ATTORNEY/REFEREE

Under the supervision of the Legal Manager, conducts quasi-judicial hearings on custody, visitation and support, alimony, and property cases upon referral from the Circuit Court. Prepares written findings and recommendations for the Circuit Court.

Essential Duties:

Reviews case files and performs legal research prior to conducting hearings.

Conducts quasi-judicial hearings on matters referred from Circuit Court. Prepares written findings and recommendations on factual and legal issues.

Attends meetings with Circuit Court Judges to discuss cases.

Provides backup assistance of a legal nature to the clerical and professional staff.

Completes various special projects, which require professional legal skills as requested by a Circuit Court Judge or the Friend of the Court.

Reads extensively and attends seminars and conferences to keep current on developments in family law and pertinent behavioral services.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of modern principles and practices of law and of local, State and Federal laws.

Knowledge of functions and procedures of the Friend of the Court

Knowledge and skill in analyzing and researching statutes, case law and interpreting legal documents and interpreting evidence

Knowledge of and interpret applicable federal, state and local regulations

Proficient skills using Microsoft Office programs including, but not limited to: Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook required.

Skills in exercising sound judgment and decision making in accordance with policies and procedures; ability to research and problem solve independently; knowledge of County operations and functions; ability to prioritize and time manage; handle stressful situations, provide effective and friendly customer service; support the Court's mission and values; ability to think critically where necessary.

Ability to use discretion and maintain sensitive and confidential information

Licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan.

Possession of a valid driver's license.

Certified Domestic Relations Mediation Training Certificate within one year of hire.

Pursuant to MCL 15.651 - 15.654, Public Employee Fingerprint-Based Criminal History Check Act, all IV-D staff will be subjected to a fingerprint-based background investigation.

Additional satisfactory background check if requested by a partnering agency.

Duties require sufficient mobility to work in a normal office setting and use standard office equipment including a computer, vision to read printed materials and a computer screen and hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person or over the telephone. Duties may require an employee to exert up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

These requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Possession of a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and a member in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan.

Two (2) years experience as a Friend of the Court Attorney or equivalent experience with specialized training or expertise in Domestic Law. Six (6) month probationary period.

This class description intends to identify the major duties and requirements of the job and should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related duties other than those outlined above and may be required to specific job-related knowledge for successful job performance.