Law Clerk/Research Attorney

About the role

The Law Clerk supports the legal work of the Circuit Court judiciary by preparing legal briefs, reports, and draft opinions. This role involves handling responsible legal research projects, assisting with courtroom logistics, and performing public contact work.

Responsibilities

• Support legal work of Circuit judiciary via preparation of legal briefs, reports, and draft opinions.
• Compile information, compose and prepare records, correspondence and reports.
• Handle responsible legal research projects as assigned by the Circuit Judge.
• Provide courtroom assistance as needed.
• Perform public contact work requiring advanced knowledge of statues, court rules and policies.
• Make necessary decisions to resolve or refer appointments, complaints and request for court services.
• Perform liaison duties with other court and county offices as required.
• Aid in the coordination of office and court procedures as established by Circuit Court Judge.
• Comply with court professional code of conduct as applicable.
• Assist in the coordination of office and court procedures as established by Circuit Court Judge.
• Comply with court professional code of conduct as applicable.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

This is a one to two year program with six months of mentoring. Essential duties include supporting legal work, handling legal research, courtroom assistance, public contact work, and coordinating court procedures.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Member in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Windows.
• Demonstrated ability in legal research and writing.
• Knowledge of court organization and procedures, statutes and court rules.
• Ability to prepare legal briefs, analyses, and reports based on statutes, court rules, case law and other legal authority.
• Ability to correlate material with assigned legal issues.
• Ability to analyze and organize facts, evidence, and precedents in Circuit Court cases and to present orally and in writing in clear and logical form.
• Knowledge of rules of evidence and legal reference materials including specialized research software.
• Writing, reading, mathematical principles; proficient computer skills-Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook; exercise sound judgment and decision making in accordance with policies and procedures; ability to research and problem solve independently; knowledge of County operations and functions; ability to prioritize and time manage; handle stressful situations, provide effective and friendly customer service; support the County's mission and values; ability to think critically where necessary.
• Knowledge or understanding of basic administrative tasks: operate standard office equipment; document management; prepare and maintain records, various correspondences and reports; answer general inquiries and refer as necessary; answer telephone calls, process mail, order supplies/equipment; prepare meeting agendas, attend meetings, record/transcribe/distribute minutes; entering, transcribing, recording, storing or maintaining information in written or electronic form with speed and accuracy; maintain calendars, arrange meetings, schedule rooms and equipment as necessary.
• Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with management, co-workers and clients; obtain and communicate accurate information; apply common sense understanding to complex instructions and respond accordingly; communicate complex ideas through graphs, charts, presentations, reports or other professional correspondence.

Skills

• Legal research and writing.
• Statutes, court rules, case law.
• Rules of evidence.
• Specialized research software.
• Microsoft Office Suite.
• Communication skills.
• Customer service.
• Problem-solving.
• Administrative tasks.

Benefits

Details about benefits will be provided upon hire.

Pay

Details about pay will be provided upon hire.

Schedule

Details about schedule will be provided upon hire.