Closing Date: 2nd October, 2025

Description:

Job Description:
Position Summary:
Under the Direction of The Chief Legal Counsel And/or Deputy Chief Legal Services and In Collaboration with The Legal Services Team, the Legal Counsel Assists in The Daily and Strategic Operational Activities of The Legal Services Team, Such as General Legal Research; the Review and Authoring of Legal Briefs, Memoranda, and Contracts; the Review of Pleadings, Motions, Affidavits, Legislations, Rules, and Pending Litigation; and Responding to Sos Staff Inquiries on Legal Matters, Policies, and Procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Essential Functions May Include, but Are Not Limited To, the Following:

Legal Support and Research
Conducts Legal Research on Election-Related Issues, Including Ballot Language, Election Administration, Electoral Process, Tie-Vote Matters, and Review of Court Decisions Pertaining to Election Law
Prepares and Reviews Legal Materials, Including Contracts, Handbooks, Manuals, Letters, and Correspondence

Complaint Management and Evaluation

Reviews Notary Complaints and Drafts Discipline Letters
Evaluates and Investigates Complaints About Board of Election Operations
Summarizes Findings
Makes Recommendations to Supervisors

Public Engagement and Communication

Processes Public Records Requests Under Supervision
Communicates with Local Boards of Election, Government Officials, and The Public
Prepares Responses to Legal Inquiries
Collaborates with The Ohio Attorney General's Office on Pending Litigation

Event Coordination and Support

Assists with Secretary of State Events
Scheduling and Logistics
Program Content Preparation
Works with Legal Staff and Other Sos Division Staff During Events

Document Management and Archiving

Maintains Archival Litigation Files
Monitors Retention, Archival, Confidentiality, and Destruction of Documents
Organizes Documents and Correspondence
Monitors News Sources for Developments Relevant to Legal Services

Administrative Support

Reviews and Responds to Emails for Chief Legal Counsel and Deputy Chief Legal Counsel
Performs Other Duties as Assigned

Why Work for The State of Ohio
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! (https://careers.ohio.gov/why-work-for-state-of-ohio) Our Benefits Package Includes:

Medical Coverage
Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance Premiums After Completion of Eligibility Period (https://careers.ohio.gov/why-work-for-state-of-ohio/healthcare/01-health-care)
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) (https://das.ohio.gov/employee-relations/benefits-administration/about-my-benefits/retirement-systems) & Optional Deferred Compensation (ohio Deferred Compensation) (https://www.ohio457.org/aboutus)

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.

Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

Required: Bachelor's Degree and Juris Doctor Degree from An Accredited College or University
Required: Holds a Current Law License and A Certificate of Good Standing from The Supreme Court of Ohio

Experience:

Required: 2-5 Years of Legal Experience. Excellent Communication and Collaboration Skills. Proficiency in Drafting, Reviewing, and Revising Legal Documents Such as Memos, Contracts, Policies, and Rules. Proficiency in Conducting Legal Research, Analyzing Statutes, Case Law, and Legal Precedents to Provide Informed Legal Opinions and Recommendations.
Preferred: Experience Working for An Ohio State or Local Government Entity; Knowledge of Ohio Public Records Law. Experience with Or Understanding of Election Law And/or Experience with Litigation, as Well as Familiarity with The Framework of The Ohio State Government.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Knowledge:

Understand Applicable State and Federal Laws, as Well as Administrative Codes Related to Legal Services.
Familiarity with Secretary of State (sos) Policies and Procedures.

Skills:

Establish and Maintain Effective Relationships with Colleagues, Local Boards of Election, Government Officials, and The General Public.
Communicate Effectively on Behalf of Chief Legal Counsel and Deputy Chief Legal Counsel.
Demonstrate Exceptional Research, Writing, and Analytical Skills.
Utilize Proper Research Methods for Data Gathering, Including Gathering, Collating, and Classifying Information.
Maintain Organized Archival Files and Manage Documentation Systematically.
Support Event Coordination by Managing Logistics Efficiently and Preparing Necessary Materials.

Abilities:

Interpret and Follow a Variety of Instructions in Written, Oral, or Pictorial Formats.
Detail-Oriented with A Focus on Accuracy in Work and Adherence to Deadlines.
Handle Sensitive and Confidential Inquiries with Professionalism and Discretion.

Technology
Personal Computer, Microsoft Office 365 – Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook; Lexis/nexis