Staff Attorney (11 vacancies and to establish a list)

SUMMARY:

The Staff Attorney reports to the Assistant Friend(s) of the Court or designee in the Friend of the Court.  Under supervision, the Staff Attorney handles domestic relations matters on a judge’s or specialized docket.  The Staff Attorney is responsible to uphold the Legal Department’s overall objective of ensuring that the office’s procedures and court’s orders are established and enforced according to law and court rules. Employees in this title are expected to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.   

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Produces quality and timely work concerning paternity establishment and child support enforcement by conducting show cause and enforcement interviews, resolving bench warrants, advocating for bonds, liens, receiverships, employer contempt, and other enforcement remedies in accordance with state and federal laws and Friend of the Court policy.
• Prepares and argues motions and recommendations before Friend of the Court, Referees and Third Circuit Court Judges. Screens, reviews and verifies case information, orders, and motions prior to hearings.
• Serves as Special Assistant Prosecuting Attorney to initiate and argue paternity, family support and interstate cases.
• Performs legal research on proposed legislation, court rules, statutes, and court cases for any court departments and the Bench as required.
• Provides evidence, testimony and recommendations in court as required.
• Provides legal advice, answers legal and procedural questions, drafts and interprets legal documents and court orders as required.
• Interviews litigants and discusses issues with private attorneys prior to hearings.
• Presents and argues domestic relations matters before the court.
• Provides public with information and instructions concerning procedures.
• Attends professional seminars, training and meetings as required.
• Assists other attorneys and staff as necessary.
• Prepares records and reports as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate of an accredited law school.
• Member of State Bar of Michigan in good standing.
• Experience conducting legal research using Westlaw, Lexis and available legal resources.
• Experience advocating and presenting matters in court preferred.
• Experience with domestic law and litigation; and handling domestic relations matters preferred.
• Proficient using MS Office Suite and relevant software and systems

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• 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.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas effectively so that others can understand.
• 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 grasp, comprehend, and analyze complex legal issues and complicated factual details.

• Ability to identify and resolve problems and disputes.
• Ability to maintain a professional rapport in a variety of interview situations.
• Ability to meet and interact with the public and deal courteously and effectively with their questions or problems, seeking assistance when needed.
• Ability to operate office equipment.
• Ability to present statements of fact, laws and arguments clearly and logically, both verbally and in writing 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, and law enforcement authorities.
• Excellent communication skills for preparing reports and recommendations.

• Skill in managing one’s own time, as well as the ability to meet deadlines.
• Thorough knowledge of Court processes and procedures.

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.
• Ability to operate a motor

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Candidates considered for placement in this job title will be subject to a criminal and/or IV-D background investigation and subsequent fingerprinting every five years.

• Member of State Bar of Michigan in good standing.

• Must possess (at time of application) and maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license, no fault insurance and access to a vehicle to use in the performance of assigned duties.

In accordance with the Collective Bargaining agreement, Staff Attorneys who have been licensed to practice law in Michigan, or another state or country for five (5) years or more and have at least three (3) years JAA seniority may be eligible for promotion to Senior Staff Attorney when a vacancy exists and is posted.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the title.  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.

NOTES:          06/0720/17          Updated for content and format

                        05/20/2024          Updated for content