Attorney 3 - Hearing Officer

Creating a seamless and user-centric experience for all Ohio Taxpayers

The Ohio Department of Taxation is responsible for the administration of individual and business taxes across the state. Guided by our Mission Statement, we are ONE TEAM providing education, innovation, outreach, and exceptional service to our customers through courtesy, accuracy, and responsiveness in each interaction. Taxation is committed to building a strong and skilled workforce. We invest in the development of each employee through comprehensive training, a competitive total compensation package that includes benefits (medical, dental, and vision insurance), tuition reimbursement, health and wellness programs, work-life balance initiatives, and opportunities for career advancement.  

The Ohio Department of Taxation is seeking to fill up to three (3) Attorney 3 positions between the Legal Division and the Division of Tax Equalization. 

What You’ll do as an Attorney 3 in the Legal Division:

• Conducts administrative hearings for assessment and refund appeal cases.

• Writes final determinations conveying the Tax Commissioner’s final decision of an administrative appeal case.

• Analyzes settlement offers related to administrative appeal cases.

• Conducts legal research and prepares reports for The Ohio Department of Taxation teams.

• Provides legal advice to The Ohio Department of Taxation teams and other state and local agencies and officials.

• Responds to inquiries from general public and provides excellent customer service to taxpayers.

What You’ll do as an Attorney 3 in the Division of Tax Equalization:

• Assist in providing legal advice and support to the Division of Tax Equalization
  • Provide legal advice and support regarding real property sales validations, sales ratio studies and review or prepare supporting documents and transcripts for appellate review.
  • Provide advice to division personnel regarding fund transfers, form changes,  and tax exemption applications with multiple and complex legal and factual issues; 
  • Confer with other attorneys in the Office of Chief Counsel to determine appropriate courses of action.
  • Assist in the settlement, resolution or litigation of complex cases regarding issues of statewide applicability.
  • Prepare written decisions containing findings of fact and conclusions of law.
  • Conduct legal research of case & statutory law, constitutions, state &/or federal rules, opinions &/or orders; drafts or reviews motions, pleadings, memoranda, contracts, leases, agreements, orders &/or other documents for agency staff; prepares reports & maintains records.
  • Review or draft legislation and administrative rules. 
• Communicate with local elected officials, outside counsel and other Department of Taxation employees, providing clear explanations and guidance on Division of Tax Equalization matters. 
• Communicate with the Attorney General’s staff regarding pending or potential litigation.

To request a reasonable accommodation due to disability for the application or interview process, please contact ADA Coordinator J.D. Hawkins by phone: 614-387-1782 or by email to: Accessibility@tax.ohio.gov. 

A full Position Description will be provided during the interview process.

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

Admission to Ohio Bar pursuant to Section 4705.01 of Revised Code; 6 mos. exp. as licensed attorney. 

-Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above may be substituted for the experience required, but not for the mandated licensure. 
 

Technical Skills: Attorney/Legal

Professional Skills: Attention to Detail, Critical Thinking, Verbal Communication, Written Communication 

The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Section 2961 of the Ohio Revised Code prohibits individuals convicted of a felony including but not limited to fraud, deceit, or theft from holding a position that has substantial management or control over the property of a state agency. Additionally, section 5703.081 of the Ohio Revised Code requires the Ohio Department of Taxation employees to promptly file and pay tax returns.

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.