Senior Legal Counsel

Senior Legal Counsel (260003XQ) Organization: Secretary of State of Ohio Position Summary Under the direction of the Deputy Chief Legal Counsel and in collaboration with the Legal Services team, the Senior Legal Counsel assists in the daily and strategic operational activities of the Legal Services division. The role involves legal research and analysis; drafting legal memoranda, briefs, contracts, and policy documents; evaluating pleadings, motions, legislation, rules, and pending litigation; and responding to legal inquiries from agency staff and external stakeholders. The Senior Legal Counsel evaluates election‑related matters, public integrity, business services, and other Secretary of State matters, collaborates with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office on litigation matters, and provides legal support for administration activities as directed. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Legal Services Operations and Public Records Assist in development and implementation of program policies and procedures for the Legal Services team. Prepare materials directed by the Chief Legal Counsel and Deputy Chief Legal Counsel (contracts, letters, correspondence). Communicate with SOS staff and the general public on behalf of the Chief Legal Counsel or Deputy Chief Legal Counsel. Maintain archival litigation files, court filings, correspondence, and legal research; manage document retention and confidentiality; and work with electronic databases used by the SOS. Monitor, process, and respond to public records requests under direction of the Chief Legal Counsel and Deputy Chief Legal Counsel. Litigation, Compliance & General Legal Research Collaborate as needed with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office on pending litigation. Conduct legal research on public integrity matters and other issues affecting the Office’s statutory responsibilities. Review notary complaints and draft recommended discipline letters. Board of Elections Oversight & Advisory Support Evaluate and investigate complaints regarding board of election operations or the electoral process; summarize findings and recommend actions to senior leadership; assist with oversight of boards of election requiring additional legal or administrative attention. Prepare responses to legal inquiries from Ohio’s local boards of election, government officials, and the general public. Election Law & Elections Administration Responsibilities Conduct legal research and analysis on election law matters, including ballot language, elections administration, and statutory interpretation. Review court decisions and legislative developments affecting Ohio election law; prepare internal summaries and guidance. Assist in evaluating tie‑vote matters, identifying legal issues, and drafting recommendations. Assist in preparing election‑related reports, directives, advisories, memoranda, and policy statements. Provide legal support for Election Day preparation, oversight, and post‑election review as directed. Events & Administrative Support Prepare for Legal Services events (seminars, trainings, workshops, presentations); schedule, notify, coordinate logistics, and prepare content in collaboration with legal staff and other SOS divisions. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications Education Bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school. Licensed to practice law in Ohio, in good standing with the Supreme Court of Ohio. Experience Active Ohio Bar membership. Five to seven years experience in administrative law and procedures and Ohio state or local government. Demonstrated skill in drafting, reviewing, and revising legal documents, policies, and rules. Proficiency in legal research, analysis, and interpretation of statutes and case law. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Federal and state election and campaign finance laws, administrative law, and rules governing election integrity and public proceedings. Principles and practices of administrative procedure and legal operations. Database and document management systems for legal records and case tracking. Ohio public records and open meetings laws. Microsoft Office 365 and legal research tools (LexisNexis). Skills Conduct comprehensive legal research and draft complex legal documents. Prepare clear, concise reports and memoranda for leadership and external stakeholders. Manage sensitive legal and confidential matters with discretion. Coordinate with multiple agencies and divisions on legal issues and litigation support. Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, to diverse audiences. Abilities Interpret and apply laws, policies, and procedures accurately and consistently. Exercise sound judgment and initiative under pressure. Work collaboratively with internal divisions, the Attorney General’s Office, and the OEIC. Manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines. Uphold the integrity, neutrality, and professionalism expected of legal counsel within the Secretary of State’s Office. Technology Personal computer, Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); LexisNexis. Benefits Medical Coverage 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 (OPERS, STRS, SERS, HPRS) and optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation) Background Check Background check and drug screening required prior to employment. ADA Statement 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr