Staff Attorney

Job Summary:

The Staff Attorney will work under the supervision of the Assistant Friend(s) of the Court or designee in the Friend of the Court. The primary responsibility of this role is to handle domestic relations matters on a judge's or specialized docket. The Staff Attorney will be responsible for upholding 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.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct show cause and enforcement interviews, resolve bench warrants, advocate for bonds, liens, receiverships, employer contempt, and other enforcement remedies in accordance with state and federal laws and Friend of the Court policy.
• Prepare and argue motions and recommendations before Friend of the Court, Referees, and Third Circuit Court Judges.
• Screen, review, and verify case information, orders, and motions prior to hearings.
• Serve as Special Assistant Prosecuting Attorney to initiate and argue paternity, family support, and interstate cases.
• Perform legal research on proposed legislation, court rules, statutes, and court cases for any court departments and the Bench as required.
• Provide evidence, testimony, and recommendations in court as required.
• Provide legal advice, answer legal and procedural questions, draft and interpret legal documents and court orders as required.
• Interview litigants and discuss issues with private attorneys prior to hearings.
• Present and argue domestic relations matters before the court.
• Provide public information and instructions concerning procedures.
• Attend professional seminars, training, and meetings as required.
• Assist other attorneys and staff as necessary.
• Prepare records and reports as required.

Requirements:

• 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.

Working Environment:

The Staff Attorney will work in 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:

The Staff Attorney must be able to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time to perform job functions. The ability to detect, create, and interpret documents is also required. The Staff Attorney must be able to operate a computer and other office machinery, items, or equipment. Positioning oneself to move from one place to another is also necessary. Communicating with clients, co-workers, and others is a requirement. The ability to operate a motor is also necessary.

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.