Office of legal counsel
The Office of Legal Counsel is a specialized legal office established in 1972 within the administration of the Supreme Court. It is comprised of two attorneys whose primary responsibilities include addressing procedural issues related to writs of certiorari and handling petitions for extraordinary relief. These attorneys provide vital support by conducting preliminary research, analyzing legal matters, and advising the Court on various cases, particularly those involving original jurisdiction. Additionally, the Office undertakes special projects as requested by the Chief Justice and may assist individual justices with their circuit responsibilities. While their roles share some similarities with those of law clerks, attorneys in the Office of Legal Counsel typically serve longer tenures. This office plays a crucial role in the operational and procedural functions of the Supreme Court, ensuring that legal processes are effectively managed.
Office of legal counsel
Definition: Nonstatutory unit of the Supreme Court consisting of two attorneys who perform a largely administrative function.
Significance: The attorneys in the office of legal counsel provide the members of the Court with experienced, continuous assistance in dealing with procedural questions.
The office of legal counsel, created in 1972, is a legal office within the administration of the Supreme Court. The office is staffed by two attorneys. Their duties are primarily to help the Court deal with procedural questions concerning writs of certiorari and petitions for extraordinary relief and to act as general counsel for the Court. For petitions on extraordinary relief as well as original jurisdiction cases, the attorneys conduct preliminary research, analyze the results, and advise the Court. The office also works on special projects at the request of the chief justice and sometimes aids individual justices with their circuit work. Although the duties of the attorneys in the office of legal counsel somewhat resemble those of the law clerks, the attorneys typically serve longer periods of time.