Judicial Law Clerk I

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

 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.
Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Law degree from an accredited institution.
• Experience conducting legal research using Westlaw, Lexis, and available legal resources.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
• Ability to interact with various Court agents and personnel and to work on significant projects.
• Ability to accept constructive direction.
• Ability to research, identify, and analyze complex legal issues, apply legal principals, and draft legal memoranda, position papers, and related documents.
• Ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce positive results.
• Ability to communicate to ask and answer questions and to explain Court procedures to internal and external customers in a courteous and professional manner, in plain language that they can understand, seeking assistance when needed.
•  Ability to deal calmly and effectively in high stress situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, employees, officials and external contacts.
• Ability to maintain a professional rapport in a variety of interview situations.
• Ability to present statements of fact, laws, and arguments clearly and logically, including before judges
• Ability to understand and carry out instructions and to request clarification when needed.
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to legal problems and matters.
• Excellent communications skills for dealing with clients, the Court, law enforcement authorities, and for preparing reports and recommendations.
• Skill in managing one’s own time, as well as the ability to meet deadlines.
• Familiarity with Microsoft products and legal research software.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
• Normally a typical customer service office environment with minimal exposure to excessive noise.
• Employees in this title may encounter individuals who may be under duress.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time to perform job functions.
• Ability to detect, create, and interpret documents.
• Operate a computer and other office machinery, items, or equipment.
• Position self to move from one place to another.
• Communicate with clients, co-workers, and others.
• Must be able to lift 25 lbs.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 
• Candidates considered for placement in this job title will be subject to a criminal and/or IV-D background check and related fingerprinting every five years. 
• Member of State Bar of Michigan in good standing.
• Applicants must be eligible for employment authorization in the U.S.

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. 

NOTES:
08/22/13     Updated for content and format
02/25/14     Updated for content
06/03/14 Updated for content
06/22/16 Updated Special Requirements
08/10/21     Updated for content
09/22/22 Updated for content
10/14/22     Title changed from Judicial Law Clerk to Judicial Law Clerk I
02/06/25     Updated for content