Judicial Attorney (Judge Kathleen McCarthy)

Third-Judicial-Circuit-of-Michigan; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 74,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan seeks a legally trained professional to assist court operations under limited supervision. The role involves researching laws, drafting memoranda, and supporting judges with civil, family, and criminal matters.

The position requires a JD, bar admission in Michigan, and proficiency with Westlaw/ Lexis and MS Office. It is an exempt, at-will, on-site role at Detroit, with standard court duties and punctuality emphasized.

Qualifications

• Law degree from an accredited institution.
• Member of State Bar of Michigan in good standing
• Experience conducting legal research using Westlaw, Lexis, and available legal resources.
• Experience using MS Office Suite and relevant software and systems.
• If an employee drives on behalf of the Court, the employee must possess and maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license, no fault insurance and access to a vehicle to use in the performance of assigned duties.

Responsibilities

• Researches legal issues before the Court.
• Drafts summary of findings; drafts proposed legal memoranda, documents, and opinions.
• Reviews complaints, petitions, motions or pleadings to determine issues involved or basis for relief.
• Compiles references on laws and decisions necessary for legal determinations.
• Attends court sessions to hear oral arguments or records necessary case information.
• Performs related work, including clerical, as required.
• Assists Judge and courtroom team with various administrative duties.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Communication

Confidentiality

Time management

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Member of State Bar of Michigan in good standing

Tools

Westlaw

Lexis

MS Office Suite

Job description

• Location 2 Woodward Avenue,Suite 720,Detroit, MI, 48226-3437,United States
• Base Pay $87,515.00 / Year
• Job Category Legal Services
• Employee Type Exempt

Contact information

• Phone [phone]
• Email [e-mail]

SUMMARY: Under limited supervision of a Judge, assists the Judge in making sure the Court room operates efficiently and effectively; processes routine legal paper work and correspondence; reviews, studies and researches laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and orders including civil, family and criminal.

This is an at-will position serving at the pleasure of the Court which may unilaterally exercise the power to terminate your employment at any time, with or without cause.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Researches legal issues before the Court.
• Conducts legal research as assigned, drafts summary of findings; drafts proposed legal memoranda, documents, and opinions.
• Reviews complaints, petitions, motions or pleadings that have been filed to determine issues involved or basis for relief.
• Compiles references on laws and decisions necessary for legal determinations.
• Attends court sessions to hear oral arguments or records necessary case information.
• Follows up initial work with additional research after discussion with or at the request of the Judge.
• Responds to Judge’s requests for immediate information and research.
• Provides information to attorneys, litigants, and others regarding court procedures.
• Drafts or proofreads legal opinions, decisions, or citations.
• Summarizes and compiles various court opinions, compiles and maintains standard jury instructions and other information.
• Remains current with recent changes in the law, court rules, and court procedures.
• Responds to phone calls and written inquiries from public and attorneys.
• Performs related work, including clerical, as required.
• Assists Judge and courtroom team with various administrative duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Law degree from an accredited institution.
• Member of State Bar of Michigan in good standing
• Experience conducting legal research using Westlaw, Lexis, and available legal resources.
• Experience using MS Office Suite and relevant software and systems.
• If an employee drives on behalf of the Court, the employee must possess and maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license, no fault insurance and access to a vehicle to use in the performance of assigned duties.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work with a diverse population.
• Ability to research, analyze, and apply complex legal principles to identify issues, formulate solutions, and draft precise legal memoranda, opinions, and other documents.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, including the ability to explain complex court procedures clearly and concisely to diverse audiences (attorneys, litigants, public).
• Proven ability to maintain professional rapport, present facts logically, and accept constructive feedback.
• Skilled in logical reasoning to assess strengths and weaknesses of legal arguments and approaches.
• Ability to deal calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
• Proficient in managing one's own time, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines effectively.
• Proven ability to establish effective working relationships with all court personnel and external contacts.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Successful completion of criminal and IV-D background check, fingerprinting and rechecks.
• Applicants must be eligible for employment authorization in the U.S.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to lift 25 lbs.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description. Specific job duties vary from position to position.

Grant funded positions are contingent on availability of grant funding and may be terminated should funding substantially reduce or cease. The affected employee may be considered as a candidate for other vacant positions within the Court for which they are qualified.

In addition to wages, retirement plan, medical, dental, and vision benefits, the Court offers generous vacation time and has an extensive holiday schedule that includes paid end-of-year shut down. Additionally, employees of the Court may be eligible for forgiveness of their student loans under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. More importantly, if you are service-oriented and have an interest in work that is closely connected to the community, employees of the Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan are rewarded with the satisfaction of participating in the provision of justice in Michigan's largest, most populous county.

ELIGIBILITY

This position is open to anyone who meets the minimum qualifications listed below. This is a non-union at-will appointment. The person selected serves at the pleasure of the appointing judge.

SELECTION

Applications will be screened for compliance with eligibility requirements and minimum qualifications. Selection will be based on appropriate job-related criteria.

NOTE

Information provided on application forms and subsequent verification thereof may be used to determine applicant’s qualifications for this position. Incomplete or illegible applications will not be considered. Faxed or emailed applications are not acceptable. THE COURT MAY LIMIT FURTHER CONSIDERATION TO THE APPLICANTS WHOM APPEAR TO BE MOST QUALIFIED.

An official copy of all transcripts/diplomas must be available at time of interview. Resumes may be included with the application form, but may not be substituted for it. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled, under applicable State and Federal law, to reasonable accommodations to facilitate participation in the examination process.

If you will require special accommodations because of a disability, please call [phone].

POSTING

This notice must be posted on all bulletin boards until the filing date has expired.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

** AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER **

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

The Court is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified individuals on the basis of age, gender, race, religion, color, national origin, handicap/disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, height, weight or any other legally protected status. The prohibition against employment discrimination may extend to conduct that employees are subjected to from vendors, contractors, customers, or others who enter the workplace. Unlawful discrimination may include, but is not limited to, employment actions related to recruitment, examination, transfer, appointment, training, promotion, or the administration of employee benefits. The Court is committed to complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws that pertain to employment.