Albert Barnes Commentary Exodus 18:19

"Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God be with thee: be thou for the people to God-ward, and bring thou the causes unto God:" — Exodus 18:19 (ASV)

Counsel - Jethro draws the distinction between the functions of the legislator and the judge.

To God-ward - Literally, “before God,” standing between them and God, both as His minister or representative and also as the representative of the people, their agent, so to speak, or deputy before God.