Attorney Referee - Friend of the Court

Ingham County • Lansing, MI

11d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Friend of the Court, serves as a Referee for a variety of domestic relations matters involving child support, custody, parenting time, medical support, spousal support, show cause and change of domicile cases. Hears sworn testimony from witnesses of various ages. Conducts enforcement hearings at the County jail on lodged persons who have been arrested on bench warrants. Provides legal advice to FOC staff and researches, analyzes, and prepares recommendations on other related matters. Operates electronic recording equipment during hearing to capture sworn testimony of witnesses and parties on the record.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited law school
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively more responsible experience as an attorney in the practice of family law and with extensive familiarity with Court proceedings.
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan
• Required to become a Certified Electronic Operator within six (6) months of date of hire.
• Demonstrates effective communication skills by engaging, interacting and working with all individuals to ensure clarity and understanding in all interactions.

Responsibilities

• Conducts evidentiary hearings concerning modification or enforcement of child support orders, parenting time orders, custody orders, medical orders, spousal support, show cause hearings and bench warrant hearings.
• Hears sworn testimony from witnesses of various ages and parties on the record. Applies court rules, relevant Acts and other statutes and case law as may be applicable.
• Makes findings of fact and conclusions of law concerning the testimony and evidence submitted and renders written rulings in the form of Recommended Orders.
• Prepares legal documents for the modification and enforcement of Court Orders, including stipulations, approval of judgments, and petitions for non-traditional enforcement mechanisms sought from the Court including LEINS, garnishments, and license suspensions.
• Conducts administrative hearings on tax intercepts, delinquency notices, account adjustments, and related matters.
• Assists in formulating enforcement strategies with casework staff and management. Establishes procedures and forms for new enforcement techniques or modifications to existing methods.
• Responds to legal questions from the staff, private attorneys, and other interested parties. Provides legal advice to staff including the interpretation of court orders, pleadings, statutes, and applicable case law. Prepares staff for subpoenas and provides assistance in other legal matters.
• Researches, analyzes and remains abreast of statutes, court rules and case law related to areas of the law impacting FOC operations.
• Performs supervisory and management functions and responsibilities as assigned or delegated by the Friend of the Court.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree