Law Clerk

County of Kent; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The 17th Judicial Circuit Court seeks a Law Clerk to support the judiciary by researching precedents and drafting opinions and decisions. You will prepare citations and assist with civil, criminal and family law matters.

Candidates must have a Juris Doctorate, a thorough knowledge of civil law and Michigan Court Rules, and strong written and oral communication. The position includes filing court documents and other duties as assigned; the appointment is for one year with possible renewal.

Qualifications

• Requires Juris Doctorate from an accredited institution.
• Thorough working knowledge of civil law and trial practices and Michigan Court Rules.
• Ability to search electronic and hardcopy legal resources for relevant precedents and interpretations.
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to interact positively with judges, attorneys, and other Court employees.

Responsibilities

• Assist the judiciary by researching legal resources for precedents and opinions and prepare citations to support judicial opinions and decisions.
• Draft opinions and decisions as directed by the judiciary.
• File documents for Court actions and expedite litigation of civil, criminal and family law matters.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Legal research

Oral and Written communication

Education

Juris Doctorate (JD)

Job description

The successful candidate will assist the judiciary by researching legal resources for precedents and opinions with respect to legal issues and points of law for the preparation of decisions and/or legal opinions. This individual will prepare citations to support judicial opinions and decisions and draft opinions and decisions as directed by the judiciary. Other duties will include filing documents for Court actions, performing related work to expedite litigation of civil, criminal and family law matters and various duties as assigned.

If you are offered an interview, you will be asked to submit a writing sample based on a situation-specific scenario that we provide. Writing samples must be exclusively researched and written by the applicant.

Please submit your transcripts with your application.

Requires a Juris Doctorate from an accredited institution. Requires a thorough working knowledge of civil law and trial practices and procedures, including Michigan Court Rules. The ability to search electronic and hardcopy legal resources for relevant legal precedents and interpretations is required.

Effective communication skills, both oral and written, and a thorough working knowledge of brief preparation are essential.

Requires the ability to interact positively with judges, attorneys, and other employees of the Court.

Note: Employees hired into the Law Clerk position with the 17th Judicial Circuit Court will be appointed to one-year terms subject to renewal on an annual basis, pursuant to MCL 600.1471 as interpreted by the Chief Judge of the 17th Circuit Court. Positions will be reviewed on or before the anniversary date and renewed or terminated based on the sole discretion of the Chief Judge.