Law Clerk / Attorney Magistrate - District Court

Livingston County•Howell, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Law Clerk / Attorney Magistrate assists District Court Judges with daily operations, including legal research and drafting opinions as directed. The employee is under the supervision of the Chief Judge and reports to the District Court Administrator for day-to-day operations, including monitoring hours and assigning work. The role may include on-call Magistrate duties as needed and prescribed by statute and court rule. When serving as a Magistrate, the employee adjudicates civil infraction cases; conducts felony and misdemeanor arraignments; sentences misdemeanor charges within statutory authority; disposes of minor offenses before trial; issues arrest and search warrants; and sets or denies bail. The role also includes supporting courtroom and office operations, advising court staff on legal matters, and performing civil wedding ceremonies. The Chief Judge has authority to hire, discipline, or discharge the employee.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate degree required; the Court may consider an alternative combination of formal education and work experience at its discretion.
Licensed to practice law in Michigan and a member in good standing with the Michigan Bar Association.
Michigan Vehicle Operator’s License.
Must live in the County to perform Magistrate duties, as required by State of Michigan law.
Thorough knowledge of Michigan district court proceedings and procedures, case-law research, and judicial administrative rules and procedures.
Considerable knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations; legal-file organization and maintenance; and interpreting and applying laws, statutes, court decisions, rules, and regulations.
Knowledge and experience in setting bond terms and conditions.
Skill in assembling and analyzing data, preparing accurate and comprehensive reports, and preparing legal documentation.
Skill in editing and drafting documents for lawyers and laypeople, and in training and translating legal concepts.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative, and resourcefulness when dealing with County employees, contractors, representatives of other governmental units, professional contacts, elected officials, and the public.
Ability to assess situations, solve problems, work effectively under stress and deadlines, and respond in emergencies.
Proficiency with office equipment and technology, including Microsoft Suite applications, database entry and maintenance, and court-specific applications and programs.
Ability to respond to emergencies or service needs on a 24-hour basis.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in the practice of law is preferred.

Responsibilities

Review case files, briefs, transcripts, and other documents; research statutes and case law; and prepare bench memoranda, legal documents, orders, and draft opinions for the Judge’s review.
Assist with docket scheduling by contacting attorneys, parties, and other groups; organizing and transporting files; arranging meetings; and performing related tasks.
Attend courtroom proceedings to provide research and analysis, document information, record actions, and transport files.
Support the judge’s daily office operations, including answering calls, scheduling meetings, following up on cases, and tracking documents.
Confer with attorneys, plaintiffs, and defendants regarding court proceedings.
Serve as a back-up court recorder when needed.
As a Magistrate, accept and examine criminal complaints and examine witnesses as necessary to determine probable cause for authorized arrest warrants.
Examine law-enforcement affidavits for search warrants, determine probable cause, and issue search and seizure warrants as necessary.
Set or deny bail, set bond conditions, or commit accused persons to jail in lieu of bail, as appropriate.
Conduct felony and misdemeanor arraignments; accept guilty pleas; and sentence defendants for misdemeanors within the Magistrate’s statutory jurisdiction.
Conduct informal civil infraction hearings, explain laws and procedures, hear testimony, examine witnesses under oath, make findings and conclusions, and issue appropriate dispositions.
Accept admissions of responsibility in civil infraction cases, consider defendants’ explanations, and impose appropriate fines or other sanctions.
Perform on-call duties, including issuing warrants, fixing bail and accepting bond, conducting defendants’ first appearances, and issuing arrest warrants upon written authorization of the Prosecuting Attorney.
Perform civil wedding ceremonies.
Keep current with legislative and regulatory developments, administrative techniques, and current issues through continuing education and professional growth; attend appropriate conferences, workshops, and seminars.
Advise the District Court Administrator and clerks on legal matters concerning calls, forms, and procedures for District Court staff.
Perform other duties as directed.

Benefits

Retirement plan with a 401a and up to 8% employer contribution
Comprehensive medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision coverage
Optional HSA with employer match
Optional voluntary 457 deferred compensation plan
Short-term and long-term disability insurance
Basic life and AD&D insurance
Health and dependent flexible spending accounts
Paid vacation, sick days, and holidays
Unused vacation and sick time rolls over
Tuition reimbursement
Up to $500 annual wellness reimbursement and a $100 incentive for completing an annual physical and health assessment
Voluntary benefits including pet insurance, accident, critical illness, hospital, and whole life policies
Employee assistance program