Attorney Referee

NOTE:

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

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.

A minimum of five years of paid full-time Trial Court experience in the practice of law or three years of prior experience as an Attorney Referee in the Circuit, Juvenile or Probate Court.

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.

TO APPLY ONLINE, CLICK HERE:

TO APPLY VIA EMAIL, FAX, MAIL OR IN PERSON:

If you prefer not to apply online, you may download a Berrien County Job Application and send it to our Personnel Department via email, fax, mail or in person. A Berrien County job application must be submitted in order to be considered for employment.

Submit by Email
Fax: (269) 983-5788
Address: Berrien County Administration Building, Personnel Department, 701 Main St., St. Joseph, MI 49085