Job Details

General Position Summary

Position Title: Legal Counsel

Effective Date: April 2026

Salary Grade/Range: Grade 19/ $141,519 - $157,810

FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive

EEO Job Category: Officials and Administrators

The Legal Counsel performs professional legal work by providing legal counsel to the management and staff of the Judicial Branch. This is a highly responsible position and has a great deal of latitude and discretion in decision making. The role includes strategic planning, supervision of the Deputies Legal Counsel, overall division staff oversight, workload management, and budgeting. The Legal Counsel reports to the Administrative Director of the Courts.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides legal counsel to the Administrative Director of the Courts, court staff, and judges; conducts legal research and reviews a variety of legal issues; prepares written legal opinions on matters relating to the administration of the courts;
• Arranges and coordinates legal representation by the Attorney General's office or outside counsel as needed, of members of the Judicial Branch in appropriate cases;
• Assists in the preparation and drafting of legislation; reviews proposed legislation to assess its impact upon the courts; explains the effects of legislation upon the courts to members of the legislature; assists in the implementation of legislation;
• Prepares and reviews administrative policies and rules; ensures policies and rules are consistent with legal requirements and existing policies and rules;
• Provides staff support to the Supreme Court and Supreme Court committees, work groups and conferences as assigned;
• Assists in providing legal counsel in areas of employment law such as EEO/Affirmative Action, FMLA, and ADA;
• Prepares and makes presentations on legal subjects at conferences and workshops; provides training regarding various legal topics to judges and courts staff;
• Supervises and coordinates activities of subordinate legal staff, including: (1) assisting in the negotiation, drafting, review, and execution of contracts and leases for the Judicial Branch, and (2) assisting with the process for responding to requests for court records and data;
• Provides high-level oversight for data analysis and research activities related to policy development, court operations, administration of court services, evaluation of programs and services, quality assurance, and strategic planning;
• Provides overall management of the division budget and financial plan and makes recommendations regarding resource allocation to accomplish statutory and policy requirements;
• Serves as a member of the executive leadership team and participates in the development of Supreme Court budgets, strategic plans, and administrative office priorities;
• Supports the development and advancement of Supreme Court budget and legislative priorities;
• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

The Idaho Supreme Court reserves the right to consider an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience necessary to successfully perform the major responsibilities of the position.

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from a law school with a juris doctorate degree;
• Must have or obtain active membership in the Idaho State Bar;
• Eligibility to practice law before the courts of the state of Idaho;
• 10 years of broad-based legal experience, including research and writing, with litigation experience preferred;
• Experience in the field of judicial administration preferred;
• Minimum of five years of supervisory experience; experience supervising attorneys preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the procedural operations of all levels of court;
• Knowledge of state statutes and ability to apply them to administrative procedures and/or problems;
• Knowledge of legal research and writing techniques;
• Knowledge of employment law, administrative law, and litigation strategies;
• Knowledge of state and local governmental/legislative/political systems and processes;
• Knowledge of judicial systems including court processes, jurisdiction, administration, rules and procedures;
• Knowledge of effective personnel management and supervisory practices and procedures;
• Knowledge of strategic planning and implementation;
• Skill in problem-solving and conflict resolution;
• Ability to interpret and apply complex policies, procedures, laws, and regulations;
• Ability to develop a budget, monitor expenditures, and apply for and manage grants;
• Ability to plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the work of staff;
• Ability to analyze complex issues and develop feasible solutions to problems;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing;
• Ability to establish effective and cooperative working relationships with judges, court staff and members of the public;
• Ability to provide leadership and develop consensus among stakeholders on internal and external issues;
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction and prioritize and manage time well;
• Ability to organize and prioritize projects to meet deadline and achieve desired results;
• Ability to organize work in order to meet deadlines of multiple projects and achieve desired work results;
• Ability to maintain integrity and confidentiality.

The Idaho Supreme Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are dedicated to the values of fairness, integrity, independence, and respect. We are committed to fair and impartial processes, both in our courtrooms and in our employment decisions, adhering to all applicable federal and state laws. Our commitment extends to fostering an environment that respects the dignity and worth of every person and the individuality of all employees and applicants. The Supreme Court values all who contribute to the mission of providing access to justice through merit, experience, and the highest legal and ethical standards.