trial testimony and performing case management duties.

The role requires a Juris Doctorate with at least two years of law experience, a valid license to practice

Qualifications

• Research legal issues impacting agency cases and policies.
• Advise agency staff and GAL volunteers on legal matters.
• Prepare agency GAL volunteers and client analysts for trial testimony.
• Represent the agency in court proceedings when assigned.

Responsibilities

• Advise agency staff and Guardian ad Litem volunteers on legal matters.
• Represent the agency in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Division of Domestic Relations, and Juvenile Branch.
• Prepare GAL volunteers and client analysts for trial testimony; participate in trials and hearings.
• Write and review court reports, motions, complaints, briefs and other necessary documents.
• Research legal issues affecting agency cases and policies.
• Complete appropriate paperwork and maintain case documentation in line with guidelines.

Skills

Legal research

Court representation

Education

Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited law school

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.