Commissioner

Michigan Supreme Court; Lansing (MI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Michigan Supreme Court is seeking a Commissioner to provide legal research, writing, and analytical support for the Justices. The role involves reviewing leave applications, drafting commissioner reports, and preparing orders with precise legal analysis.

You will monitor cases, observe oral arguments, and respond to inquiries from the Court and staff. Minimum qualifications include a JD from an accredited law school, seven years of legal experience, and active Michigan State Bar membership.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Seven years of professional experience in the legal system.
• Familiarity with appellate procedure and practice, Michigan Court Rules, and Michigan law.
• Active membership in the State Bar of Michigan.

Responsibilities

• Review each application for leave to appeal by examining filings and lower court records; conduct legal research; draft commissioner reports with concise history and legal analysis.
• Draft orders for court consideration, citing controlling authorities and succinct analysis.
• Prepare supplemental reports upon request and monitor cases to provide issue summaries and dispositions.
• Observe oral argument and review proposed opinions, flagging issues to the chief commissioner.
• Respond to questions about pending applications from justices, clerks, and staff; perform legal research upon request.
• When requested by the chief justice, serve on committees or task forces addressing legal issues affecting the Court.
• Review Court of Appeals decisions, U.S. Supreme Court decisions, and legislative developments to anticipate issues.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Analytical thinking

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

The Michigan Supreme Court is looking for qualified candidates for the position of Commissioner. This position reports to the Chief Commissioner and provides legal research, writing, and analysis for the Supreme Court. Essential duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• For each assigned application for leave to appeal, review the parties' filings and the lower court records. Complete any necessary legal research. Draft a commissioner report, accurately summarizing the procedural history of the case, identifying controlling law, and providing a concise and well-written legal analysis of each issue raised. Discuss related cases in which similar legal issues are being considered by the Court. Recommend a disposition of the application for the justices’ consideration.
• Draft orders for consideration by the Court that cite controlling legal authorities and concisely set forth any necessary legal analysis.
• Prepare supplemental reports upon request by the justices or to inform the Court of recent developments regarding a case (for example, new legal authorities, or a new filing or motion).
• Monitor assigned cases until disposition, preparing issue summaries and deferred grant summaries for the Court as necessary.
• Observe oral argument. Review the Court’s proposed draft opinions, bringing any possible issues to the attention of the chief commissioner.
• Respond to questions about pending applications from the justices, their clerks, and other Court staff.
• Perform legal research for the justices or the Supreme Court counsel upon request. When requested by the chief justice, serve on committees or tasks forces that deal with legal issues affecting the Court (for example, standard jury instruction committees, or State Bar committees).
• Review Court of Appeals decisions, U.S. Supreme Court decisions, and state and federal legislative developments to anticipate issues that will impact the Court.

This document represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. Other duties may be assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.

Experience:

• Seven years of professional experience in the legal system.

Knowledge:

• Familiarity with appellate procedure and practice, Michigan Court Rules, and Michigan law.
• Basic computer skills.

Ability:

• Legal analysis and writing.

Licensing / Professional Certification

• Active membership in the State Bar of Michigan.

Physical Requirements:

• Required to lift and transport materials, equipment, and supplies weighing up to 45 pounds.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Location:

Hall of Justice, Lansing, MI. Remote work may be available in accordance with the Michigan Supreme Court Remote Work Policy.

POSTING DEADLINE: OPEN UNTIL FILLED First consideration and initial review of resumes will begin on October 28, 2026.