What are the responsibilities and job description for the Court Attorney position at Macomb County Government?
CLASSIFICATION TITLE:
Court Attorney
SALARY:
$77,439.36 - $100,161.33
DEPARTMENT:
Probate Court Wills & Estates
Opening Date:
03/25/2025
Closing Date:
04/08/2025 12:00 a.m.
FLSA Status: Exempt
EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: Just cause subject to probationary period
GENERAL SUMMARY
Under direction, conducts and presides at hearings and proceedings as permitted by law. Provides legal consultation to the Court and to staff. Performs legal research on laws and any proposed legislation affecting Probate Court. Represents Court at designated hearings and operational proceedings.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Conducts and presides over all types of proceedings and hearings including preliminary inquiry and hearings, as permitted by statute and Court rule.
Provides legal consultation to the Court and to Court staff.
Performs legal research on laws and any proposed legislation that will affect Probate Court.
Designs, implements and trains staff as to legal procedures and processes.
Represents the Court at designated hearings and operational proceedings.
Performs legal research in printed legal materials and computer assisted materials.
Participates in continuing legal education.
Monitors new legal materials, including but not limited to, newspapers, professional journals, and opinions of state and federal courts.
Prepares documents using a personal computer and word processing program(s).
Assists the public by answering questions and issuing information as needed.
Operates an automobile while performing assigned job duties.
Performs related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Education and Experience
- Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited college or university
- A minimum of five (5) years of experience in the practice of law
Preferred Education and Experience
- Previous experience within a Probate Court setting
Required Licenses or Certifications
- Current membership in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan
- Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and operable, insured automobile for authorized travel
COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES
Knowledge of:
- Revised Probate Code, Estates and Protected Individuals Code (E.P.I.C.) and Michigan Court Rules
- Statues, court rules, and court procedures
- Legal terminology
- Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment
Skill in:
- Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships
- Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
Ability to:
- Prepare and present legal findings in a clear and concise manner
- Research, analyze, and report on complex or technical legal issues
- Work in an environment which embraces the county’s Dignity Campaign
- Effectively speak, write and understand the English language
- Effectively speak, write and understand a language other than English is preferred
- Understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions
- Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
- Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
- Work independently
WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS
The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
N/S=Never/Seldom O=Occasionally F/C= Frequently/Continuously
Work Environment
Office or similar indoor environment: F/C
Outdoor environment: N/S
Street environment (near moving traffic): N/S
Construction site: N/S
Confined space: N/S
In the community (homes, businesses, etc.): O
Correctional facility, detention center or jail: N/S
Clinical healthcare environment: N/S
Warehouse environment: N/S
Exposures
Individuals who are hostile or irate: F/C
Individuals with known violent backgrounds: O
Extreme cold (below 32 degrees): N/S
Extreme heat (above 100 degrees): N/S
Communicable diseases: N/S
Moving mechanical parts: N/S
Fumes or airborne particles: N/S
Toxic or caustic chemicals, substances or waste: N/S
Loud noises (85 decibels): N/S
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
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.
N/S=Never/Seldom O=Occasionally F/C= Frequently/Continuously
Demand:
Balancing on even or uneven surfaces/ground: N/S
Bending (forward or backward bending at the waist): O
Climbing up or down stairs, ladders, scaffolding and platforms: N/S
Crawling (moving about on hands and knees). Inspecting in confined spaces: N/S
Digging: N/S
Driving on sealed and unsealed roads: N/S
Grasping, gripping, holding, clasping with fingers or hands: O
Kneeling to work at low levels: N/S
Manual Dexterity (fine finger movements i.e., keyboard operating, writing): F/C
Lift/Carry/Move objects from one level/position to another (covered by the items below):
Up to 10 pounds: O
Push/Pull objects away from or towards the body: O
Reaching overhead (arms raised above the shoulder) or forward reaching (arms extended): O
Sitting in a seated position during the task performance: F/C
Standing in an upright position without movement: F/C
Walking considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: O
Running considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: N/S
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Complies with P.A. 390, as amended, known as the State’s Emergency Management Act and the County’s Emergency Management resolution as well as all related plans, policies and procedures covered by those statutes.
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment amongst other possible accommodations.
The United Auto Workers (UAW) 889 – Specialized Offices bargaining unit represents this position. Therefore, there may be contract language which could require consideration in the selection process.
About Us
Macomb County is Michigan’s third most populated county, boasting a population of more than 865,000 residents and growing. From the densely-populated southern cities to the rural northern villages, Macomb County possesses a wealth of assets that make it a desirable place to live, work and play! As the county gains in population and cultural diversity increases, initiatives such as the dignity campaign enables us to cultivate a community that embraces all people and celebrates their unique contributions. Through collaborative community-based activities, Macomb County is promoting multiculturalism and inclusiveness.
Salary : $77,439 - $100,161
