Legal Counsel

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
  
  

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, PowerPoint, Outlook; Lexis/Nexis
  
  

Organization

Secretary of State

Agency Contact Name and Information

Ambra Storay

Unposting Date

Oct 1, 2025, 11:59:00 PM

Work Location

SOS Civic Center Dr 5

Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus

Compensation

$70,000 - $82,000, based on experience and ability

Schedule

Full-time

Classified Indicator

Unclassified

Union

Exempt from Union

Primary Job Skill

Attorney/Legal

Technical Skills

Attorney/Legal, Research

Professional Skills

Analyzation, Attention to Detail, Collaboration

Agency Overview

LEGAL COUNSEL

About Us

As Ohio’s Secretary of State, Frank LaRose is doing his part to deliver a thriving democracy and a prosperous economy for all Ohioans. In his role as the state’s chief elections officer, he is working to ensure that Ohio’s elections are both secure and accessible. And, as the first stop for new businesses in the Buckeye State, he is assisting entrepreneurs as they receive articles of incorporation for a new business.