Master Commissioner

Organization

Supreme Court of Ohio

Feb 16, 2026

Ohio Judicial Center 65 South Front Street Columbus 43215

United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus

Compensation: $ - $143,000

Full-time

N/A

Attorney/Legal

Technical

Skills:

Attorney/Legal

The Supreme Court of Ohio is seeking an experienced lawyer to fill the position of Master Commissioner (Attorney) within the Office of Legal Resources. The successful candidates will join a team of knowledgeable and dedicated public servants to provide the Justices of the Supreme Court of Ohio expert legal analysis concerning all phases of litigation in complex areas of law.

Master Commissioners assist the whole Court with its non-discretionary docket, which includes extraordinary writs, death-penalty-related matters, workers’ compensation mandamus appeals, attorney discipline, the unauthorized practice of law, state and local taxation, and public utilities. Master commissioners review and analyze case filings and documents, conduct extensive legal research, and prepare comprehensive written work product for review by the Justices of the Court.

The new hire will begin working primarily on extraordinary writs or in their demonstrated area of expertise and experience, such as death-penalty-related matters, with the opportunity to explore other subject areas based on interest and the needs of the court.

• Review and analyze the pleadings, motions, transcripts, exhibits, records, and briefs in appeals and original actions filed in the Supreme Court of Ohio.
• Review the case law, statutory, and constitutional authorities cited by the parties and perform additional legal research as needed pertaining to the assigned matters.
• Prepare for the Justices a comprehensive written analysis of the facts and issues presented in an appeal or original action, recommend disposition of the case, including any pending motions, and prepare draft opinions and entries as needed.
• Consult with other master commissioners concerning legal issues in pending cases.
• May conduct hearings as assigned by the Court, primarily in state and local taxation appeals.
• Review editorial changes made to opinions before publication.
• Assist the Justices or senior management in complex legal matters; conduct research of complex legal issues; evaluate factual information.
• Collaborate with the administrative coordinator in maintaining a log of the status of assigned cases, as requested.
• Propose amendments to court rules when appropriate.
• Attend state and national seminars when directed, participate in bar association committee activities as appropriate, and otherwise remain current with developing legal trends and authority.

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website.

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

• A master commissioner must, at all times during employment with the Supreme Court, be an attorney properly admitted to the practice of law and be in good standing with the appropriate admitting authority of any state or territory of the United States.
• Over two years of legal experience is preferred. Previous experience as a judicial law clerk or staff attorney at the appellate level is preferred. Experience in the courtroom or interacting with clients is helpful.
• Experience with any of the areas of law in which the Office of Legal Resources routinely provides legal analysis, including death-penalty-related matters, extraordinary writs, workers’…