Benefits of Employment

Insurance:  Comprehensive Health, Dental, Vision, Life and an Employee Assistance Program. Supplemental Life may be purchased at group rates.

Paid Time Off:  Twelve (12) holidays, vacation time (after 6 months) of three (3) weeks per year for the first eight (8) years of service, and sick time.

Retirement:  Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) with 14% annual employer contribution and Deferred Compensation Plans.

Job Summary

The Senior Staff Attorney is a member of a team of attorneys that serves as in-house counsel for the Court’s judges, magistrates, and various departments. This position provides strategic guidance, consultation, and support on a comprehensive range of legal and associated issues involved in carrying out the mission of the Court.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty listed below. Reasonable accommodations will be made for disabled persons covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, in accordance with its requirements.

Responsible for analyzing and interpreting case law, statutes, Rules of Juvenile, Civil, and Criminal Procedure, Rules of Superintendence, and Local Rules of Court on various legal issues. Drafts opinions and memorandums of law. 

Completes legal research requests from Judges, Magistrates, and other appropriate Court staff.

Regularly monitors and reviews State and Federal legislation and notifies Assistant Legal Counsel and other appropriate individuals of updates and changes in relevant legislation.

Assists in developing, updating, and disseminating legal forms and standard journal entries for use in all areas of the Court.

Reviews orders, entries, pleadings, and objections when appropriate.

Responds to public record requests.

Supervises and properly directs lower-level staff and/or interns, who may be assigned to the Mediation Department, Resource Center, and/or Legal Department.

Assists in developing, coordinating, and conducting Continuing Legal Education (“CLE”) and informational programs or trainings for Judges, Magistrates, Court employees, assigned counsel, and guardians ad litem.

Assists in maintaining an open and effective communication with legal entities including, but not limited to, the Ohio Supreme Court, Bar Associations, and State Representatives. 

May be required, and will be given the opportunity, to attend basic and advanced mediation trainings pursuant to Ohio Superintendence Rule 16.23.

Assists in maintaining, ordering, and updating all legal materials including, but not limited to, hardbound volumes, Ohio Revised Code and other relevant state and federal statutes, legal publications, and legal computer software.

Assists in representing the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Juvenile Division at community functions and agency meetings as necessary.

Perform other duties and assists with special projects as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Has supervisory accountability for other employees, volunteers, or interns. Plans, directs, and coordinates activities for a unit. Duties may include scheduling and assigning of work, training in all facets of work, quality control, and decisions impacting the pay, status, and tenure of others. Conducts performance evaluations, provides input into and participates in discipline, dismissal, and hiring processes, and is accountable for editing timecards in the electronic timekeeping system for assigned staff.

Equipment Operated

Standard office equipment and office technology such as copy machines, personal computers and telephones.

Confidential Data

All court-related information regarding hearings, etc. that the employee may come in contact with by working in the facility.

Working Conditions

Potential exposure to hazardous situations that may occur in the court environment.  Must be able to tolerate exposure to evidence and testimony that may be disturbing; clients who may potentially be verbally or physically uncooperative; allergens, such as perfumes and dust. Works in a general office setting with moderate noise levels.  May be subject to interruptions, quick deliverables, and changing work deadlines. Availability may be required beyond standard (8:30 AM – 4:30 PM) work hours.

Usual Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, to speak clearly, and to hear.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

Excellent interpersonal skills required to communicate effectively with jurist, Court Administration, staff, and public officials.  Knowledge of Ohio Juvenile Rules and Ohio Revised Code; demonstrated oral, written, and research skills.  Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively; detail oriented; demonstrated leadership skills.  Personal computer skills including working knowledge of computer legal research software and the Internet.

Education and/or Experience

J.D. Degree

AND

One (1) year work experience.  Prefers at least one (1) year work experience as an attorney conducting legal research and drafting legal opinions, appeals, or case briefs; or trial experience (juvenile division cases preferred).

Licensure or Certification Requirements

License to practice law in the State of Ohio

Court Expectations of Employee

In accomplishing the responsibilities of this position, the Court expects that the employee will adhere to the mission and values of the Court as well as all Court policies and procedures. In addition, while carrying out the duties of this position, the employee is expected to model high ethical conduct on and off the job and exhibit a professional and respectful demeanor with all Court employees.

Court Mission Statement

To administer justice, rehabilitate juveniles, support, and strengthen families, and promote public safety.

Application Procedure

Current Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Juvenile Division Employees:

• The deadline to apply is _1/16/24_.
• Please visit https://juvenilecourt.applicantstack.com/x/openings-internal to complete and submit the Job Posting Response Form to the Human Resources Division.
• The Job Posting Response form must be received in Human Resources by the job posting deadline for consideration as a candidate for the posted position.
• If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you can submit a waiver to Human Resources. Please refer to the Employee Handbook Policy number 1.02.04.

External Applicants: 

• This position will remain posted until filled. First consideration given to those that apply by the internal deadline.
• Please visit https://juvenilecourt.applicantstack.com/x/openings to view this posting and to complete and submit the Application for Employment. 

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