Law Clerk / Attorney Magistrate - District Court

Position Summary

This position is an employee of the Court whose employment and performance are under the supervision of the Chief Judge. For the day-to-day operations, this position will report to the District Court Administrator who will monitor hours and assign work, including Magistrate on-call duties as needed. The Law Clerk/Attorney Magistrate will assist the District Court Judges with daily operations, including legal research, drafting opinions, and assisting with court proceedings.

Essential Job Functions

• Receives procedural direction from the judge, reviews case files, briefs, transcripts, and other pertinent documentation, researches applicable statutes and case law, writes bench memoranda, legal documents, orders, and prepares legal opinions for the Judge's review, comment, and modification.
• Affords procedural direction from the judge, reviews case files, briefs, transcripts, and other pertinent documentation, researches applicable statutes and case law, writes bench memoranda, legal documents, orders, and prepares legal opinions for the Judge's review, comment, and modification.
• Affords procedural direction from the judge, reviews case files, briefs, transcripts, and other pertinent documentation, researches applicable statutes and case law, writes bench memoranda, legal documents, orders, and prepares legal opinions for the Judge's review, comment, and modification.
• Affords procedural direction from the judge, reviews case files, briefs, transcripts, and other pertinent documentation, researches applicable statutes and case law, writes bench memoranda, legal documents, orders, and prepares legal opinions for the Judge's review, comment, and modification.
• Affords procedural direction from the judge, reviews case files, briefs, transcripts, and other pertinent documentation, researches applicable statutes and case law, writes bench memoranda, legal documents, orders, and prepares legal opinions for the Judge's review, comment, and modification.
• Affords procedural direction from the judge, reviews case files, briefs, transcripts, and other pertinent documentation, researches applicable statutes and case law, writes bench memoranda, legal documents, orders, and prepares legal opinions for the Judge's review, comment, and modification.
• Affords procedural direction from the judge, reviews case files, briefs, transcripts, and other pertinent documentation, researches applicable statutes and case law, writes bench memoranda, legal documents, orders, and prepares legal opinions for the Judge's review, comment, and modification.
• Affords procedural direction from the judge, reviews case files, briefs, transcripts, and other pertinent documentation, researches applicable statutes and case law, writes bench memoranda, legal documents, orders, and prepares legal opinions for the Judge's review, comment, and modification.
• Affords procedural direction from the judge, reviews case files, briefs, transcripts, and other pertinent documentation, researches applicable statutes and case law, writes bench memoranda, legal documents, orders, and prepares legal opinions for the Judge's review, comment, and modification.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate Degree required and some prior experience in the practice of law is preferred.
• The Court, at its discretion, may consider an alternative combination of formal education and work experience.
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan and a member in good standing with the Michigan Bar Association.
• Michigan Vehicle Operator's License.
• Must live in the County per State of Michigan law to perform Magistrate duties.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of the State of Michigan district court proceedings and procedures, case law research, and judicial administrative rules and procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of applicable local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations, organizing and maintaining legal files, and interpreting and applying laws, statutes and court decisions rules and regulations.
• Knowledge and experience in setting bond terms and conditions.
• Skill in assembling and analyzing data, preparing comprehensive and accurate reports, and preparing legal documentation.
• Skill in editing and drafting documents to lawyers and lay people.
• Skill in training and translating legal concepts.
• Skill in assembling and analyzing data, preparing comprehensive and accurate reports, and preparing legal documentation.
• Skill in effectively communicating ideas and concepts orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with County employees, contractors to the County, representatives of other governmental units, professional contacts, elected officials, and the public.
• Ability to assess situations, solve problems, work effectively under stress, within deadlines, and in emergency situations.
• Skill in the use of office equipment and technology, including Microsoft Suite applications and database entry and maintenance, as well as applications and programs specific to the Court.
• Ability to respond to emergencies or service needs on a 24-hour basis.

Physical Demands And Work Environment

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person and by telephone, read regular and small print, view and produce written and electronic documents and enter data on a computer keyboard with repetitive keystrokes.
• The employee must be mobile in an office setting, stand, sit, stoop and kneel, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee must lift or push/pull objects of up to 15 lbs. without assistance.

Benefits

• Retirement plan includes a 401a with up to 8% employer contribution
• Comprehensive Medical, Pharmacy, Dental & Vision
• Optional HSA with an employer match
• Optional Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation plan
• Short-term & Long-term disability & Basic Life & AD&D insurance
• Health & Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid vacation, sick days & holidays
• Unused vacation and sick time rolls over
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Up to $500 annual Wellness reimbursement*
• *and $100 incentive for completing your annual physical & Health Assessment.
• Voluntary benefits such as Pet Insurance, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital & Whole Life policies
• Employee assistance program
• Pro-rated based on DOH
• Pay Rate Information
• The Law Clerk / Attorney Magistrate position is a full-time, non-union position, and starting pay is $66,164/year. This position is eligible for step increases within our Non-Union Grade 8S Wage Scale. Top end of the current wage scale for this position is $83,324/year.