Policy Counsel - Specialized Dockets

Schedule: Full-time

The Supreme Court of Ohio is seeking to fill the position of Policy Counsel in the Specialized Dockets Section. The Policy Counsel provides support services and resources to the local trial courts throughout Ohio. Monitors and assists in the research, development and continuation of various specialized dockets throughout Ohio courts.

What You'll Do:

Serves as staff support to the Commission on Specialized Dockets and subcommittees.

Develops rules and standards as appropriate to assist with specialized docket programs.

Supports trial courts with developing and operating specialized docket programs in compliance with Rules 36.20—36.29 and Appendix I of the Rules of Superintendence.

Assists trial courts with planning a certified specialized docket based on local community resources through assessing the need, identifying the necessary resources, and working with local court staff to draft essential operational documents, including case flow charts, administrative orders, model court entries, program forms, and interagency memoranda of understanding.

Assisting the trial courts with planning includes facilitating the trial court planning team and working with the local judge in developing necessary aspects of a specialized docket including target population, legal and clinical criteria, program entry and case flow, phases, incentives and sanctions, criteria for successful completion, unsuccessful termination, and neutral discharge.

Works with trial courts to draft documents required for certification under Sup. R. 36.20—36.29 to ensure compliance, including local court rule, administrative order, program description, participant handbook, and participant agreement.

Aids trial courts in preparing budgets, monitoring expenses, analyzing financial trends, projecting future financial requirements, and pursuing alternative funding sources for certified specialized dockets.

Conducts site visits, both in-person and virtual, to specialized docket programs as required by Superintendence Rules to ensure compliance.

Monitors new trends and research relative to specialized dockets, including pertinent state and federal legislation, and disseminates information to trial courts, committees, relevant outside agency personnel and relevant Supreme Court staff.

Works with other section members to manage and support certified specialized dockets.

Assists local trial courts with continuing legal education programs in regards to the specialized docket and cross training as requested.

Coordinates consultations, seminars, or other meetings and sessions by state and nationally recognized experts in relevant fields of interest. Serves as a presenter for customized local court trainings or to professional groups as needed; Participates in regional or national associations and trainings as identified by the section manager and the Director of Court Services.

Directs evaluation efforts and other research relative to specialized docket programs.

Staffs and attends various related committees, subcommittees, and other public discussions.

Maintains productive relationships with other appropriate national, state and local agencies.

Coordinates work with other staff and programs to ensure collaboration and cooperation when appropriate; serves as liaison and interfaces with other pertinent agencies on projects and grants.

Assists other staff with rule drafting, contract review and the preparation of other written work.

What’s in it for you:

The Supreme Court of Ohio offers a generous compensation package which includes salaries reviewed annually for market adjustments; health, vision, dental, and life insurance; 14% employer contribution to the state retirement plan (OPERS); tuition reimbursement; flex time; and paid vacation, personal and sick time earned in the first month of employment.

What we’re looking for:

Requires a law degree required in good standing with the Ohio Bar. Requires demonstrated experience working with specialized docket programs, experience with Ohio court programs preferred. Requires six years’ experience in a related field and a minimum (3) three working with specialized dockets programs.

Requires the basic understanding of a specialized docket's role in courts and the benefits of such programs.

Requires a high level of proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint; the Internet, and Westlaw or Lexis and other legal-research resources.

Requires travel frequently within Ohio as well as occasional out of state travel and the ability to work non-standard hours when appropriate.

Strong writing and general communication skills and the ability to construct complete and concise sentences using proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling as well as demonstrated ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in situations involving the evaluation of information necessary.

Requires the ability to use technical and professional language including legal.

*Special Requirements: This position is regularly exposed to sensitive information and the incumbent is expected to keep any such information strictly confidential.

Technical Skills: Attorney-Legal, Communications

Professional Skills: Customer-Focused, Attention to Detail, Collaboration, Written Communication