Run for City Law Director

In Ohio, a City Law Director (sometimes called a City Solicitor, particularly in villages or smaller cities) is the chief legal officer for a municipality. The role is defined under Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 733.51–733.53 and varies depending on whether the city operates under a statutory government or a local charter. Where elected, the Law Director serves as an independent official; in many cities (e.g., Columbus), the position is appointed by the mayor or council. Here’s a detailed breakdown of duties for an elected City Law Director in Ohio:

1. Legal Counsel
   
   • Provide legal advice to the mayor, city council, and city departments on municipal matters (ORC 733.51).
   • Example: Advise on the legality of a new zoning ordinance.
2. Prosecution
   
   • Represent the city in court, prosecuting minor criminal cases (e.g., misdemeanors, traffic violations) in municipal court or mayor’s court (ORC 733.52).
   • Example: Handle a case of public intoxication or a parking violation.
3. Litigation Defense
   
   • Defend the city against lawsuits (e.g., personal injury claims, contract disputes).
   • Coordinate with outside counsel if needed for complex cases.
4. Drafting Legislation
   
   • Prepare or review ordinances, resolutions, and contracts to ensure legal compliance.
   • Example: Draft a contract for a new waste management service.
5. Contract Oversight
   
   • Review and approve city contracts, leases, or agreements (e.g., with vendors or developers).
   • Ensure terms protect the city’s interests.
6. Policy Guidance
   
   • Interpret state and federal laws affecting the city (e.g., labor laws, environmental regulations).
   • Example: Advise on compliance with Ohio’s open meetings law (ORC 121.22).
7. Public Representation
   
   • Act as the city’s legal spokesperson in disputes or negotiations.
   • Example: Negotiate a settlement with a property owner over eminent domain.

In Ohio, where the Law Director is elected (e.g., Dayton, smaller statutory cities), the term is typically 4 years. It’s a full-time role in larger cities but may be part-time in smaller municipalities. In charter cities like Columbus or Cincinnati, the role is often appointed, so check your city’s structure. The position requires a law degree and admission to the Ohio Bar, as it involves active legal practice.

• Age: At least 18 (Ohio Constitution, Article V, Section 1). Some charters may require 21.
• Residency: Live in the city for a set period (e.g., 1 year before filing or taking office—Dayton Charter, Section 5).
• Voter Registration: Be a registered voter in the city.
• No Conflicts: No felony convictions or conflicting city employment (ORC 733.51).
• Professional Qualification: Must be a licensed attorney admitted to the Ohio Bar (required to practice law in this role).

1. Research Local Rules
   
   • Verify if your city elects the Law Director (e.g., Dayton does; Columbus appoints).
   • Check your city charter and the Ohio Candidate Requirement Guide.
   • Contact your county board of elections (e.g., Montgomery County for Dayton).
   • Resource: Ohio SOS Elections Page
   • Timeline: Start in 2026 (e.g., April–June) for a 2027 election.
2. Declare Candidacy and File Paperwork
   
   • File a Declaration of Candidacy and nominating petition (Form 3-O for nonpartisan races) with your county board of elections.
   • Appoint a campaign treasurer and open a bank account.
   • Resource: SOS Forms: Candidate Petitions
   • Deadline: 90 days before the election, by 4 p.m. (e.g., August 4, 2027, for November 2, 2027). Confirm locally.
3. Collect Signatures
   
   • Gather signatures from registered city voters. Number varies:
     
     • Small cities: 25–50 signatures.
     • Larger cities: 50–200 (e.g., Dayton requires 50 per charter rules).
   • Use Form 3-O or a city-specific form.
   • Deadline: File by August 4, 2027. Collect extra signatures for buffer.
4. Pay Filing Fees (If Required)
   
   • Fees range from $25–$100, often waiveable with enough signatures.
   • Deadline: Same as petition filing (August 4, 2027).
5. Campaign Finance Registration
   
   • Register with your county board if raising/spending funds.
   • File reports per ORC 3517.10 (e.g., pre- and post-election).
   • Resource: Ohio Campaign Finance Handbook
   • Deadline: Register before fundraising (e.g., June 2027); first report due ~October 3, 2027.
6. Campaigning
   
   • Build a platform (e.g., “strong legal defense for the city” or “fair prosecution”).
   • Engage voters via legal community events, forums, or mailers—emphasize expertise.
   • Follow local sign/placement rules.
   • Timeline: Start after filing (July 2027), peak in fall (September–October 2027).
7. Primary Election (If Applicable)
   
   • Some cities (e.g., Dayton) hold primaries if multiple candidates file.
   • Date: Often May or August (e.g., August 3, 2027—check your city). Smaller towns skip this.
8. General Election
   
   • Appear on the ballot citywide.
   • Date: November 2, 2027 (first Tuesday after first Monday in odd years).
   • Resource: Ohio Election Calendar
9. Post-Election
   
   • If elected, take office (often January 1, 2028).
   • File final finance reports.
   • Deadline: 30–60 days post-election (e.g., December 2027–January 2028).

• April–June 2026: Research rules, confirm eligibility (ensure Ohio Bar admission).
• July–December 2026: Plan platform, network.
• January–April 2027: Collect signatures.
• May–July 2027: Finalize petitions.
• August 4, 2027: File by 4 p.m.
• August 3, 2027: Primary (if applicable).
• September–October 2027: Campaign; file reports (e.g., October 3).
• November 2, 2027: Election Day.
• January 1, 2028: Take office.

• Ohio Secretary of State: Election forms and info.
  
  • www.ohiosos.gov/elections/
• County Boards of Elections: Local filing details.
  
  • SOS County Directory
• Ohio State Bar Association: Licensing verification.
  
  • www.ohiobar.org/
• Ohio Municipal League: Municipal governance insights.
  
  • www.omlohio.org/