Closing Date: 4th August, 2026
Description:
General Position Summary:The Deputy Legal Counsel provides legal advice and counsel to the management and staff of the Judicial Branch. As a member of the Administrative Office of the Court's (AOC) Legal Division, the Deputy Legal Counsel works with a dedicated team to advance the Court's mission. As the third branch of government, the Judicial Branch provides access to justice by ensuring fair processes and the timely, impartial resolution of cases. This position reports to the Legal Counsel.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
(The examples provided do not cover all of the duties which the incumbent of this position may be required to perform.)
- Drafts, reviews, and supports the implementation of court rules, forms, and processes;
- As a member of the team handling requests for court data, analyzes and provides advice and direction regarding responses to such requests under Idaho Court Administrative Rule 32;
- Conducts or coordinates legal research at the request of the Administrative Conference, judges, the Administrative Director of the Courts, and other AOC staff;
- Staffs court committees and workgroups as reporter and/or counsel;
- Assists with policy development and analysis for the state court system;
- Provides legal advice, research, and analysis on legal issues involving court administration;
- Makes presentations at judicial and non-judicial education programs;
- Leads and/or serves on policy or special project task forces and committees;
- Reviews proposed legislation to assess potential impacts on the courts and assists in the implementation of legislation;
- Collaborates and coordinates with the Legal Counsel to provide consistent advice and recommendations to the Court and the AOC;
- Performs related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications:
The Idaho Supreme Court reserve the right to consider an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience necessary to successfully perform the major responsibilities of the position.
Education and Experience:
- Possession of a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school;
- Minimum of five years of legal experience after law school; preference may be given to applicants with litigation experience, demonstrated knowledge of court rules, and public records experience;
- Active member of the Idaho State Bar; applicants who are not currently a member of the Idaho State Bar, or are inactive, must become an active member.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of legal principles and their application;
- Knowledge of judicial systems, including court processes, jurisdiction, administration, rules and procedures;
- Knowledge of the Idaho judicial system preferred;
- Knowledge of state and local governmental/legislative/political systems and processes;
- Knowledge of state statutes and ability to interpret and apply them to administrative procedures and/or problems;
- Knowledge of and familiarity with computer-assisted legal research;
- Ability to express ideas and communicate suggestions and recommendations clearly and concisely verbally and in writing;
- Ability to establish effective cooperative working relationships with judges, members of the legal community, the legislature, court staff, state agencies, and others;
- Ability to analyze complex issues and data and develop feasible solutions;
- Ability to work independently with very little direction and prioritize and manage time well;
- Ability to organize work in order to meet deadlines of multiple projects and achieve desired work results;
- Ability to understand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, policies, and regulations as pertaining to court operations.
The Idaho Supreme Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are dedicated to the values of fairness, integrity, independence, and respect. We are committed to fair and impartial processes, both in our courtrooms and in our employment decisions, adhering to all applicable federal and state laws. Our commitment extends to fostering an environment that respects the dignity and worth of every person and the individuality of all employees and applicants. The Supreme Court values all who contribute to the mission of providing access to justice through merit, experience, and the highest legal and ethical standards. If you need accommodation for applying or interviewing, please notify human resources.