Supreme Court Administrative Offices
Supreme Court Administrative StructureThe Supreme Court of Ohio, acting through the Chief Justice and the Justices of the Court, possesses constitutional and statutory authority to exercise general powers of superintendence over the courts of the state. This includes responsibility for providing leadership for the judicial branch of Ohio government. The administrative staff of the Supreme Court supports these efforts by performing numerous administrative functions.
The administrative operation of the Court consists of eight divisions including the Administrative Division, the Clerk's Division, the Legal Resources Division, the Fiscal & Management Resources Division, the Information Technology Division, the Facilities Management Division, the Attorney Services Division, and the Judicial & Court Services Division. This divisional structure became effective on July 1, 2005.
Administrative Division
The Administrative Division is the lead division of the Court and consists of two offices - the Office of the Administrative Director and the Office of Public Information and the Civic Education Section. In addition, all of the other divisions of the Court report to the Office of the Administrative Director.
Steven C. Hollon is the Administrative Director of the Court.
Office of the Administrative Director
Administrative Director of the Court: Steven C. Hollon, Esq.
The Administrative Director of the Court is a position created under the Ohio Constitution. The Administrative Director is the senior non-elected officer of the Court who assists the Chief Justice, the Justices of the Court, the Ohio Judicial Conference, and the judges of the state, in developing and communicating the long-term vision, values and direction of the Court and the judicial branch of Ohio government. The Office of the Administrative Director is the lead office in the Administrative Division. The office is responsible for providing oversight to the other offices within the division and to the other divisions of the Court.
The Office of the Administrative Director also assists in the development of emerging issues, including providing staff support for special projects, initiatives, and task forces. The office also develops and maintains relationships with the General Assembly, and monitors legislative activity on matters of interest to the Court and the judicial branch. The office also provides staff assistance to the Commission on the Rules of Superintendence, the Commission on Rules of Practice and Procedure, and follow-up monitoring to the Ohio Courts Futures Commission and the Ohio Commission on Racial Fairness.
Commission on the Rules of Superintendence
Pursuant to Section 5(A), Article IV of the Ohio Constitution, the Supreme Court has general powers of superintendence over the courts of Ohio. In exercising this responsibility the Court has promulgated the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio. To assist in its review of these rules, the Court established the Commission on the Rules of Superintendence effective Jan. 1, 2006.
The Commission makes recommendations to the Court for adoption of new rules and amendments. Upon adoption by the Court, the rules become effective, and do not need to be submitted to the Ohio General Assembly for review.
The Commission consists of 19 members, including representatives of the various judges associations, attorneys, magistrates, clerks of court, and court administrators. The Administrative Director or his or her designee serves as the Secretary to the Commission.
The Secretary to the Commission is Steven C. Hollon. He is assisted by Jo Ellen Cline, Government Relations Counsel.
Commission on the Rules of Practice and Procedure
Pursuant to Section 5(B), Article IV of the Ohio Constitution, the Supreme Court has rule making authority for the rules of practice and procedure in Ohio courts. This includes the Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rules of Juvenile Procedure, Rules of Appellate Procedure, and Rules of Evidence. Also, pursuant to Section 2937.46 of the Ohio Revised Code, the Court is authorized to establish traffic rules and develop a uniform traffic ticket. To assist in the exercise of these responsibilities, the Court has established the Commission on the Rules of Practice and Procedure.
The Commission is the successor body to the former Rules Advisory Committee and the former Traffic Rules Review Commission which were merged effective Jan. 1, 2006.
The major responsibility of the Commission is to review proposed rules and amendments to the various rules of practice and procedure. Proposed rules and amendments may be submitted by bar associations, judges associations, and other interested parties. The Commission makes recommendations to the Court for adoption of new rules and amendments. Upon adoption by the Court, the rules must be submitted to the General Assembly for review pursuant to the 1968 Modern Courts Amendment.
The other responsibility of the Commission is to establish and review traffic rules, including a uniform traffic ticket. The Commission makes recommendations to the Court for adoption of new rules and amendments. Upon adoption by the Court, the rules become effective, and do not need to be submitted to the General Assembly for review.
The Commission consists of 19 members, including representatives of the various judges associations, attorneys, and law faculty. The Administrative Director or his or her designee serves as the Secretary to the Commission.
The Secretary to the Commission is Steven C. Hollon. He is assisted by Jo Ellen Cline, Government Relations Counsel.
Ohio Courts Futures Commission
The Ohio Courts Futures Commission was created in 1997 by Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer to engage in a process of reviewing the strengths of the Ohio courts system and to envision the future of the Court system for the next 25 years. The Commission concentrated on technology, court access, the quality of justice, court rules and procedures, organization and structure. The 52 member Commission issued its report in May 2000. The Office of the Administrative Director provides assistance in conducting periodic reviews and monitoring of the progress of the Court system in meeting the recommendations and vision of the Commission.
Ohio Commission on Racial Fairness and Implementation Task Force
The Ohio Commission on Racial Fairness was created in 1994 by the Chief Justice to conduct a review of the perceptions in Ohio regarding race in the legal profession, court employment, jury service, criminal justice, law schools and interpreter services. The 33 member Commission issued its report with recommendations in December 1999. The Chief Justice then formed the Implementation Task Force to consider the Commission's report, and to develop a working plan to consider implementing some of the recommendations. The Implementation Task Force issued its report in September 2002. The Office of the Administrative Director provides ongoing assistance in reviewing and monitoring the progress of the Court system and its justice system partners in meeting the recommendations of the Commission and the Implementation Task Force.
Office of Public Information
Director of Public Information: Chris Davey
The Office of Public Information is responsible for providing a continuing program of information to the public and the media concerning the decisions and operation of the Court. This includes issuing daily announcements of Court decisions, providing summaries of Court opinions and other media releases, issuing Court publications, and maintaining the Court's Web site at www.supremecourt.ohio.gov. In addition, the office is the primary point of contact for media inquiries to the Court, notifying the media of Court actions, explaining procedural and administrative matters, facilitating greater understanding of the Court and the Ohio judiciary among local, state and national media. The office oversees the Print Production Center which provides copy, print, and book binding services for the Court and all tenants of the Moyer Judicial Center. The office is also responsible for responding to constituent mail, and coordinating responses to public records requests with the Office of Legal Resources.
Civic Education Section
Director of Civic Education: Jay Wuebbold
The Civic Education Section includes education programming and outreach efforts for visitors to the building and the public at large. These efforts include conducting tours of the building and the Visitor Education Center, coordinating the Off-Site Court program, providing assistance to the Judicial Family Network, working with international visitor groups, organizing special events, developing the Court’s art collection, and increasing the Court’s historical resources.
Off-Site Court Program
The Off-Site Court Program is a long-established program where the Court visits and holds a full session of Court at a local county courthouse. Sessions are held at a local court twice each year, once in the spring and once in the fall. The most important component of the program is education. The session of Court is held for the benefit of local high school students who are briefed on the issues of the cases and attend oral argument. Over the last 15 years, the Court has held sessions in over half of Ohio's 88 counties.
Advisory Committee on the Judicial Family Network
The Advisory Committee on the Judicial Family Network is designed to assist the spouses and families of the judges of the state to deal with the issues associated with having a spouse or parent who serves as a judicial officer and the influence such a responsibility has upon the family unit.
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Clerk's Division
The Clerk's Division consists the Office of the Clerk. The Clerk of the Court provides oversight and administrative direction for the operation of the division.
Kristina D. Frost is the Clerk of the Court.
Office of the Clerk
Clerk of the Court: Kristina D. Frost
The Office of the Clerk is the lead office of the division. The office is charged with supervising the filing of all case-related items, and the maintenance of all case files in matters pending before the Court. In performing this role the office works closely with the attorneys of record, and coordinates its efforts with the clerks of the trial and appellate courts from where the cases originate. The office is also responsible for the preparation of all entries regarding rulings by the Court, maintaining the dockets and index of cases pending before the Court, and issuing necessary writs and process.
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Legal Resources Division
The Legal Resources Division consists of two offices - the Office of Legal Resources and the Office of the Reporter, as well as the Law Library. All report to the Director of Legal Resources who provides oversight and administrative direction for the operation of the division.
Kent Shimeall is the Director of Legal Resources.
Office of Legal Resources
Director of Legal Resources: Kent Shimeall
The Office of Legal Resources is the lead office of the division. The office is responsible for assisting the Justices of the Court in researching complex legal issues and preparing written analyses of those issues for review by the Court, particularly in matters involving workers' compensation, public utilities, taxation, death penalty, attorney discipline and extraordinary writs. The Director of Legal Resources also serves as the Court's general counsel by serving as the liaison to the Ohio Attorney General regarding litigation involving the Court, reviewing and coordinating responses to public records requests with the Office of Public Information, reviewing all contracts entered into and requests for proposals issued by the Court, providing legal advice to Court staff as requested, and assisting the Chief Justice in performing the duties conferred by Section 5 (C), Article IV, of the Ohio Constitution in ruling upon affidavits of disqualification filed against judges statewide.
Office of the Reporter
Reporter of Decisions: Sandra H. Grosko
The Office of the Reporter is responsible for publishing the opinions, entries, and miscellaneous orders of the Court. The office also publishes hundreds of courts of appeal and trial court opinions in the Ohio Official Reports. The office also publishes the Court's opinions, announcements and final versions of its rules to the Court's Web site at www.supremecourt.ohio.gov.
Law Library
Director of Law Library: Ken Kozlowski, Esq.
With a collection of over 400,000 equivalent volumes, the Law Library is one of the largest state Supreme Court law libraries in the nation. The Law Library has a comprehensive collection of Ohio, federal and other state laws. It has a core collection of international and foreign law. The library's most notable and in-depth collections are its treatises and practice books, legal periodicals and microforms.
In addition to providing library services to the Justices and Court staff, the Law Library also serves the need for legal information and materials for the state legislature, state administrative agencies, attorneys and the general public. The Law Library provides a full range of services to patrons, and is the primary law library for all state agencies located in Columbus.
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Fiscal & Management Resources Division
The Fiscal & Management Resources Division consists of the Office of Fiscal & Management Resources and the Office of Human Resources. Both offices of the division report to the Director of Fiscal & Management Resources who provides oversight and administrative direction for the operation of the division.
Ronda Perri is the Director of Fiscal & Management Resources.
Office of Fiscal & Management Resources
Director of Fiscal & Management Resources: Ronda Perri, C.P.A., C.F.E., CFP®
The Office of Fiscal & Management Resources is the lead office of the division. The office is responsible for implementing the Court's budget, including the payment of the salaries of the judges of the state. The office also processes purchase requisitions and payment vouchers, completes an annual inventory, prepares budget reports and forecasts, and assists the Court in managing over $120 million in the Supreme Court/ Judiciary budget. The Office of Fiscal & Management Resources also oversees the operation of the Records Management Program.
Records Management Program
The Records Management Program is responsible for all records maintained by the Court through its records management plan at its off-site Records Management Center. The program is headed by Tony Mohorovich, who is the Records Management Coordinator.
Office of Human Resources
Director of Human Resources: Monica Hunyadi
The Office of Human Resources is responsible for implementing the employment policies of the Court, including coordinating the employment process, maintaining position and salary classifications, supervising performance evaluations, providing staff training programs, and assuring that the Court complies with all federal and state employment laws. The office also provides payroll services for over 250 members of Court staff, over 250 employees of all the courts of appeals of the state, over 700 judges, and the 88 elected county clerks of court.
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Information Technology Division
The Information Technology Division consists of the Office of Information Technology and the Office of Network & Technology Resources, and the Technology Services Section. Both offices and the section report to the Director of Information Technology who serves as the chief information officer of the Court and provides oversight and administrative direction for the operation of the division.
Robert D. Stuart is the Director of Information Technology.
Office of Information Technology
Director of Information Technology: Robert D. Stuart
The Office of Information Technology is responsible for the operation of the Court's information technology systems, including the development and maintenance of the Court's computer databases and software programs.
Office of Network & Technology Resources
Director of Network & Technology Resources: David Saffle
The Office of Network & Technology Resources is responsible for the operation of the Court's computer networks and audio/visual technologies, including the live streaming of all sessions of the Court on its Web site at www.supremecourt.ohio.gov. In coordination with the Office of Public Information, the office is also responsible for maintaining the Court's telecommunication functions.
Technology Services Section
Technology Services Program Manager: Ed McNachtan
Technology Services Program Manager: Anthony Kenzie
The Technology Services Section provides resources to courts throughout the state in modernizing their technology resources. This section helps judges and court personnel deal with vendors and develop strategies for improving court efficiency through the use of computer technology. Ed McNachtan and Anthony Kenzie are the Technology Services Program Managers.
Commission on Technology and the Courts
The Supreme Court of Ohio established the Commission on Technology and the Courts effective Dec. 1, 2007. The Commission replaces the Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Technology and the Courts established by Rule 27 of the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio.
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Facilities Management Division
The Facilities Management Division consists of the Office of Facilities Management and the Office of Court Security. The Office of Facilities Management also includes several work groups -- Meetings & Events; Housekeeping & Grounds; Maintenance & Operations; and the Mail Center. All of the offices and work groups report to the Director of Facilities Management, who provides oversight and administrative direction for the operation of the division.
The Director of Facilities Management is Craig Morrow, CFM.
Office of Facilities Management
Director of Facilities Management: Craig Morrow, CFM
The Office of Facilities Management is the lead office of the division. The office is responsible for operating the Moyer Judicial Center at 65 South Front Street in Columbus, which is the home of the Supreme Court. The office is responsible for providing tenant services by supervising and monitoring the daily activities of the offices and work groups in the division.
Meetings & Events
The Meetings & Events work group is responsible for scheduling, coordinating and providing services for meetings, conferences and events held at the Moyer Judicial Center, including food service, special events, and rentals of the facility. The work group is headed by Vikkie Wilson, who is the Meetings & Events Coordinator.
Housekeeping & Grounds
The Housekeeping & Grounds work group is responsible for coordinating custodial services in the Moyer Judicial Center, including providing grounds-keeping services for the landscaping, plazas, and fountains of the facility. The work group is headed by Mary Harrison, who is the Housekeeping & Grounds Coordinator.
Maintenance & Operations
The Maintenance & Operations work group is responsible for operating and maintaining the infrastructure of the Moyer Judicial Center. This includes maintaining the building's electrical, mechanical, plumbing, heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems. It also includes monitoring utility services, coordinating elevator service, maintenance and repair, supervising refuse collection, treating and maintaining historic and precious metals and wood finishes, and supervising construction, remodeling and minor repair projects. The work group is headed by Robin Smith, who is the Maintenance & Operations Coordinator.
Mail Center
The Mail Center handles all postal functions for the Court and all tenants of the Moyer Judicial Center. This service entails mail pick-up from the Unites States Post Office each day, and the pick-up and delivery of mail throughout the facility. The work group is headed by Ken Butcher, who is the Mail Center Coordinator.
Office of Court Security
Director of Court Security: James Cappelli
The Office of Court Security is responsible for coordinating security services for the Moyer Judicial Center and the Court's staff. The office maintains a security force and monitors the admission of staff and the public into the facility by employing the assistance of magnetometers and x-ray machines at each entrance, and managing the loading dock. The office also provides life safety services by developing and maintaining working relationships with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Columbus Police Department, and the Columbus Fire Department. In addition, the office maintains 24-hour surveillance of the building, provides defibrillators throughout the facility, and maintains the Court's vehicle fleet. The office also provides consulting services and leadership to other courts throughout the state on security and emergency preparedness issues.
Advisory Committee on Court Security
The Advisory Committee on Court Security is established to provide advice to the court on issues involving security and emergency planning. The Committee reviews and makes recommendations on such topics as security screening, security plans, continuity of operations, and training. The Committee is staffed by James Cappelli, Director of Court Security.
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Attorney Services Division
The Attorney Services Division consists of the Office of Attorney Services and the Office of Bar Admissions. The Director of Attorney Services provides oversight and administrative direction for the operation of the division.
Susan B. Christoff is the Director of Attorney Services.
Office of Attorney Services
Director of Attorney Services: Susan B. Christoff, Esq.
The Office of Attorney Services is the lead office of the division. The office is responsible for coordinating the efforts of the offices of the division, and coordinating the efforts of the various boards, commissions and committees involving the regulation of the practice of law in the state. These groups include the Board on the Unauthorized Practice of Law, the Commission on Professionalism, and the Committee on the Appointment of Counsel for Indigent Defendants in Capital Cases. The office also maintains relationships with the disciplinary related offices of the Court including the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, the Board of Commissioners on Grievances & Discipline, the Clients' Security Fund, and the various bar related organizations of the state.
Every two years all attorneys admitted to the practice in Ohio must register with the Court. The process is undertaken pursuant to the authority of Gov. Bar R. VI. There are approaching 54,000 attorneys registered, with more than 41,000 registered for active status; over 9,700 registered as inactive; and nearly 300 who are admitted to practice in other states, but registered for corporate status in Ohio. In addition, over 2,800 attorneys are registered as retired, a status created for attorneys age 65 and over who no longer practice law. The Office of Attorney Registration & CLE processes and issues more than 3,500 certificates of good standing each year.
The office also administers the process that requires all members of the Ohio bar to complete a minimum of 24 hours of continuing legal education and all judges to complete a minimum of 40 hours of continuing legal education every two years. Each year the Section administers this requirement for more than 20,000 lawyers registered in the state. In meeting these duties, the Section is assisted by the Commission on Continuing Legal Education.
Board on the Unauthorized Practice of Law
The Board on the Unauthorized Practice of Law is established by Gov. Bar R. VII. It was promulgated pursuant to the authority granted to the Court by Section 2(B)(1)(g), Article IV of the Ohio Constitution, to regulate the practice of law. The Board consists of 12 members appointed by the Court. The Administrative Director of the Court, or his or her designee, serves as the Secretary to the Board.
The Secretary to the Board is Minerva B. Elizaga.
Commission on Professionalism
The Commission on Professionalism is created Gov. Bar R. XV. It is responsible for implementing a program of education, monitoring professionalism activities in Ohio and other states, promoting professionalism, and recommending methods of enhancing professionalism for members of the bar of Ohio. The Commission consists of 15 members including five judges, six attorneys, two law faculty and two non-lawyers. The Administrative Director of the Court shall designate the Secretary for the Commission.
The Secretary to the Commission is Lori Keating, Esq.
Committee on the Appointment of Counsel for Indigent Defendants in Capital Cases
The Committee on the Appointment of Counsel for Indigent Defendants in Capital Cases is created by Sup. R. 20. The Committee is responsible for developing procedures for applying for certification to be appointed counsel for indigent defendants in capital cases, developing criteria and procedures for the retention of such certification, reviewing and approving specialized training programs on subjects that will assist counsel in the defense and appeals of capital cases, and providing a list of all attorneys who are certified to the common pleas and appellate judges of the state. The Committee membership consists of five attorneys, three appointed by the Court and one each appointed by the Ohio State Bar Association and the Ohio Public Defender Commission.
The staff liaison to the Committee is Tammy White, Attorney Services Coordinator.
Commission on Continuing Legal Education
The Commission on Continuing Legal Education is established by Gov. Bar R. X. The Commission accredits continuing legal education programs, activities and sponsors, and establishing procedures for accreditation and awarding credits. The Commission also maintains continuing legal education records for Ohio attorneys and judges, monitors compliance with biennial continuing education requirements, and initiates enforcement proceedings against non-complying attorneys and judges. The Commission consists of 19 members, including 12 attorneys, five judges, one law school dean or faculty member, and one non-attorney.
The Secretary to the Commission is Susan Christoff, Director of Attorney Services.
Commission on Certification of Attorneys as Specialists
The Commission on Certification of Attorneys as Specialists is established by Gov. Bar R. XIV. The Commission is responsible for recommending to the Court fields of law subject to specialization designation, approving agencies as qualified to certify lawyers as specialists in a particular field, adopting standards that must be satisfied by certifying agencies, and reviewing and evaluating the programs of certifying agencies to ensure compliance with the rule. The Commission consists of 17 members including 12 attorneys, two judges, and three law school faculty members. The Administrative Director of the Court, or his or her designee, shall serve as the Secretary to the Commission.
The Secretary to the Commission is Susan Christoff, Director of Attorney Services.
Office of Bar Admissions
Director of Bar Admissions: Lee Ann Ward, Esq.
The Court is responsible for regulating the admission of applicants into the practice of law pursuant to Section 2(B)(1)(g), Article IV, of the Ohio Constitution. The Office of Bar Admissions assists the Court in exercising that responsibility. The Court administers two bar examinations each year, one in February and one in July, and conducts bar admissions ceremonies in May and November. The office relies upon the assistance of the Board of Bar Examiners and the Board of Commissioners on Character and Fitness in overseeing the admissions process.
Board of Bar Examiners
The Board of Bar Examiners is created by Gov. Bar R. I, Section 4. The Board is responsible for the development and grading of the Ohio bar examination. It consists of 18 members appointed by the Justices of the Court.
The Secretary to the Board is Lee Ann Ward, Director of Bar Admissions.
Board of Commissioners on Character and Fitness
The Board of Commissioners on Character and Fitness is created by Gov. Bar R. I, Section 10. The Board oversees investigations of the character, fitness, and moral qualifications of applicants for admission to the practice of law in Ohio. Its primary function is to hear appeals by applicants to take the bar examination who receive adverse admission recommendations from local bar association admission committees. It consists of 12 members who must be members of the Ohio bar. They are appointed by the Justices of the Court.
The Secretary to the Board is Lee Ann Ward, Director of Bar Admissions.
Bench-Bar-Deans Annual Meeting
The Court participates in the annual Bench-Bar-Deans meeting sponsored by the Ohio State Bar Association. The purpose of the annual retreat is to discuss legal education, admission to the practice of law and other issues of common interest among representatives from the Court, the Ohio State Bar Association, and the deans of Ohio's nine law schools.
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Judicial & Court Services Division
The Judicial & Court Services Division consists of the Office of Judicial & Court Services, the Ohio Judicial College, the Case Management Section, the Children, Families & the Courts Section, the Dispute Resolution Section, and the Specialized Dockets Section. The division provides multiple programs and services to judges and courts, both trial and appellate, throughout the state. All of the offices and sections of the division report to the Director of Judicial & Court Services who provides oversight and administrative direction for the operation of the division.
W. Milt Nuzum III is the Director of Judicial & Court Services.
Office of Judicial & Court Services
Director of Judicial & Court Services: W. Milt Nuzum III
The Office of Judicial & Court Services is the lead office of the division. The office is responsible for coordinating the efforts of the various sections of the division and overseeing programs such as the Interpreter Services Program, and the Domestic Violence Program.
Interpreter Services Program
The Interpreter Services Program is designed to provide assistance to judges and Courts statewide on the issue of foreign language interpretation. The Court created the program upon joining the Consortium for State Court Interpreter Certification in June 2003. The program is designed to serve as a resource center on the issue for the judicial branch of Ohio government. The Program is maintained by Bruno Romero, the Interpreter Services Program Manager.
Domestic Violence Program
The Domestic Violence Program was established in 2007 to assist and support local courts with issues associated with civil and criminal domestic violence and stalking cases practices and procedures. The program monitors new trends and disseminates information to local courts; recommends rules and standards in regards to protection order forms and court procedures relating to domestic violence and stalking. The program is maintained by Diana Ramos-Reardon, the Domestic Violence Program Manager.
Advisory Committee on Domestic Violence
The Advisory Committee on Domestic Violence provides ongoing advice regarding the promotion of statewide rules and uniform standards concerning the establishment and operation of domestic violence programs in Ohio courts, the development and delivery of services to Ohio courts on matters involving domestic violence including training programs for judges and court personnel, and the consideration of any other issues deemed necessary to assist in the resolution of domestic violence issues presented in Ohio courts. The advisory committee has 20 members representing all aspects of the legal system and is staffed by Diana Ramos-Reardon, the Domestic Violence Program Manager.
Ohio Judicial College
Director of the Ohio Judicial College: W. Milt Nuzum III
The Ohio Judicial College was created in 1976 and is governed by Gov. Jud. R. V. The College was established to provide educational programs and activities for Ohio judges. In 1988, the program was expanded to include court referees and magistrates, and in 1990 the College began to provide programs for non-judicial court personnel throughout the state.
Ohio Judicial College Board of Trustees
The College receives advice from and provides support to its oversight body - the Ohio Judicial College Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees consists of 10 members plus the Chief Justice, who serves ex officio. The membership consists of seven judges appointed by the various judicial associations, one magistrate appointed by the Ohio Association of Magistrates, and two judges appointed by the Chief Justice.
The principal staff liaison to the Board of Trustees is Milt Nuzum, the Director of the Ohio Judicial College.
Case Management Section
Manager of Case Management Programs: Stephanie Hess
The Case Management Section provides resources, consulting services and educational instruction to judges and court personnel throughout Ohio regarding case flow management and delay reduction. The section also provides oversight to the Assigned Judges Program and the Court Statistics Program.
Assigned Judges Program
The Chief Justice has the statutory responsibility to assign visiting judges to assist trial and appellate courts on complex cases, to reduce backlogs, and where there are conflicts of interest. The Assigned Judges Program assists the Chief Justice in meeting this responsibility. The program is managed by Diane Hayes, judicial assignment specialist.
Court Statistics Program
The Court Statistical Program provides assistance to trial and appellate courts in meeting their responsibility under the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio to report case statistics. The assistance includes holding annual regional and individual court training sessions for judges, clerks of court and other trial court personnel. The program is also responsible for producing the Ohio Courts Summary, which is an annual summary of the case load statistics for all courts of the state.
Advisory Committee on Case Management
The Advisory Committee on Case Management provides ongoing advice to the Court and its staff regarding the promotion of statewide rules and uniform standards concerning case management and statistical reporting in Ohio courts; the development and delivery of case management services to Ohio courts, including training programs for judges and court personnel; and the consideration of any other issues the advisory committee deems necessary to assist the Court and its staff regarding case management in Ohio courts.
Children, Families & the Courts Section
Manager of Children, Families & the Courts Programs: Steve Hanson
The Children, Families & the Courts Section provides resources, programs, trainings, and educational assistance to domestic relations, probate, and juvenile courts throughout the state on matters that involve the interaction of children and families with the judicial system. The assistance provided deals with a variety of family and legal issues.
Advisory Committee on Children, Families & the Courts
The Advisory Committee on Children, Families & the Courts provides assistance to the Children, Families & the Courts Section on issues involving children and families in the courts of Ohio. The advisory committee reviews and makes recommendations on such topics as guardians ad litem, domestic relations, and juvenile matters. The advisory committee is staffed by Steve Hanson, the Manager of the Children, Families & the Courts Programs.
Dispute Resolution Section
Manager of Dispute Resolution Programs: Jacqueline Hagerott, Esq.
The Dispute Resolution Section provides dispute resolution programs and assistance to trial and appellate courts throughout the state. In its Mediation 2005 Project, the section is assisting common pleas courts throughout the state in establishing mediation programs. Assistance is also being provided to schools and local communities in establishing mediation programs. The Section receives advice from and provides assistance to the Advisory Committee on Dispute Resolution.
Commission on Dispute Resolution
The Commission on Dispute Resolution provides advice and assistance to the Dispute Resolution Section in its efforts to make mediation an integral part of the court system of Ohio. The Commission has 21 members and is staffed by Jacqueline Hagerott, the Manager of Dispute Resolution Programs.
Specialized Dockets Section
Manager of Specialized Dockets Programs: Melissa Knopp, Esq.
The Specialized Dockets Section provides assistance to judges and court personnel throughout the state regarding drug court programs, mental health court programs and other specialized dockets involving diversionary and treatment alternatives to incarceration. The section works with various interested governmental and private agencies in meeting its responsibilities, such as the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addition (ODADAS) and the Drug Court Practitioners Network. The section also receives advice from and provides assistance to the Advisory Committee on Specialized Dockets.
Advisory Committee on Specialized Dockets
The Advisory Committee on Specialized Dockets is designed to provide ongoing advice to the Chief Justice and the Justices and staff of the Court regarding the promotion of statewide rules and uniform standards concerning specialized dockets in Ohio courts; the development and delivery of specialized docket services to Ohio courts, including training programs for judges and court personnel; and the consideration of any other issues the advisory committee deems necessary to assist the Court and its staff regarding specialized dockets in Ohio courts.
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Affiliated Disciplinary Offices
The Court has the constitutional responsibility to oversee the practice of law in the state, and as a result, has developed one of the most comprehensive disciplinary systems of any state in the nation. The Court has established three offices to exercise independent responsibility in assisting the Court in meeting its responsibility as set forth in Section 5(B), Article IV of the Ohio Constitution.
Office of Disciplinary Counsel
Disciplinary Counsel: Jon Coughlan
The Office of Disciplinary Counsel investigates and prosecutes allegations of misconduct against lawyers and judges throughout the state before the Board of Commissioners on Grievances & Discipline.
Board of Commissioners on Grievances & Discipline
Secretary, Board of Commissioners: Richard A. Dove, Esq.
The Board of Commissioners on Grievances & Discipline of the Supreme Court is established by Gov. Bar R. V and is charged with administering, interpreting, and enforcing that rule and Jud. Rule II, which deal with lawyer and judge discipline. The Board hears all formal disciplinary charges filed against Ohio's judges and lawyers and recommends sanctions to the Court for unethical conduct. The Board consists of 28 members, including 17 lawyers, seven active or voluntarily retired judges and four non-lawyers. The Secretary, an attorney, is appointed by the Board. The Board also appoints Disciplinary Counsel, which is the office that is responsible for the investigation and prosecution of allegations of misconduct against lawyers and judges. Since 1995, three-person hearing panels also conduct hearings on judicial campaign grievances under Canon 7 and recommend sanctions to the Supreme Court.
Board of Commissioners of the Clients' Security Fund
Administrator, Clients' Security Fund: Janet Green Marbley, Esq.
The Board of Commissioners of the Clients' Security Fund is established by Rule VIII of the Supreme Court Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio to administer the Clients' Security Fund. The Board determines the eligibility of claims filed with the Clients' Security Fund and pays reparations of up to $75,000 to those who are harmed by the misconduct of lawyers. The Fund was established in 1985 and is funded from attorney registration fees.
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Joint Judicial-Legislative Commission
Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission
Executive Director, David Diroll, Esq.
In 1990, the General Assembly created the Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission by statute. The Commission is chaired by the Chief Justice. It is responsible for conducting a review of Ohio's sentencing statutes and sentencing patterns, and making recommendations regarding necessary statutory changes. The Commission consists of 31 members, 10 of whom are judges appointed by the Chief Justice. A report issued by the Committee to the Governor and the General Assembly in 1993 resulted in Senate Bill 2, the most comprehensive revision of criminal sentencing statutes in over 20 years.
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