General Counsel

About This Role

Directing the legal, legislative, and policy affairs of the Supreme Court of Ohio is the core of this General Counsel role, together with serving as the principal advisor on legal matters affecting Court administration and the Ohio judicial branch. The position provides executive leadership and operational oversight for the Office of the General Counsel, Office of the Reporter, and Office of Legal Resources, ensuring effective governance, statutory compliance, and coordinated service delivery. Key responsibilities include leading multidisciplinary teams of legal and professional staff, managing budgets and resources, and guiding strategic planning, policy development, records management, and public access functions.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the activities of the Offices of the General Counsel, Reporter, and Legal Resources, ensuring alignment with the Court
• Foster collaboration and clear communication to ensure strategies and operations are aligned under a unified legal and administrative strategy
• Coordinate efforts to drive innovation, efficiency, and consistency, enabling the Court to advance priorities
• Develop and execute strategic goals, values, and policies across offices in alignment with the Court
• Provide high-level leadership for court-wide initiatives
• Support the Chief Justice and Administrative Director in implementing organizational change, fostering innovation, and ensuring policy compliance across relevant functions
• Provide leadership for legal, legislative, and policy matters
• Assist the Chief Justice and Administrative Director in planning and reviewing non-judicial operations
• Coordinate activities with other agencies and court divisions
• Conduct special projects assigned by the Chief Justice, Administrative Director, or Deputy Administrative Directors
• Plan, prioritize, direct, and oversee activities of the Office of the General Counsel, including legal, legislative, and policy activities
• Develop and implement the Office of the General Counsel
• Provide legal advice to the Chief Justice, Justices, Administrative Director, Deputy Administrative Directors, managers, supervisors, and employees to ensure compliance with laws, rules, and regulations
• Consult with managers and supervisors on various programs, policies, and regulations
• Address legal issues impacting the Court or Ohio judicial branch by researching statutes, judicial decisions, and rules; drafting advisory opinions; and preparing legal memoranda and reports
• Oversee public records requests and manage public records policies and procedures across the offices of the Supreme Court of Ohio
• Review, prepare, and coordinate intergovernmental agreements, grant agreements, and contracts
• Advise staff on legal risks, terms, and conditions