Judicial Staff Attorney

Grand Traverse County Michigan•Chesterfield, VA

26d•Onsite

About The Position

Working under the direction of a Circuit Court Judge, a judicial staff attorney occupies a highly discretionary position requiring utmost degree of trust and confidentiality. This individual is responsible for conducting legal research, drafting opinion, and writing memoranda. A staff attorney acts as a liaison between Circuit Court Judge and those who interact with the Court.

Requirements

Law degree from an accredited law school and admission to the State Bar of Michigan.
Experience in legal research and brief writing is essential as is knowledge of trial court procedures and courtroom etiquette.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the various agencies and representatives of the criminal justice and court systems, as well as with lawyers, litigants, and the public.
Considerable skill in both verbal and written communications.
Ability to work independently with little supervision.
Proficiency in English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Specialized knowledge of legal principles and practices, and court proceedings.
Skill in operation of modern office equipment such as personal computer, copiers, scanners and telephones, and legal research.
Proficiency in the use of personal computer software, such as Word, Excel and other programs as needed.
Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with customers, co-workers, and representatives with other agencies.
Ability to explain complex policies and processes in layman’s terms.
Ability to consistently demonstrate sound ethics and judgment.
Ability to comprehend, process and apply both verbal and written skills appropriate to the job.
Ability to think analytically and apply sound judgment, solve problems, make effective decisions, and act with integrity.
Ability to accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files.
Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries.
Able to use resources effectively and efficiently.

Responsibilities

Conduct legal research.
Prepare legal memoranda and draft opinions.
Act as a liaison between the Court and counsel.

Benefits

Medical: The County offers employees a high-deductible plan through Priority Health. To help cover the cost of the deductible, Grand Traverse County will deposit a contribution amount up to $2,000 into an employee Health Savings Account every year. You may also direct deposit funds into this account every pay period.
Vision: The County provides a no cost plan for employees. We also offer an enhanced plan through EyeMed.
Dental: Our dental insurance provider is Delta Dental. You will pay no costs or premium for diagnostic and cleaning services.
Wellness: Grand Traverse County is committed to creating a culture of health. We provide a variety of incentives and programs that allow you to live a healthy lifestyle.
Employee Recognition: We highly value our employees, which we show by providing our employees awards and recognition throughout the year, and on anniversary dates.
Tuition Reimbursement: Employees are reimbursed up to $5,250 annually for enrollment in courses at an accredited college, university, or trade school.
Vacation: Grand Traverse County provides a generous amount of vacation days to benefitted employees so you can spend time with family and friends.
Holidays: The County gives you 13 days a year to celebrate holidays. Beyond these 13 days, you will receive additional floating holidays to use at your discretion.
Personal Leave: Employees receive up to 64 hours annually depending on contract, to use for appointments, take care of family needs and other personal reasons. Employees are paid every year for unused personal leave up to 40 hours.
Parental Leave: Employees may take up to 6 months of leave to begin at birth or date of adoption of their child.
Retirement: Grand Traverse County offers a defined contribution through MERS. The plan includes a generous match that fully vests after 6 years of employment.
457(b) Retirement Plans: The County also offers optional 457(b) deferred compensation and Roth retirement plans with matching contributions up to an approved amount, based on applicable contract provisions.
Life Insurance: Benefitted employees automatically receive life insurance.
Short Term Disability: The County provides a plan through Mutual of Omaha, which pays two thirds of your salary or wages for a maximum of 182 days