Judicial Law Clerk​/Staff Attorney

Judges

Marilyn Zayas, Candace

C. Crouse, Ginger S. Bock, Jennifer Kinsley, Terry Nestor, Richard L. Moore

William Howard Taft Law Center

230 East Ninth Street
CINCINNATI, OHIO

FAX
FIRSTDISTRICTCOA.ORG

Julie Kahrs Nessler, Esq. – Court Administrator

Angela Hayden, Esq. – Assistant Court Administrator

Kathleen

B. Keeney, Esq. – Senior Staff Attorney

Mary T. Minnillo, Esq. – Mediator

Position Title:

Full‑Time Term Judicial Law Clerk/Staff Attorney (Max. 2‑year term)

Pay Rate:
Current starting salary for this position is $, plus benefits.

Closing Date:
Open until filled, with priority to applications received by December 1, 2025.

The First District Court of Appeals is seeking applications for one full‑time term judicial law clerk/staff attorney position to be assigned to Judge Ginger Bock. Under the direction and supervision of Judge Bock, the law clerk/staff attorney will be responsible for reviewing case briefs and records, conducting legal research, preparing bench memoranda, and assisting the judge with drafting opinions. The term will commence in August 2026, with a flexible starting date.

A two‑year term is preferred, but Judge Bock will consider a one‑year term.

The following duties are typical for this position. These duties are not to be construed as exclusive or inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned by Judge Bock.

• Conduct legal research on substantive and procedural issues relating to cases and motions as requested by the judge.
• Establish a thorough knowledge of relevant portions of assigned case files, review briefs, prepare written memoranda, bench briefs, work with judge to draft opinions, and revise opinions per Judge Bock’s instructions.
• Prepare case summaries for each opinion assigned.
• Attend court hearings and conferences as requested.
• Research and draft decisions on post‑judgment motions, including motions for reconsideration, re‑opening, certification of a conflict, and en banc review.
• Stay current on legal issues and relevant legislation necessary to perform the required duties of a judicial law clerk/staff attorney.

Applicant must be a graduate of an accredited law school, have excellent academic credentials, possess superior legal research, writing, and analytical skills, and be proficient in computer technology. Applicants must possess the ability to edit documents for proper grammar, punctuation, spelling, and compliance with the Supreme Court of Ohio Writing Manual. Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, Lexis Nexis, and other legal research resources required.

Prefer applicants licensed to practice law in Ohio or license pending, but this is not required. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or be eligible to work in the United States.

In completing the duties and responsibilities of the position, the Court expects the judicial law clerk/staff attorney will adhere to all Court policies, guidelines, practices, and procedures; act as a role model both inside and outside the Court; exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others; and maintain constructive working relationships. In addition, the Court expects the judicial law clerk/staff attorney to maintain a positive and respectful approach with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the Court.

The State of Ohio, the Supreme Court of Ohio, and the First District Court of Appeals are all Equal Employment Opportunity Employers and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin (ancestry), military status, disability, age (40 years or older), genetic information, sexual orientation, or caregiver status, in making employment‑related decisions about an individual.

The Supreme Court of Ohio and the First District Court of Appeals are equal employment opportunity employers. We support an alcohol‑free, drug‑free, weapons‑free, and violence‑free work environment.

The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant’s criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.

Interested applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample (ten or fewer pages), law school transcript, and three letters of recommendation. Materials should be emailed to Renata Freese at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). anticipate holding interviews in early December.