Judicial Staff Attorney - Probate Court - Judge Huddleston

Oakland County•Pontiac, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Oakland County is seeking a skilled legal professional to serve as a Judicial Staff Attorney for Probate Court, supporting Judge Huddleston. This on-site position offers the opportunity to analyze complex legal issues, conduct in-depth research, and support judicial decision-making. The role involves researching and analyzing probate and civil legal issues, preparing reports, and drafting legal documents. The Judicial Staff Attorney will advise the Judge on legal matters, participate in settlement discussions, coordinate chamber operations, manage the judicial docket, and serve as a liaison between the Court and various stakeholders. This is a meaningful opportunity to apply legal expertise in a collaborative court environment and contribute to the administration of justice.

Requirements

Be licensed to practice law and maintain membership in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan.
Pass the employment physical examination established for this classification.
Successfully complete the six month probationary period.

Nice To Haves

Graduated from an ABA approved law school and passed a State Bar examination.
At least two years of legal work experience including positions of comparable responsibility with other Courts, as a practicing attorney, as a mediator, arbitrator or facilitator.
Working knowledge of both civil and criminal substantive and procedural law including such areas as constitutional law, commercial litigation, environmental law, federal preemption, class actions, murder, criminal sexual conduct, property, contracts, employment law, insurance law and torts.
Successful completion of facilitative mediation training and program requirements.
Law Review, Moot Court or other comparable experience.
Substantial knowledge of the principles of civil and criminal law.
Substantial knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence.
Substantial knowledge of the principles, methods, materials and practice of legal research.
Considerable ability to analyze, appraise, and organize facts, evidence and precedents concerned in cases, and draft Opinions and Orders.
Considerable ability to exercise initiative in analyzing problems, present and discuss the same orally and in writing, and recommend solutions.
Ability to establish and effective working relationship with the Court, litigants, attorneys, administrators, other employees, media, and the general public.
Ability to employ computer applications and databases including Word Perfect, Lexis/Nexus, Law Desk and other available computer services, and augment skills with advancements in technology.
Reasonable ability to utilize current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail and Internet software.

Responsibilities

Research and analyze complex probate and civil legal issues.
Prepare pre-hearing reports.
Draft Opinions, Orders, and other legal documents for judicial review.
Advise the Judge on legal matters by interpreting statutes, case law, court rules, and procedural requirements.
Recommend appropriate courses of action to the Judge.
Participate in settlement discussions and negotiations.
Assess legal positions and adjust strategies to facilitate resolution.
Coordinate chamber operations and manage the judicial docket.
Ensure compliance with applicable laws, Administrative Orders, Chief Judge directives, and court procedures.
Serve as a liaison between the Court, attorneys, litigants, court personnel, and the media.
Support effective communication and case management.
Instruct, assign, schedule, and review the performance of assigned interns and Summer Law Clerks.
Assist in personnel decisions and coordinate the work of other support staff.
Review complex civil cases to identify relevant facts and issues.
Analyze disputed issues pursuant to applicable law and subjective interests of parties.
Meet with attorneys, litigants, experts and other relevant parties and recommend resolutions of disputes regarding discovery, admissibility of documents and jury instructions.
Assess and advise parties regarding the relative strengths of their respective positions and participate in negotiations to facilitate settlement of issues, adjusting strategy as necessary.
Review briefs, cited authority, transcripts and documentary evidence to determine relevance, reliability and significance for civil and criminal appeals, bench and jury trials, dispositive and other motions, writs and evidentiary hearings.
Identify and analyze complex factual and legal issues based on applicable law and circumstances involved.
Perform independent computerized and manual legal research on a variety of court related issues and special projects.
Formulate summary of findings and recommendations.
Develop necessary expertise in and reach conclusions for recommended disposition of issues in various cases.
Write pre-hearing reports incorporating facts, relevant issues, applicable law, analysis and conclusions to assist the Judge in determining the proper procedure and specific legal actions to be taken by the Court.
Draft Opinions and Orders consistent with the decisions and rulings of the Judge for the disposition of legal matters.
Prioritize and schedule various hearings for Appeals, Applications for Leave to Appeal, motions and Writs.
Assist Judge in Court during bench and jury trials, evidentiary hearings, oral arguments of certain motions, and other matters brought before the Court which require immediate consideration.
Listen to testimony, review evidence, make recommendations on disposition and facilitate consensual resolutions where appropriate.
Assist in coordinating chamber operations and docket to ensure prompt resolution of disputes, and to ensure compliance with statutes, case law, Administrative Orders, Chief Judge directives, and Court Rules.
Assist in administering Orders in high profile or highly sensitive cases including limitations on media conduct.
Act as liaison among Court, litigants, attorneys, Special Masters, County Clerk, and other Departments and officials as required by Circuit Court Judge or Court Administrator.
Maintain current knowledge of legal trends relating to a variety of substantive and procedural civil and criminal matters decided upon by state and federal jurisdictions.
Advise the Circuit or Probate Court Judge or Court Administrator regarding changes in and interpretation of all civil and criminal statutes, case law and procedures.
Maintain up to date knowledge and utilize various word processing and legal research computer applications.
Utilize current county-wide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.