Office of Chief Legal Counsel

The Office of Chief Legal Counsel advises, and provides counsel to, the Director of Transportation on legal matters that involve ODOT.  Chief Legal Counsel also serves as the "first responder" to legal questions and issues received from senior staff, district deputy directors, administrators and other ODOT employees throughout Central Office and the districts.  Chief Legal Counsel is the Chief Ethics Officer for the Department.

Scope of responsibilities include:

• Administrative hearings
• Contracts, agreements & MOUs
• Court of Claims information
• Public records requests
• Ohio's ethics law
• Review of draft legislation

Court of Claims

ODOT is responsible for the State System of roads-which includes all Interstates, as well as U.S. and State Routes outside of municipalities.  Any damage caused by the result of a pothole, debris on the road, etc. can be reported to the Office of Chief Legal Counsel for possible restitution.

Note: If incident occurred on a local or municiapl roadway not on the state system, first try to contact the specific jurisdiction for that location (i.e., city, county, township, etc.).