State of Ohio
Deputy Chief Legal Officer, Policy and Rulemaking
State of Ohio, Columbus, Ohio, United States, 43224
Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
What You’ll Do: The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Strategic Planning and Leadership:
Partners with the Chief Legal Officer to shape the strategic direction of the Office by contributing to long‑term planning, aligning initiatives with organizational goals, and identifying emerging. Provides organizational leadership for Office projects, establishing goals, priorities, and managing strategic plans in collaboration with staff. Performs the duties of the Chief Legal Officer in the Chief Legal Officer’s absence related to all Office responsibilities.
Office Management:
Manages and leads assigned staff; develops and executes office goals and objectives; collaborates with internal and external leaders to align efforts with long‑term Court priorities. Assists the Chief Legal Officer with overall office management and operations, ensuring activities align with administrative, policy, and financial guidelines.
Legal Advice:
Provides legal and policy counsel to the Chief Justice, Justices, Court leadership and staff regarding a wide variety of programs, policies, and regulations. Collaborates with other Supreme Court policy, legal, and research personnel.
Legal Research & Analysis:
Researches, analyzes, appraises, and interprets laws, court decisions, rulings, advisory opinions, regulations, statutes, and pending legislation to determine an appropriate outcome. Drafts advisory opinions, memoranda, and reports on legal issues affecting the Court.
Public Records:
Reviews, prepares, and coordinates public records requests; updates policies and procedures.
Judicial Assignment Function:
Supervises the Judicial Assignment Analyst who oversees administrative operation of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court’s Judicial Assignment Program.
Agreements & Contracts:
Reviews and coordinates intergovernmental agreements, grants, and contracts; advises on legal risks and terms.
Training & Education:
Researches and prepares reference materials and provides training for judges and quasi‑judicial employees. Presents to judges, judicial branch personnel, peers and colleagues at educational events.
Liaison:
Serves as staff liaison and backup counsel to Court advisory bodies, including rule commissions and the Commission on the Rules of Superintendence. Serves as OCLO liaison to various Supreme Court offices.
Rule Drafting & Counsel:
Provides legal counsel and rule drafting for Supreme Court advisory bodies.
Procurement Policy:
Assists with the implementation of Supreme Court procurement‑policy requirements; prepares, evaluates, recommends, and coordinates a variety of intergovernmental agreements, grant agreements, and contracts in accordance with policy; and advises staff on status, legal risks, and proper terms and conditions.
Personnel Policy:
Assists with the implementation of Supreme Court personnel policy requirements and compliance with federal and state employment laws, including the Civil Rights Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and Family and Medical Leave Act.
Policy Development:
Serve as lead drafter and coordinator for all administrative policy and rule amendments submitted to the Court. Prepares and presents proposed amendments for Administrative Conference.
and Documentation:
Oversees the dissemination and implementation of approved amendments to rules and policies, including updates to CenterSource, internal binders, and staff communications. Maintain comprehensive records of all policy and rule changes, including historical versions and approval documentation.
Legislation:
Assists with preparing, drafting, analyzing, monitoring, and implementing legislation.
Compliance:
Ensures compliance with Court rules, procurement, personnel policies, and federal laws (e.g., ADA, FLSA, FMLA).
Consultation:
Advises managers and Court personnel on programs, policies, and regulations. Serves as liaison to the offices of Building Services, Court Security, Law Library, Human Resources, and Information Technology.
Project Management:
Provides organizational leadership for Office projects, establishing goals, priorities, and managing strategic plans in collaboration with staff. Conducts special projects as assigned by the Chief Justice, Administrative Director, Deputy Administrative Directors, or Chief Legal Officer. Leads cross‑functional project teams.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES This position directly supervises the Judicial Assignment Analyst and Legal Analyst. As a supervisor, this position is responsible for overseeing recruitment and onboarding processes, providing coaching and feedback to team members, managing performance issues, conducting performance evaluations, and fostering a collaborative and high‑performance work environment to ensure team success.
The Supreme Court of Ohio is seeking to fill the position of
Deputy Chief Legal Officer, Policy and Rulemaking
in the Office of the Chief Legal Officer. The Deputy Chief Legal Officer, Policy and Rulemaking provides legal and policy counsel for the Supreme Court of Ohio, focusing on administrative policy and rulemaking. The role supports the Chief Legal Officer in managing the full lifecycle of policy and rule amendments, ensuring proposals are legally sound and aligned with Court priorities. The role also serves as the Court’s lead authority on rulemaking, serves as liaison to the Commission on the Rules of Superintendence, the offices of Building Services, Court Security, Law Library, Human Resources, and Information Technology, and handles special assignments from the Administrative Director, Chief Justice, and Justices. In the Chief Legal Officer’s absence, this role ensures continuity of administrative policy and rulemaking operations.
What We’re Looking For… QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE Requires a JD degree, admittance to the bar and in good standing. Juris Doctor from an accredited law school required. At all times during employment with the Court, must be an attorney properly admitted to the practice of law, be in active and good standing. This is typically acquired through a minimum of seven years of legal experience directly related legal experience in the public or private sector.
COMPETENCIES
Legal Knowledge (Advanced):
Demonstrates deep legal expertise and strategic thinking. Leads complex legal analysis, influences policy, and mentors others in legal reasoning and compliance.
Judgement:
Ability to make sound decisions based on evaluating information.
Advisory Skills:
Ability to offer practical recommendations based on knowledge and experience to improve operations, processes, or strategies.
Communication:
Demonstrates exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey information clearly and effectively.
Legal Research:
Proficiency in analyzing statutes, case law, and regulations.
Analytical Thinking:
Ability to assess complex issues logically.
Problem Solving:
Ability to troubleshoot, think critically, and solve issues independently.
Policy & Legal Drafting:
Ability to draft policies, rules, legislation, public records procedures, and contracts; knowledge of court procedural operations.
Independence and Teamwork:
Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
Work Under Pressure:
Capable of working under pressure with professionalism, discretion, patience, and confidentiality.
Interpersonal Skills:
Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS This position operates in a professional office environment. Occasional travel on Court business may be required. This role routinely uses standard equipment, including but not limited to computers and phones. Primarily a sedentary role; this position requires the ability to lift files and documents and involves constant operation of computer or other office equipment. Regular duties include communicating and exchanging information, as well as moving about the office and building as needed.
COURT EXPECTATIONS OF EMPLOYEE In completing the duties and responsibilities of the position, the Court expects the employee will adhere to all Court policies, guidelines, practices, and procedures; act as a role model both inside and outside the Court; exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others; and work to maintain constructive working relationships. In addition, the employee must be able to maintain a positive and respectful approach with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the Court. Further, the Court expects the employee to demonstrate flexible and efficient time management, the ability to prioritize workload, the ability to perform duties in a timely, accurate and thorough manner, and to communicate regularly with the employee’s supervisors about work‑related issues. Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance is required. Employees may be regularly exposed to sensitive information and the employee is expected to keep any such information strictly confidential.
Technical Skills Attorney/Legal
Professional Skills Strategic Thinking, Organizing and Planning
At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full‑time and part‑time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our
Total Rewards
website! Our benefits package includes:
Medical Coverage
Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)
*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.
Supplemental Information This is an exempt unclassified position that reports to the Chief Legal Officer. The salary range is $138,000 to $142,000.
Application Process Formal consideration of interested applicants responding to this job announcement will begin on November 4, 2025. To be considered for this position, candidates must submit an application online at www.careers.ohio.gov or deliver an application by
November 11, 2025 , to the Supreme Court of Ohio, 65 S. Front St., Columbus, OH 43215 and attach or enclose all of the following: 1. Complete application 2. Resume or CV 3. Cover letter with salary requirements
Only completed applications will be considered. Interviews will be scheduled as soon as practical. We will contact you if you are selected for an interview. Additional details are available to candidates interested in applying, by contacting the Office of Human Resources – Recruiting at recruiting@sc.ohio.gov.
At-Will Employment The Supreme Court of Ohio is an at-will employer that seeks to attract, employ, and retain highly skilled and motivated individuals, attempts to maintain staff continuity for the efficiency of its operation, and desires to foster and maintain an ethical, professional, and impartial work environment. Pursuant to Adm. P. 4 (At-Will Employment), no person shall be offered or denied a position of employment with the Court, and no employee shall have the employee's employment terminated based solely upon political party affiliation, political activity permitted under Adm. P. 17 (Employee Code of Ethics), or other partisan considerations. Further, no employee shall have the employee's employment terminated with or without cause unless upon the concurrence of a majority of the Court.
The Supreme Court of Ohio is an equal employment opportunity employer that supports an alcohol and drug-free, and a weapons and violence free, work environment.
Background Check Information The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant’s prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.
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What You’ll Do: The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Strategic Planning and Leadership:
Partners with the Chief Legal Officer to shape the strategic direction of the Office by contributing to long‑term planning, aligning initiatives with organizational goals, and identifying emerging. Provides organizational leadership for Office projects, establishing goals, priorities, and managing strategic plans in collaboration with staff. Performs the duties of the Chief Legal Officer in the Chief Legal Officer’s absence related to all Office responsibilities.
Office Management:
Manages and leads assigned staff; develops and executes office goals and objectives; collaborates with internal and external leaders to align efforts with long‑term Court priorities. Assists the Chief Legal Officer with overall office management and operations, ensuring activities align with administrative, policy, and financial guidelines.
Legal Advice:
Provides legal and policy counsel to the Chief Justice, Justices, Court leadership and staff regarding a wide variety of programs, policies, and regulations. Collaborates with other Supreme Court policy, legal, and research personnel.
Legal Research & Analysis:
Researches, analyzes, appraises, and interprets laws, court decisions, rulings, advisory opinions, regulations, statutes, and pending legislation to determine an appropriate outcome. Drafts advisory opinions, memoranda, and reports on legal issues affecting the Court.
Public Records:
Reviews, prepares, and coordinates public records requests; updates policies and procedures.
Judicial Assignment Function:
Supervises the Judicial Assignment Analyst who oversees administrative operation of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court’s Judicial Assignment Program.
Agreements & Contracts:
Reviews and coordinates intergovernmental agreements, grants, and contracts; advises on legal risks and terms.
Training & Education:
Researches and prepares reference materials and provides training for judges and quasi‑judicial employees. Presents to judges, judicial branch personnel, peers and colleagues at educational events.
Liaison:
Serves as staff liaison and backup counsel to Court advisory bodies, including rule commissions and the Commission on the Rules of Superintendence. Serves as OCLO liaison to various Supreme Court offices.
Rule Drafting & Counsel:
Provides legal counsel and rule drafting for Supreme Court advisory bodies.
Procurement Policy:
Assists with the implementation of Supreme Court procurement‑policy requirements; prepares, evaluates, recommends, and coordinates a variety of intergovernmental agreements, grant agreements, and contracts in accordance with policy; and advises staff on status, legal risks, and proper terms and conditions.
Personnel Policy:
Assists with the implementation of Supreme Court personnel policy requirements and compliance with federal and state employment laws, including the Civil Rights Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and Family and Medical Leave Act.
Policy Development:
Serve as lead drafter and coordinator for all administrative policy and rule amendments submitted to the Court. Prepares and presents proposed amendments for Administrative Conference.
and Documentation:
Oversees the dissemination and implementation of approved amendments to rules and policies, including updates to CenterSource, internal binders, and staff communications. Maintain comprehensive records of all policy and rule changes, including historical versions and approval documentation.
Legislation:
Assists with preparing, drafting, analyzing, monitoring, and implementing legislation.
Compliance:
Ensures compliance with Court rules, procurement, personnel policies, and federal laws (e.g., ADA, FLSA, FMLA).
Consultation:
Advises managers and Court personnel on programs, policies, and regulations. Serves as liaison to the offices of Building Services, Court Security, Law Library, Human Resources, and Information Technology.
Project Management:
Provides organizational leadership for Office projects, establishing goals, priorities, and managing strategic plans in collaboration with staff. Conducts special projects as assigned by the Chief Justice, Administrative Director, Deputy Administrative Directors, or Chief Legal Officer. Leads cross‑functional project teams.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES This position directly supervises the Judicial Assignment Analyst and Legal Analyst. As a supervisor, this position is responsible for overseeing recruitment and onboarding processes, providing coaching and feedback to team members, managing performance issues, conducting performance evaluations, and fostering a collaborative and high‑performance work environment to ensure team success.
The Supreme Court of Ohio is seeking to fill the position of
Deputy Chief Legal Officer, Policy and Rulemaking
in the Office of the Chief Legal Officer. The Deputy Chief Legal Officer, Policy and Rulemaking provides legal and policy counsel for the Supreme Court of Ohio, focusing on administrative policy and rulemaking. The role supports the Chief Legal Officer in managing the full lifecycle of policy and rule amendments, ensuring proposals are legally sound and aligned with Court priorities. The role also serves as the Court’s lead authority on rulemaking, serves as liaison to the Commission on the Rules of Superintendence, the offices of Building Services, Court Security, Law Library, Human Resources, and Information Technology, and handles special assignments from the Administrative Director, Chief Justice, and Justices. In the Chief Legal Officer’s absence, this role ensures continuity of administrative policy and rulemaking operations.
What We’re Looking For… QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE Requires a JD degree, admittance to the bar and in good standing. Juris Doctor from an accredited law school required. At all times during employment with the Court, must be an attorney properly admitted to the practice of law, be in active and good standing. This is typically acquired through a minimum of seven years of legal experience directly related legal experience in the public or private sector.
COMPETENCIES
Legal Knowledge (Advanced):
Demonstrates deep legal expertise and strategic thinking. Leads complex legal analysis, influences policy, and mentors others in legal reasoning and compliance.
Judgement:
Ability to make sound decisions based on evaluating information.
Advisory Skills:
Ability to offer practical recommendations based on knowledge and experience to improve operations, processes, or strategies.
Communication:
Demonstrates exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey information clearly and effectively.
Legal Research:
Proficiency in analyzing statutes, case law, and regulations.
Analytical Thinking:
Ability to assess complex issues logically.
Problem Solving:
Ability to troubleshoot, think critically, and solve issues independently.
Policy & Legal Drafting:
Ability to draft policies, rules, legislation, public records procedures, and contracts; knowledge of court procedural operations.
Independence and Teamwork:
Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
Work Under Pressure:
Capable of working under pressure with professionalism, discretion, patience, and confidentiality.
Interpersonal Skills:
Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS This position operates in a professional office environment. Occasional travel on Court business may be required. This role routinely uses standard equipment, including but not limited to computers and phones. Primarily a sedentary role; this position requires the ability to lift files and documents and involves constant operation of computer or other office equipment. Regular duties include communicating and exchanging information, as well as moving about the office and building as needed.
COURT EXPECTATIONS OF EMPLOYEE In completing the duties and responsibilities of the position, the Court expects the employee will adhere to all Court policies, guidelines, practices, and procedures; act as a role model both inside and outside the Court; exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others; and work to maintain constructive working relationships. In addition, the employee must be able to maintain a positive and respectful approach with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the Court. Further, the Court expects the employee to demonstrate flexible and efficient time management, the ability to prioritize workload, the ability to perform duties in a timely, accurate and thorough manner, and to communicate regularly with the employee’s supervisors about work‑related issues. Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance is required. Employees may be regularly exposed to sensitive information and the employee is expected to keep any such information strictly confidential.
Technical Skills Attorney/Legal
Professional Skills Strategic Thinking, Organizing and Planning
At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full‑time and part‑time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our
Total Rewards
website! Our benefits package includes:
Medical Coverage
Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)
*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.
Supplemental Information This is an exempt unclassified position that reports to the Chief Legal Officer. The salary range is $138,000 to $142,000.
Application Process Formal consideration of interested applicants responding to this job announcement will begin on November 4, 2025. To be considered for this position, candidates must submit an application online at www.careers.ohio.gov or deliver an application by
November 11, 2025 , to the Supreme Court of Ohio, 65 S. Front St., Columbus, OH 43215 and attach or enclose all of the following: 1. Complete application 2. Resume or CV 3. Cover letter with salary requirements
Only completed applications will be considered. Interviews will be scheduled as soon as practical. We will contact you if you are selected for an interview. Additional details are available to candidates interested in applying, by contacting the Office of Human Resources – Recruiting at recruiting@sc.ohio.gov.
At-Will Employment The Supreme Court of Ohio is an at-will employer that seeks to attract, employ, and retain highly skilled and motivated individuals, attempts to maintain staff continuity for the efficiency of its operation, and desires to foster and maintain an ethical, professional, and impartial work environment. Pursuant to Adm. P. 4 (At-Will Employment), no person shall be offered or denied a position of employment with the Court, and no employee shall have the employee's employment terminated based solely upon political party affiliation, political activity permitted under Adm. P. 17 (Employee Code of Ethics), or other partisan considerations. Further, no employee shall have the employee's employment terminated with or without cause unless upon the concurrence of a majority of the Court.
The Supreme Court of Ohio is an equal employment opportunity employer that supports an alcohol and drug-free, and a weapons and violence free, work environment.
Background Check Information The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant’s prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.
#J-18808-Ljbffr