Law Clerk​/Research Attorney

The Law Clerk is responsible for conducting complex legal research and preparing/presenting oral and written memoranda. Assists with scheduling and courtroom logistics for criminal, civil, and/or family matters and performs public contact work as required. Tracks current developments in the law including Michigan and Federal court decisions. Position is a one to two year program with six months of mentoring.

• Support legal work of Circuit judiciary via preparation of legal briefs, reports, and draft opinions.
• Compile information, compose and prepare records, correspondence and reports.
• Handle responsible legal research projects as assigned by the Circuit Judge.
• Provide courtroom assistance as needed.
• Preform public contact work requiring advanced knowledge of statutes, court rules and policies. Make necessary decisions to resolve or refer appointments, complaints and request for court services.
• Perform liaison duties with other court and county offices as required.
• Assists in the coordination of office and court procedures as established by Circuit Court Judge.
• Comply with court professional code of conduct as applicable.
• Other duties as assigned.

Work is performed under the supervision of a Circuit Court Judge.

N/A

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Member in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Windows.
• Demonstrated ability in legal research and writing.
• Knowledge of court organization and procedures, statutes and court rules.
• Candidates must have the ability to prepare legal briefs, analyses, and reports based on statutes, court rules, case law and other legal authority.
• Ability to correlate material with assigned legal issues.
• Ability to analyze and organize facts, evidence, and precedents in Circuit Court cases and to present orally and in writing in clear and logical form.
• Knowledge of rules of evidence and legal reference materials including specialized research software.
• Writing, reading, mathematical principles; proficient computer skills-Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook; exercise 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 County's mission and values; ability to think critically where necessary.
• Knowledge or understanding of basic administrative tasks: operate standard office equipment; document management; prepare and maintain records, various correspondences and reports; answer general inquiries and refer as necessary; answer telephone calls, process mail, order supplies/equipment; prepare meeting agendas, attend meetings, record/transcribe/distribute minutes; entering, transcribing, recording, storing or maintaining information in written or electronic form with speed and accuracy; maintain calendars, arrange meetings, schedule rooms and equipment as necessary.
• Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with management, co-workers and clients; obtain and communicate accurate information; apply common sense understanding to complex instructions and respond accordingly; communicate complex ideas through graphs, charts, presentations, reports or other professional correspondence.

• Ability to demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.
• Ability to read, write & communicate in English; follow written and verbal instruction and understand basic mathematics and figure checking.
• Ability to interpret and apply procedures, rules, technical information, instructions, manuals to complete tasks accurately and on schedule.
• Ability to learn from directions, observations, and mistakes; and apply procedures using good judgment.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team; ability to interact appropriately with others such as County officials, employees, vendors and the general public.
• Ability to work under supervision, receiving instructions/feedback, coaching/counseling and/or action/discipline.
• Adaptability to change in the work environment, managing competing demands and ability to deal with frequent changes, delays or unexpected events.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

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

• Prior to starting employment, the candidate must complete a satisfactory background check. The background check is understood to…