Senior Legal Counsel

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 position conducts legal research and analysis; reviews and drafts legal memoranda, briefs, contracts, and policy documents; evaluates pleadings, motions, legislation, rules, and pending litigation; and responds to legal inquiries from agency staff and external stakeholders.

The Senior Legal Counsel assists in evaluating election-related matters, and provides legal analysis on public integrity, business services and other Secretary of State legal issues. The position drafts public records responses, 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

• Assists in the development and implementation of program policies and procedures for the Legal Services team.
• Prepares materials as directed by the Chief Legal Counsel and Deputy Chief Legal Counsel, including but not limited to contracts, letters, and other correspondence.
• Communicates with SOS staff and the general public on behalf of and when directed by the Chief Legal Counsel or Deputy Chief Legal Counsel.
• Maintains archival litigation files, including court filings, correspondence, and legal research; manages document retention and confidentiality; and works with various electronic databases used by the SOS.
• Monitors, processes, and responds to public records requests under the direction of the Chief Legal Counsel and Deputy Chief Legal Counsel.

Litigation, Compliance & General Legal Research

• Collaborates as needed with the Ohio Attorney General's Office on pending litigation.
• Conducts legal research on public integrity matters and other issues affecting the Office's statutory responsibilities.
• Reviews notary complaints and drafts recommended discipline letters.

Board of Elections Oversight & Advisory Support

• Evaluates and investigates complaints regarding board of election operations or the electoral process; summarizes findings and makes recommendations to the Assistant Secretary of State, Director of Elections, Chief Legal Counsel, and Deputy Chief Legal Counsel; and assists with oversight of boards of election requiring additional legal or administrative attention.
• Prepares responses to legal inquiries from Ohio's local boards of election, government officials, and the general public.

Election Law & Elections Administration Responsibilities

• Conducts legal research and analysis on election law matters, including ballot language, elections administration, and statutory interpretation.
• Reviews court decisions and legislative developments affecting Ohio election law and prepares internal summaries and guidance.
• Assists in evaluating tie-vote matters, identifying legal issues, and drafting recommended decisions based on statute, case law, and public policy considerations.
• Assists in preparing election-related reports, directives, advisories, memoranda, and policy statements in coordination with the Elections Division.
• Provides legal support for Election Day preparation, oversight, and post-election review as directed.

Events & Administrative Support

• Prepares for Legal Services events (e.g., seminars, trainings, workshops, presentations), including scheduling, notification, logistics coordination, and content preparation in collaboration with legal staff and other SOS divisions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Required

o Bachelor's degree and Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.

o Licensed to practice law in Ohio; Must be in good standing with the Supreme Court of Ohio.

Experience

• Required

o Active Ohio Bar membership.

o Five (5) to seven (7) years of experience in administrative law and procedures and Ohio state ggency or local government.

o Demonstrated skill in drafting, reviewing, and revising legal documents, policies, and rules.

o Proficiency in legal research, analysis, and interpretation of statutes and case law.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Federal and state election and campaign finance laws, administrative law, and rules governing election integrity and public proceedings. (Developed after employment)
• 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 (e.g., LexisNexis).

Skills in:

• Conducting comprehensive legal research and drafting complex legal documents.
• Preparing clear, concise reports and memoranda for leadership and external stakeholders.
• Managing sensitive legal and confidential matters with discretion.
• Coordinating with multiple agencies and divisions on legal issues and litigation support.
• Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, to diverse audiences.

Ability to:

• 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; Lexis/Nexis.