11/27/2009 12:00:00 AMNovember 12, 2009Master Commissioner The Supreme Court of Ohio is seeking applicants for the position of Master Commissioner. A Master Commissioner is responsible for providing the Justices of the Supreme Court of Ohio with expert legal advice in complex areas of the law, by conducting extensive research on legal issues and preparing scholarly memoranda and opinions. This position will primarily focus on the areas of professional responsibility and the unauthorized practice of law. Other areas of focus may include state tax, public utilities, attorney misconduct, admissions, extraordinary writs, workers compensation, criminal law, and death penalty.The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. Reviewing and analyzing the pleadings, motions, transcripts, exhibits, and briefs in appeals and original actions filed in the Supreme Court of Ohio, as well as performing legal research to confirm the applicability of case law, statutory, and constitutional legal authorities cited by the parties or discovered in the course of legal research. Based on expertise and research, the Master Commissioner will prepare comprehensive written analyses of the facts and issues presented in appeals or original actions, determine necessary information for alternatives, and make recommendations to the Justices regarding the dispositions cases. The Master Commissioner will conduct hearings as assigned by the Court, consult with other Master Commissioners concerning legal issues in pending cases, prepare draft opinions and entries for the Court upon request, and review editorial changes made to opinions before publication. In addition, the Master Commissioner will be called upon to assist the Justices, or senior management, in complex legal decisions, conduct or coordinate research of complex legal issue, evaluate factual information, and examine alternative solutions. The Master Commissioner will be expected to provide guidance for attorneys in their own department and other departments; may assign and review work product of other Master Commissioners; and may make recommendations for improvement; may propose amendments to court rules when appropriate. Attendance at state and national seminars and participation in bar association committee activities will be expected as appropriate, as well as remaining current with developing legal trends and authority. This position may have supervisory responsibility over other attorneys. This position requires a law degree, membership in good standing of the Ohio bar, and five years in the practice of law. Demonstrated expertise in the areas of professional responsibility and the unauthorized practice of law is a plus. This position requires excellent writing skills and the ability to communicate effectively with Justices, supervisors, co-workers, judges, attorneys, and the public, as well as sound judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in evaluating information. Special Requirements: This position is regularly exposed to sensitive information that must be kept strictly confidential. This is an exempt unclassified position that reports to the Director of Legal Resources and the normal work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. An attractive benefits package is offered, including medical, dental, vision, retirement plan, life insurance, deferred compensation and leave time. The starting pay range is beginning at $79,934.40.The Supreme Court of Ohio is an at-will employer that seeks to attract, employ, and retain highly skilled and motivated individuals, attempts to maintain staff continuity for the efficiency of its operation, and desires to foster and maintain an ethical, professional, and impartial work environment. Pursuant to Adm. P. 4 (At-Will Employment), no person shall be offered or denied a position of employment with the Court, and no employee shall have the employee's employment terminated based upon political party affiliation, political activity permitted under Adm. P. 17 (Employee Code of Ethics), or other partisan considerations. Further, no employee shall have the employee's employment terminated without cause unless upon the concurrence of a majority of the Court which shall include the Chief Justice.Applications should be completed and submitted on-line at http://careers.ohio.gov/. Please paste a cover letter with salary request, a resume, and professional references into the application or attach them as MS Word documents. Applications must be submitted no later than Friday, November 27, 2009. Only on-line applications will be considered. In response to your application, this system will send you a confirmation email. Interviews will be scheduled as soon as practical. You will be contacted if you are selected for an interview. Please do not duplicate your application and please, no phone inquiries. You may check the status of this position on our website at: http://www.sconet.state.oh.us/Employment/Default.aspx. Human Resources OfficerSupreme Court of Ohio65 S. Front Street, 7th FloorColumbus, OH 43215-3431(f) 614-387-9479The Supreme Court of Ohio is an equal employment opportunity employer that supports an alcohol and drug free, and a weapons and violence free, work environment.