Friend of the Court Staff Attorney

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Serve as Special Assistant Prosecuting Attorney to establish paternity and support.
• Initiate and participate in enforcement and modification proceedings relating to custody, parenting time, and support.
• Draft and argue motions, prepare court orders, and conduct legal research.
• Calculate child support obligations using the Michigan Child Support Formula.
• Provide legal advice, evidence, testimony, recommendations, and general support to judges, referees, and staff.
• Interview litigants, discuss cases with attorneys, mediate disputes, and provide procedural information.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of court processes, procedures, policies, and laws.
• Identify common problems, escalate to management, and recommend possible solutions and/or improvements.
• Maintain statistical data.
• Adhere to all relevant policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

  QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES and CERTIFICATIONS

  • Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
  • Active member of the State Bar of Michigan in good standing.
  • Experience in legal research (Westlaw, Lexis).
  • Courtroom advocacy, domestic relations, and mediation experience (preferred).
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office/Google Suite and relevant court systems.
  • If an employee drives on behalf of the Court, the employee must possess and maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license, no fault insurance, and access to a vehicle to use in the performance of assigned duties.

  KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

  • Strong investigative, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to learn, retain, expand, and apply knowledge of Court policies and procedures.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks, adapt to changing priorities, meet deadlines, and remain calm in high stress situations.
  • Ability to independently and efficiently produce quality work in a high-volume, deadline driven environment.
  • Ability to actively anticipate, identify, and resolve issues.
  • Ability to understand and carry out instructions and request clarification when needed.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgement, and handle sensitive information with discretion.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, fostering a positive work environment, and demonstrating leadership qualities.
  • Excellent customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills.
  • Ability to operate office equipment, including computers, copiers, software and other technology.
  • Cultural competency and ability to work with diverse populations.
  • Ability to analyze and comprehend complex factual patterns and legal issues.
  • Strong legal research, writing, reasoning, and oral advocacy skills.
  • Ability to present statements of fact, laws and arguments clearly and logically, both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to perform in a manner consistent with the Michigan Code of Professional Responsibility.

  ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Successful completion of criminal and IV-D background check, fingerprinting and rechecks.
  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
  • May be assigned to alternate work locations and/or training sites and will be responsible for transportation to those locations.

  PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Must be able to lift 25 lbs.