JOB PURPOSE AND OVERVIEW

Personal and confidential employee for an individual Judge. Performs legal research, and provides writing, consulting, and editing assistance to the Judge in drafting judicial opinions. Analyzes legal issues at the direction of the Judge and tracks motions. Stays up to date on the latest case and statutory laws and keeps the Judge informed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION

The following duties indicate the general nature and level of work performed by this position. They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of this position. Other duties may be required or assigned at any time.

1. Conduct legal research, both manual and computerized.
2. Provide legal opinions to Judge based on results of legal research.
3. Prepare and edit drafts of judicial opinions.
4. Maintain files and index systems.
5. Keep Judge apprised of revisions to the law and remain current with legal developments by reading advance sheets and appellate decisions.
6. Brief Judge on legal issues in cases.
7. Review documents filed by parties and draft appropriate responses for Judge’s consideration.
8. Assist with courtroom proceedings as directed by Judge.
9. Communicate with attorneys/parties as directed by Judge.
10. Perform administrative tasks.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

1. Law degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Well-developed legal research and writing skills.
3. Must possess keen analytical and organizational skills and the ability to function at a high level within a large, complex organization.
4. Knowledge of common office practices, procedures, and equipment.
5. Proficiency in operating a personal computer and using Microsoft Office products such as Word, Outlook, and Excel.
6. Ability to prioritize work, work independently without daily direct supervision, and manage a variety of projects simultaneously in a high-pressure atmosphere under severe time constraints.
7. Must have excellent time management skills and be highly organized and detail oriented.
8. Exceptional interpersonal skills including the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with Judges, other elected officials, Court employees, Law Enforcement officers, Lawyers, outside agencies, businesses, and the general public.
9. Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information.
10. Creativity and ability to conceive and implement innovative approaches to solve problems and meet objectives. Ability to recognize the need for change and respond with flexibility to changing program demands, propose solutions, and ensure that solutions are implemented.
11. Ability to effectively and professionally communicate verbally and in writing in English to diverse audiences, and to produce concise, error-free documents and reports.
12. Ability to organize and lead meetings of employees, Judges, and others, and to make oral presentations before elected and appointed officials, public and private groups, Court employees, and others.
13. Must be conscious of and sensitive to the diversity within the Court’s jurisdiction and be able to interact professionally with this diverse population of people from many different geographic, socioeconomic, religious, racial, and ethnic backgrounds on a regular basis.
14. Professional appearance and demeanor appropriate for a representative of elected officials.
15. Demonstrated dependability, reliability, and excellent attendance record.
16. Patience, objectivity, maturity, effectiveness under stress, initiative, adaptability, leadership, and sound judgment.

The qualifications and requirements listed above are guidelines for selection purposes. Alternative qualifications may be substituted if considered by the Court to be sufficient to demonstrate the ability to perform the essential duties of the position.
Additional consideration will be given to applicants who have any of the following: prior experience working in a court system; grant writing experience

COURT EXPECTATIONS OF EMPLOYEE

In completing the duties and responsibilities of this position, the Court expects the incumbent will adhere to all Court policies, guidelines, practices and procedures; act as a role model both inside and outside the Court; perform duties as workload necessitates in a timely, accurate and thorough manner; be conscientious about meeting department productivity standards; and communicate regularly with supervisor about department issues.

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT

The individual holding this position is an at-will employee and serves at the pleasure of the Court; employee is not in the classified civil service system and is not a member of a bargaining unit. The Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race; color; religion; sex; gender or gender identity; sexual orientation or identity; national origin (ancestry); age (40 or older); citizenship; marital status; pregnancy, childbirth or medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth; military status (past, present, or future); non-disqualifying disability; genetic information; and all other classes and conduct protected by Ohio, federal, and local law.