Counsel to the Office of the Chief Justice

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function listed below satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Frequency and percentage of time may vary based on assignment.

• Performs legal, analytic, strategic, and administrative duties for the Office of the Chief Justice, other Justices of the Supreme Court, and the State Court Administrator as requested by the Chief Justice.
• Provides legal advice to the Chief Justice and, as necessary, the Supreme Court and Judicial Department leadership concerning legal matters impacting the Office of the Chief Justice. Coordinates legal advice with Judicial Legal Counsel and the Attorney General’s Office.
• Leads internal and external policy initiatives of the Office of the Chief Justice. This may involve coordinating the work of multiple stakeholders on high-priority and time-sensitive work.
• Reviews and advises the Office of the Chief Justice on development of and amendments to Chief Justice Directives.
• Assists the Office of the Chief Justice with interviewing and appointing Chief Judges.
• Reviews and advises the Office of the Chief Justice on Judicial Branch policy development, including fiscal rules, personnel rules, and internal administrative policies.
• Drafts, edits, and proofreads communications from the Office of the Chief Justice and the Supreme Court, including speeches, letters, emails, and other major presentations. Serves as a point of contact for stakeholders with questions or requests for the Office of the Chief Justice.
• Conducts outreach and research to brief the Chief Justice prior to meetings and conferences, and advises the Office of the Chief Justice on policy matters.
• Attends speaking engagements, conferences, and various meetings with the Chief Justice or on behalf of the Office of the Chief Justice. Makes speeches and presentations to public groups on behalf of the Office of the Chief Justice.
• Reviews and makes strategy recommendations concerning proposed legislation that pertains to courts and probation services. Assists the State Court Administrator and the State Court Administrator’s staff in preparing comments to the General Assembly on proposed legislation. May testify to the legislature on matters affecting the administration of courts and probation.
• Assists in the development, preparation, and submission of the annual Judicial Branch budget request.
• Coordinates Supreme Court and Chief Justice appointments to various boards, committees, and offices.
• Reviews senior judge evaluations and coordinates Chief Justice review and approval of senior judge contracts.  
• May meet with the House and Senate judiciary committees, the joint budget committee, and other legislative subcommittees or individual legislators with the Chief Justice or on behalf of the Office of the Chief Justice.
• May attend legislative meetings with the Chief Justice to explain the impact of legislative changes and the Branch’s budget priorities.
• Provides recommendations to the Chief Justice concerning impacts of proposed legislation.
• Attends weekly meetings with the Chief Justice, the State Court Administrator, and Judicial Legal Counsel.
• Keeps the Chief Justice regularly informed of issues affecting the Judicial Branch.
• Consults with and advises the Chief Justice regarding legal reasoning and reviews facts, recommends outcomes, and provides interpretation of law on administrative and legislative issues.
• Discusses administrative and policy issues with the State Court Administrator and the State Court Administrator’s staff to ensure accuracy in approach and execution.
• Meets regularly with the Chief Justice and Chief Judges, Court Executives, and Chief Probation Officers to assist with effective administration and leadership throughout the state’s judicial districts.
• Attends meetings and completes training as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.