Senior Legal Counsel-OEIC

Overview

Position Summary Under the direction of the Chief Legal Counsel and/or Deputy Chief Legal Counsel and in collaboration with the Ohio Elections Integrity Commission (OEIC) and the Public Integrity Division, the Senior Legal Counsel provides legal, procedural, and administrative support to the Commission and the Office of the Secretary of State. This position ensures that OEIC operations, investigations, and decisions are conducted in compliance with Ohio law, administrative procedure, and best practices for transparency and due process.

They also assist with legal research, drafting, and analysis related to election integrity, administrative enforcement, and Commission governance while advising SoS leadership on related legal and policy matters.

• Provide direct legal support to the OEIC in the interpretation and application of statutes, administrative rules, and Commission procedures.
• Draft and review OEIC advisory opinions, orders, and enforcement findings in coordination with Commission members and SOS leadership.
• Advise the OEIC on matters involving evidence review, due process, public records, and open meeting law compliance.
• Assist in developing and maintaining policies and procedures governing the OEIC’s operations, case review, and hearings.

• Legal Advice to the Ohio Elections Integrity Commission (OEIC)
  • Provide direct legal support to the OEIC in the interpretation and application of statutes, administrative rules, and Commission procedures.
  • Draft and review OEIC advisory opinions, orders, and enforcement findings in coordination with Commission members and SOS leadership.
  • Advise the OEIC on matters involving evidence review, due process, public records, and open meeting law compliance.
  • Assist in developing and maintaining policies and procedures governing the OEIC’s operations, case review, and hearings.

• Conduct legal research on OEIC, elections and campaign finance-related issues.
• Draft decisions and recommendations based on statute, case law, and public policy considerations.
• Review court decisions, compile after-action reports, and support preparation of directives, advisories, guidance, reports, and training materials.
• Collaborate with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office on pending litigation and coordinate discovery and filings, as directed.

• Monitor, process, and respond to public records requests under the direction of the Chief Legal Counsel, Deputy Chief Legal Counsel, and Director of Operations, as needed.
• Assist in developing and implementing program policies and procedures for the Legal Services Division.
• Evaluate and investigate complaints about board of elections operations or the electoral process; summarize findings and make recommendations to leadership.
• Prepare responses to legal inquiries from boards of elections, government officials, and the public.
• Maintain archival litigation files, monitor developments in law, and ensure records retention and confidentiality compliance.

• Coordinate logistics and develop materials for Legal Services seminars, trainings, and presentations in collaboration with SOS divisions.
• Prepare contracts, correspondence, and other legal documents as directed.
• Review and route communications on behalf of the Chief Legal Counsel or Deputy Chief Legal Counsel.
• Provide guidance and clear written communication to internal and external stakeholders regarding legal and procedural issues.

• Perform other legal and administrative duties as assigned.

• Required
• Bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in Ohio;
  Must be in good standing with the Supreme Court of Ohio.

• Required
• Active Ohio Bar membership.
• Five (5) to seven (7) years of experience in administrative law and procedures.
• Demonstrated skill in drafting, reviewing, and revising legal documents, policies, and rules.
• Proficiency in legal research, analysis, and interpretation of statutes and case law.
• Preferred:
  Experience…