Law Clerk​/Research Attorney

POSITION SUMMARY

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.
• Perform 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.
• Assist 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 part of a team; ability to interact appropriately…