What are the responsibilities and job description for the Attorney Magistrate position at City of Grand Rapids?
61st JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT Created by state law in 1968, the 61st District Court has a high-volume caseload. The court has jurisdiction within the City of Grand Rapids, the second largest city in the state and the largest in Kent County. The 61st District Court is comprised of six (6) elected judges, one (1) appointed attorney magistrate, and a dedicated support staff in the Clerk’s Office and Probation Department.. The 61st District Court Team is committed to providing excellent customer service to the public, and to ensuring the effective and impartial management of cases. |
POSITION OVERVIEW
Appointed by the judges, the Attorney Magistrate is an at-will employee under the direct supervision of the Chief Judge and Court Administrator. Serving at the pleasure of the Court, the Attorney Magistrate will exercise the jurisdiction expressly provided by law and authorized by the Chief Judge. The primary authorities include the issuance of arrest and search warrants, pretrial release, arraignments, pleas, sentencings, civil infraction cases, small claims proceedings, and marriage ceremonies. The position provides on-call 24/7 (pager duty), including weekend and holiday coverage on a rotational and/or fixed schedule as determined by the needs of the Court. The Attorney Magistrate conducts legal research regarding legal matters impacting the Court and advises judge(s), court administration, and court staff. Performs other duties as assigned.
Magistrates are subject to the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct and the Michigan Code of Judicial Conduct, including filing financial reports.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
Essential Duties: (These duties are a representative sample.)
- Arraign and sentence upon pleas of guilty or nolo contendere for violations of acts or parts of acts, or local ordinances substantially corresponding to the acts or parts of acts, if the maximum permissible punishment does not exceed 90 days in jail, fine, or both as defined in MCL 600.8511(a).
- Arraign and sentence upon pleas of guilty or nolo contendere for violations of the Michigan vehicle code, or local ordinances substantially corresponding to provisions of the Michigan vehicle code, if the maximum permissible punishment does not exceed 93 days in jail, a fine, or both.
- Issue warrants for the arrest of persons or summons to appear and set pre-arraignment bonds. Issue search warrants.
- Fix bail and accept bond in criminal cases.
- Conduct first appearances of defendants before the court in criminal and ordinance violation cases.
- Accept written demand or waiver of preliminary examinations and jury trials.
- Hear and preside over civil infraction admissions, admissions with explanation, motions to set aside default or withdraw admissions, conduct informal hearings in civil infraction actions, and impose sanctions allowed by statute.
- Preside over and issue judgments in cases in the Small Claims Division of the Court.
- May conduct probable cause conferences and all matters allowed at the probable cause conference.
- Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance, including at required meetings.
- Performs other duties authorized by statute and court rule as outlined by Local Administrative Order.
QUALIFICATIONS
A Juris Doctor degree, licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan and a member in good standing with the Michigan Bar Association. Three or more years experience in the practice of law.
To be appointed magistrate, the selected candidate must be a registered elector in the district, City of Grand Rapids.
Knowledge of:
- District Court proceedings;
- Michigan Compiled Laws, criminal, civil, and vehicle codes;
- Michigan Court Rules;
- Professional standards of legal practice and legal ethics;
- Legal research methods.
Skill in:
- Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of the Court’s goals, objectives, and activities;
- Using a variety of office equipment and applications, such as word processing, e-mail, spreadsheets (Microsoft Office), automated case management systems, and other computer-based systems used by the court.
Ability to:
- Interact objectively and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals, groups, attorneys, law enforcement, and the general public;
- Deal effectively with issues of confidentiality, integrity, and ethics;
- Think analytically, apply sound judgment, solve problems, and make decisions.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Work is performed in an office setting at home and jail and requires reaching, lifting, pushing, pulling, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Move and lift objects up to 10 pounds and operate office equipment. Must be able to remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time. Travel may be required (e.g., Lansing).
HOW TO APPLY
To be assured consideration, applicants must apply online and submit the following:
- A cover letter, addressed to Chief Judge Angela T. Ross.
- A detailed resume.
- Three (3) professional references.
Salary : $88,137 - $116,687
