Policy Counsel

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.