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Office of the Chief Legal Counsel

The Office of the Chief Legal Counsel is responsible for assisting the court and the Office of the Administrative Director with legal, government relations, and policy matters. The Chief Legal Counsel provides advice on general legal matters affecting the administrative operation of the Supreme Court and the judges and courts of Ohio. The office 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.

Ohio Judges' Liability Self-Insurance Program

Commission on the Rules of Superintendence

Commission on Rules of Practice & Procedure

Contact Information

Office of the Chief Legal Counsel
Supreme Court of Ohio
65 South Front Street
Columbus, OH 43215-3431

Chief Legal Counsel:
John S. VanNorman, Esq.

Deputy Chief Legal Counsel:
Bryan Smeenk, Esq.

Legal Counsel:
Michel Jendretzky, Esq.

Legislative Analyst:
September Coyne

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