Judicial Law Clerk/Staff Attorney

Court of Appeals, Ohio First District

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Position Title: Full-Time Term Judicial Law Clerk/Staff Attorney (Max. 2-year term)

Pay Rate: current starting salary for this position is $ 105,996.80, plus benefits.

Closing Date: open until filled, priority given to applications received by November 1, 2025.

OVERVIEW: 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 Candace Crouse.

Under the direction and supervision of Judge Crouse, 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, but the starting date is flexible. It is preferrable for the law clerk/staff attorney to agree to a two-year term, but a one-year term is also available.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION: The following duties are usual for this position. These duties are not to be construed as exclusive or inclusive.

Other duties may be required or assigned by Judge Crouse.

• Conduct legal research on substantive and procedural issues relating to assigned cases and on 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 Crouse's instructions.
• Prepare a case summary 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.

QUALIFICATIONS: 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. Applicant 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, internet, Lexis, and other legal research resources required. Licensed to practice law in Ohio or license pending is preferred, but not required. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or be eligible to work in the United States.

COURT EXPECTATIONS OF EMPLOYEE: 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 work to 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.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

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 both equal employment opportunity employers that support an alcohol and drug-free, and a weapons and violence free, work environment.

Background Check Information

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 prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Interested applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample, law school transcript, and three letters of recommendation. Materials should be emailed to Renata Freese at Interviews are anticipated to occur at the end of October/beginning of November.