CLASSIFICATION TITLE:
Chief of District and Specialty Courts
SALARY:
$110,076.65 - $142,374.96
DEPARTMENT:
Prosecuting Attorney
Closing Date:
01/25/2024 12:00 a.m.
FLSA STATUS: Exempt - overtime pursuant to Collective Bargaining Agreement or Human Resources and Labor Relations Policy
EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: At-will
GENERAL SUMMARY:
Under the direction of the Prosecutor and/or the Chief Assistant, supervises and provides guidance to Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys in all district courts and specialty courts regarding caseloads. Provides recommendations on specific legal action to be pursued. Advises Prosecutor and staff on rulings and legislation affecting cases in District Court and all Specialty Courts.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Reviews, researches, and analyzes trial problems and tactics and makes applicable recommendations to Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys (APA).
Performs case investigation, witness interviews, witness preparation, and subpoena preparation and service.
Prepares for trial, including reviewing jury selection questionnaires, preparing opening and closing statements, visiting crime scenes, and preparing exhibits.
Ensures cases are thoroughly prepared for court, in compliance with department policy and meet legal requirements.
Assists in the development of department policy and procedures.
Assists in the development and administration of the department budget.
Supervises APA training.
Advises Prosecutor about APA assignments and rotations.
Appears in district and circuit court to handle a variety of miscellaneous legal or criminal matters.
Handles complex and specialized cases as directed by the Prosecutor, involving research, case preparation and courtroom presentations.
Acts as a liaison to the District Court Bench regarding issues relevant to Prosecuting Attorney operations.
Responsible for supervising and coordinating the activities of all district courts, presided by all District Court Judges.
Oversees district specialty treatment court programs and specialty treatment court programs in circuit court.
Operates an automobile to perform assigned job functions.
Performs related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Education and Experience
- Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited college or university is required
- Five (5) years of experience in the practice of criminal and/or civil law
Required Licenses or Certifications
- Current membership in good standing in 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:
- Criminal court procedures and practices and civil law and their applicability
- Criminal code
- Rules of procedure and rules of evidence
- Criminal and civil law
- Legal terminology and court procedures
- Principles and practices of basic bookkeeping
- Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment
Skill in:
- Negotiation and dispute resolution
- Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships
- Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
Ability to:
- Supervise, direct and organize the work of others
- Perform legal research
- Accurately argue both orally and in writing
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, Administrators, co-workers, court staff, clients and the public
- Conduct oneself with tact and courtesy
- 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 court proceedings, information and professional boundaries
- Work independently
