What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Attorney position at Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan?
Description
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 :
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :
WORK ENVIRONMENT :
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS :
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.
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 :
06 / 0720 / 17 Updated for content and format
05 / 20 / 2024 Updated for content
02 / 05 / 2025 Updated for content
Requirements
Please note the starting salary is commensurate with experience with increases up to $83,496.00 in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement.
In addition to wages, retirement plan, medical, dental, and vision benefits, the Court offers generous vacation time and has an extensive holiday schedule that includes paid end-of-year shut down. Additionally, employees of the Court may be eligible for forgiveness of their student loans under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. More importantly, if you are service-oriented and have an interest in work that is closely connected to the community, employees of the Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan are rewarded with the satisfaction of participating in the provision of justice in Michigan's largest, most populous county.
SELECTION : Applications will be screened for compliance with eligibility requirements and minimum qualifications. Selection will be based on appropriate job-related criteria.
NOTE : Information provided on application forms and subsequent verification thereof may be used to determine applicant's qualifications for this position . Incomplete or illegible applications will not be considered . Faxed or emailed applications are not acceptable .
SCREENING EXAMINATION COMPONENTS AND WEIGHTS (Total 100% MAX-75% MIN)
Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications Pass / Fail
Interview 100%
APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND DEADLINE :
Official application forms must be received no later than 4 : 30 p.m. on the last day of this announcement .A VALID EMAIL ADDRESS IS REQUIRED TO APPLY. APPLICANT WILL RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION AFTER SUCCESSFUL SUBMISSION OF THE ELECTRONIC APPLICATION. An official copy of all transcripts / diplomas must be available at time of interview. A resume and writing sample must be included with the application form. However, the resume is not a substitute for the application. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled, under applicable State and Federal law, to reasonable accommodations to facilitate participation in the examination process. If you will require special accommodations because of a disability, please call (313) 224-7018.
The Diversity and Inclusion Mission Statement :
We appreciate our common connection and respect our diverse and unique human experiences. We move forward as an inclusive organization as we provide accessible and equal justice.
The Diversity and Inclusion Vision :
Diversity is inclusive. It encompasses, among other things, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, nationality, language, age, disability, marital status, parental status, military status, geographic origin and socioeconomic background.
Diversity creates greater trust and confidence in the court system and its administration of justice. It enables us to better provide exemplary public service and programs. The different perspectives, experiences, backgrounds, talents and interests of judges and employees in our four divisions allow us to be a national leader in Court performance.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
The Court is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified individuals on the basis of age, gender, race, religion, color, national origin, handicap / disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, height, weight or any other legally protected status. The prohibition against employment discrimination may extend to conduct that employees are subjected to from vendors, contractors, customers, or others who enter the workplace. Unlawful discrimination may include, but is not limited to, employment actions related to recruitment, examination, transfer, appointment, training, promotion, or the administration of employee benefits. The Court is committed to complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws that pertain to employment.
Salary : $83,496
