ATTORNEY/REFEREE

Washtenaw County Health Department; Michigan; On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Washtenaw County Health Department is seeking a licensed attorney to conduct quasi-judicial hearings on custody, visitation and support, alimony, and property cases, under the supervision of the Legal Manager. The role involves preparing findings for the Circuit Court and collaborating with Circuit Court Judges.

Candidates must possess a JD and Michigan Bar membership, with at least two years of relevant experience in family law.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree and bar membership in Michigan.
• Two years of experience as a Friend of the Court Attorney or equivalent.
• Must understand family law and be able to analyze statutes and cases.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite.

Responsibilities

• Reviews case files and performs legal research prior to hearings.
• Conducts quasi-judicial hearings and prepares written findings and recommendations.
• Attends meetings with Circuit Court Judges to discuss cases.
• Provides backup legal support to staff.
• Completes special projects as requested by a Circuit Court Judge.
• Keeps current on developments in family law.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Legal knowledge

Friend of the Court procedures

Statutory research & interpretation

Regulatory knowledge

MS Office proficiency

Judgment & decision making

Discretion & confidentiality

Independent work & teamwork

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

INTERNAL UNION APPLICANTS WILL BE GIVEN FIRST CONSIDERATION FOR UNION POSITIONS

Under the supervision of the Legal Manager, conducts quasi-judicial hearings on custody, visitation and support, alimony, and property cases upon referral from the Circuit Court. Prepares written findings and recommendations for the Circuit Court.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Reviews case files and performs legal research prior to conducting hearings.


• Conducts quasi-judicial hearings on matters referred from Circuit Court. Prepares written findings and recommendations on factual and legal issues.


• Attends meetings with Circuit Court Judges to discuss cases.


• Provides backup assistance of a legal nature to the clerical and professional staff.


• Completes various special projects, which require professional legal skills as requested by a Circuit Court Judge or the Friend of the Court.


• Reads extensively and attends seminars and conferences to keep current on developments in family law and pertinent behavioral services.


• Performs all other duties as assigned.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of modern principles and practices of law and of local, State and Federal laws.


• Knowledge of functions and procedures of the Friend of the Court


• Knowledge and skill in analyzing and researching statutes, case law and interpreting legal documents and interpreting evidence


• Knowledge of and interpret applicable federal, state and local regulations


• Proficient skills using Microsoft Office programs including, but not limited to: Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook required.


• Skills in exercising 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 Court's mission and values; ability to think critically where necessary.


• Ability to use discretion and maintain sensitive and confidential information


• Ability to work independently or part of a team; ability to interact appropriately with others such as Court and County officials, employees, vendors and the general public.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

Licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan.

Possession of a valid driver's license.

Certified Domestic Relations Mediation Training Certificate within one year of hire.

BACKGROUND CHECK

Pursuant to MCL 15.651 - 15.654, Public Employee Fingerprint-Based Criminal History Check Act, all IV-D staff will be subjected to a fingerprint-based background investigation.

Additional satisfactory background check if requested by a partnering agency.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Duties require sufficient mobility to work in a normal office setting and use standard office equipment including a computer, vision to read printed materials and a computer screen and hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person or over the telephone. Duties may require an employee to exert up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

These requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

EDUCATION

Possession of a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and a member in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan.

EXPERIENCE

Two (2) years experience as a Friend of the Court Attorney or equivalent experience with specialized training or expertise in Domestic Law. Six (6) month probationary period.

This class description intends to identify the major duties and requirements of the job and should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related duties other than those outlined above and may be required to specific job-related knowledge for successful job performance.