Attorney Referee ($86,197 - $115,512)

Township Senior Services, Inc; Michigan; On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Pension Program

Flexible Work Schedule - Up to 15 hrs/

Job summary

Township Senior Services, Inc. in Michigan seeks an Attorney Referee to conduct hearings in domestic relations matters, issue findings, and provide legal counsel to the Director of the Office of the Friend of the Court and staff.

You will oversee hearings across juvenile and family law, swear witnesses, draft orders, and coordinate in-service training while staying current on applicable laws and court rules. A robust benefits package accompanies this full-time role.

Qualifications

• Graduation from ABA-accredited law school.
• Admission to the practice of law in the State of Michigan and in good standing with the State Bar.
• Preferred qualifications include a minimum of five (5) years of full-time, paid experience practicing law in a trial court setting, or at least three (3) years of prior experience serving as an Attorney Referee in the Circuit, Juvenile, or Probate Court.

Responsibilities

• Conduct hearings in domestic relations matters and issue findings.
• Preside over preliminary, adjudication, dispositional and progress hearings.
• Swear in and examine witnesses, hear arguments, and render decisions.
• Prepare and review Orders for submission to the judges.
• Serve as Legal Counsel to the Director of the Office of the Friend of the Court and staff.
• Advise judges and court staff as requested.
• Operate video and audio equipment for recording hearings.
• Retrieves and enters data into computer systems.
• Train staff and coordinate in-service training.
• Represent the Courts in dealings with governmental and private agencies.
• Explain court procedures to organizations and community groups.
• Contribute to internal policy development and procedure manuals.
• Assist in implementing new statutes and rules dictated by higher courts.

Skills

Courtroom operations

Conduct hearings

Michigan law

Independent judgment

Communication skills

Computer literacy

Education

ABA accredited law school

Licensed to practice in Michigan

Job description

Benefits:

• Competitive Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Pension Program
• Flexible Work Schedule - Up to 15 hours per week of flexible work hours are available for Attorney Referees to take in full or partial day increments if they are not scheduled to be present in a hearing.

Duties:

• Conducts hearings in domestic relations cases related to custody, parenting time, child support, temporary matters, and other matters involving children; issues findings and recommendations.
• Conducts preliminary, adjudication, dispositional and progress hearings in delinquency and child protective proceedings.
• Swears in and examines witnesses; takes testimony; hears arguments; decides motions and objections; reconciles conflicting testimony; makes findings of fact; draws conclusions of law; and renders decisions.
• Prepares and reviews Orders prior to submission to the judges.
• Serves as Legal Counsel to the Director of the Office of the Friend of the Court and staff.
• Advises judges and court staff as requested.
• Operates video and audio equipment for the recording of all court hearings conducted.
• Retrieves and enters data into various computer systems.
• Trains, assists, and coordinates in-service training with staff.
• Represents the Courts in dealings with other governmental and private agencies.
• Interacts with organizations, associations, and community groups to explain the purpose, role, and procedure of the Courts.
• Contributes to the preparation and maintenance of a procedure manual and appropriate forms.
• Participates in the development of internal policies, procedures, rules, regulations and goals and objectives as they relate to the Courts’ matters.
• Assists in implementing new statutes, rules, and procedures dictated by the Legislature, Appellate Courts, and Court Rules in accordance with the decisions of the Supreme Court and/or the State Court Administrative Office.
• This description is intended to illustrate the type and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. It may not be a comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities required by a person so classified.

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from ABA accredited law school.
• Admission to the practice of law in the State of Michigan and in good standing with the State Bar.
• Preferred qualifications include a minimum of five (5) years of full-time, paid experience practicing law in a trial court setting, or at least three (3) years of prior experience serving as an Attorney Referee in the Circuit, Juvenile, or Probate Court.
• Candidates with less experience or a combination of legal experience in other settings may also be considered.

Special Requirements:

• A legal writing sample must accompany application for the position.
• Attorney Referees must complete training courses offered by the Michigan Judicial Institute and as required by their Judges and/or the Court’s Administrator.
• Must possess and maintain a valid vehicle operator’s license throughout the course of employment.
• Candidate must successfully pass a pre-employment physical, including drug testing prior to employment.
• A background check will be performed, and employees will be fingerprinted.
• Subject to random alcohol and drug testing per the Court’s policy.
• Handles on-call responsibilities on a rotating basis with other Attorney Referees.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of courtroom operations and procedures, including the ability to conduct specific hearings.
• Familiar with agencies within Berrien County that serve the Courts’ clients.
• Clear understanding of criminal, civil, juvenile, and family law, statutes, court rules, case law, local ordinances, and the State of Michigan Motor Vehicle Code.
• Able to exercise a high degree of independent judgment and discretion throughout each step of the legal process.
• Experience with the use of personal computers and word processing and spreadsheet software.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to maintain records and reports.
• Able to stay current on case law, legislation, and laws affecting the courts and law enforcement.

Special Requirements

A legal writing sample must accompany application for the position.

Miscellaneous Information

This Attorney Referee position will conduct hearings for both the Juvenile Division and the Friend of the Court division.