04/29/2026
Thank you Emily for all your hard work at the Shelby County Prosecutors office!
As National County Government Month come to an end. We are spot-lighting our last employee, but not the least!! Please meet Emily O'Leary a Legal Analyst for the Shelby County Prosecutor's Office. We asked Emily a few questions about what a Legal Analyst does and here are her answers, so let's get to know Emily!
What are your main daily responsibilities as a Legal Analyst?
The main daily responsibilities for my particular role include monitoring pending felonies at the municipal level, processing felonies for common pleas court, preparing cases for grand jury, sending discovery to defense counsel, case research, assisting in trial preparation, and acting as a liaison with law-enforcement and other local agencies for the prosecuting attorney and assistant prosecuting attorneys. I also manage the prosecutor website and prepare news releases.
How do you feel your role supports the community?
The prosecutor’s office pursues complaints from law enforcement and handles all stages of litigation from adjudication through disposition and termination of the case, extending to appeals made to the 3rd District Court of Appeals, the Ohio Supreme Court, and the United States Supreme Court. The prosecutor’s office also provides legal support to county agencies. Our prosecuting attorneys handle a significant amount of diverse responsibilities through the different courts and for the different county agencies.
How would you describe the function of your department to a citizen?
This department handles all county criminal felony charges, county village misdemeanor charges, juvenile charges, child neglect, abuse, and dependency charges, village misdemeanor charges, civil issues pertinent to the county, and county agency legal needs.
How would you describe the function of your department to a citizen?
We work with many departments within the courthouse, including Victim Services who is affiliated with our office, the Clerks offices, and personnel at the various courts, and we work extensively with various law enforcement agencies as well as other county departments and agencies. We also work with other local community organizations who assist within the court system like New Choices and with other attorneys.
What is the biggest misunderstanding people have about your job?
I think the biggest misunderstanding people may have about our office is that we only handle criminal offenses, but we also serve as the legal advisor for county and town legal adviser for county and township officers, boards, commissions, as well as several other tax-supported county entities.
What interested you in working for the county?
I began in this position after a longtime staff member retired and have enjoyed many aspects of the job and have now been with the county in this position for six years. I value being able to work toward just resolutions for crime victims in our county.
What skills are most necessary to succeed in this job?
For this position, it is very helpful to have good writing skills, good interpersonal communication skills, good research skills, familiarity with the Ohio Revised Code, and a focus on detail.
Thank you Emily for all you do for Shelby County!
