CLASSIFICATION DETAILS
DEPARTMENT: Probate Court
HIRING AUTHORITY: Chief Circuit Court Judge
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: At-Will
CURRENT HOURS AND STARTING TIME: Full-time (37.5 hours per week) position. The starting time for this position is currently 8:00 a.m.
JOB SUMMARY:
Under limited direction, supervises the work activities of assigned staff, participates in the review and filing of legal documents. Research laws, regulations, court rules and precedent decisions to prepare for hearings, conducts hearings relating to the above matters where permissible by statute and court rule. Writes memorandums and makes oral reports as assigned. Assists the Chief Judge and Court Administration in court management as assigned.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Supervises, assigns, monitors, trains and evaluates the work activities of assigned staff.
Participates in the review and filing of legal documents pertaining to the above.
Research laws, regulations, court rules, policies, and precedent decisions to prepare for hearings and proceedings.
Conducts hearings relating to various petitions brought before the various divisions and departments of Probate Court where permissible by statute and/or court rule.
Questions witnesses and reviews evidence presented at hearings relative to disposition of the various petitions and motions.
Analyzes evidence, court rules and applicable statutes, regulations, policy and precedent decisions to determine appropriate and permissible conclusions.
Provides court management support to the Chief Judge and Court Administration as needed.
Provides legal advice and research support activities to Court personnel as directed.
Performs legal research in printed legal materials and computer assisted materials.
Participates in continuing legal education.
Monitors new legal materials, including but not limited to, newspapers, professional journals, and opinions of state and federal courts.
Assists in the development and presentation of legal updates and information to the Probate Court Judge.
Prepares documents using a personal computer and word processing program(s).
Assists the public by answering questions and issuing information as needed.
Operates an automobile to perform assigned job functions.
Performs related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Education and Experience
- A Juris Doctorate Degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school
- A minimum of five (5) years of experience in the practice of law
- A minimum of three (3) years of experience in the area of probate law
Preferred Education and Experience
- Previous supervisory experience within a union environment.
Required Licenses or Certifications
- A current membership in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan
- Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and operable, insured automobile for authorized travel
COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES
Knowledge of:
- Probate Code and Court rules and statutes relating to mental health proceedings
- Court processes and case proceedings.
- Microsoft Office, Google and current Court case management systems
Ability to:
- Sufficiently research the law, draft memorandums of law, and produce related reports
- Distill complex legal issues and present legal findings in a clear and concise manner
- Exercise independent and sound judgment and initiative in analyzing problems and recommending solutions
- Train, supervise, direct and organize the work of others
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, Administrators, Department Heads, staff, union officials and the public
- Work in an environment which embraces the county’s Dignity Campaign
- Effectively speak, write and understand the English language
- Effectively speak, write and understand a language other than English is preferred
- Understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions
- Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
- Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
- Work independently
