Judicial Staff Attorney- Judge Elect Nicole Huddleston

Oakland County•Pontiac, MI

10h•$88,732 - $118,883

About The Position

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents. When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward. For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit: https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire General Summary $88,732 - $118,883 Are you a sharp legal mind who thrives on analyzing complex cases and shaping judicial outcomes? Join a fast-paced, high-impact courtroom environment where your expertise will directly support judicial decision-making, influence case strategy, and help ensure the fair and efficient administration of justice. What you’ll do: • Analyze complex civil and criminal legal issues, advising on case strengths and facilitating negotiations to support resolution • Conduct in-depth legal research (both computerized and manual) and prepare detailed pre-hearing reports • Draft Opinions and Orders, providing well-reasoned recommendations for judicial action • Advise the Judge on evolving statutes, case law, and procedural interpretations • Coordinate chamber operations and manage the court docket to ensure compliance with Court Rules, Administrative Orders, and legal standards • Serve as a key liaison between the Probate Court, attorneys, litigants, Special Masters, court personnel, and media representatives • Utilize countywide and department-specific systems to efficiently manage casework and documentation Why you’ll love it here: • Play a meaningful role in the judicial process, directly influencing legal outcomes and decisions • Work closely with a Judge and experienced legal professionals in a highly collaborative environment • Engage with intellectually challenging, high-impact cases across both civil and criminal law • Gain exposure to courtroom strategy, negotiations, and complex legal interpretation • Be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to justice, fairness, and public service • Develop your expertise while contributing to the efficient and effective operation of the Probate Court

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

Have graduated from an ABA approved law school and passed a State Bar examination.
Have 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. Other positions may be deemed comparable by the Judge or Circuit Court Administrator.
Have 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 maintain 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

Analyze complex civil and criminal legal issues, advising on case strengths and facilitating negotiations to support resolution
Conduct in-depth legal research (both computerized and manual) and prepare detailed pre-hearing reports
Draft Opinions and Orders, providing well-reasoned recommendations for judicial action
Advise the Judge on evolving statutes, case law, and procedural interpretations
Coordinate chamber operations and manage the court docket to ensure compliance with Court Rules, Administrative Orders, and legal standards
Serve as a key liaison between the Probate Court, attorneys, litigants, Special Masters, court personnel, and media representatives
Utilize countywide and department-specific systems to efficiently manage casework and documentation
Reviews complex civil cases to identify relevant facts and issues.
Analyzes disputed issues pursuant to applicable law and subjective interests of parties.
Meets with attorneys, litigants, experts and other relevant parties and recommends resolutions of disputes regarding discovery, admissibility of documents and jury instructions.
Assesses and advises parties regarding the relative strengths of their respective positions and participates in negotiations to facilitate settlement of issues, adjusting strategy as necessary.
Reviews 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.
Identifies and analyzes complex factual and legal issues based on applicable law and circumstances involved.
Performs independent computerized and manual legal research on a variety of court related issues and special projects.
Formulates summary of findings and recommendations.
Develops necessary expertise in and reaches conclusions for recommended disposition of issues in various cases.
Writes 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.
Drafts Opinions and Orders consistent with the decisions and rulings of the Judge for the disposition of legal matters.
Prioritizes and schedules various hearings for Appeals, Applications for Leave to Appeal, motions and Writs.
Assists 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.
Listens to testimony, reviews evidence, makes recommendations on disposition and facilitates consensual resolutions where appropriate.
Assists 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.
Assists in administering Orders in high profile or highly sensitive cases including limitations on media conduct.
Acts as liaison among Court, litigants, attorneys, Special Masters, County Clerk, and other Departments and officials as required by Circuit Court Judge or Court Administrator.
Maintains current knowledge of legal trends relating to a variety of substantive and procedural civil and criminal matters decided upon by state and federal jurisdictions.
Advises the Circuit or Probate Court Judge or Court Administrator regarding changes in and interpretation of all civil and criminal statutes, case law and procedures.
Maintains up to date knowledge and utilizes various word processing and legal research computer applications.
Utilizes current county-wide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.