Job Details

Attorney Magistrate/Research Attorney

• $81,407 - $109,093/ Year
• Full Benefits Package

Note: A legal written sample must accompany application for the position.

Duties:

• Responsible for conducting various hearings associated with civil infraction, misdemeanor and small claims cases.
• Determines probable cause, executes search warrants and conducts arraignments.
• Swears in and examines witnesses.
• Conducts complex legal research and prepares memoranda regarding the facts of a case, the basis of motions and legal analysis of issues involved.
• Analyzes, interprets and makes deductions and inferences from varying facts and circumstances while researching criminal motions and related legal matters.
• Drafts proposed opinions and orders.
• Accepts pleas of guilty and sentences defendants based on seriousness of offense, defendant's record and other appropriate factors.
• Insures that the defendants entering not guilty pleas are scheduled to appear before the Court.
• Responds to inquiries and requests for legal information.
• Answers correspondence and complaints regarding cases processed, which may entail explaining the violation of the appropriate law.
• Trains, assists and coordinates in-service training with the court's staff.
• May be assigned to assist in the supervision of volunteers and student interns assigned to the court.
• Assists in the preparation and maintenance of a manual and the appropriate forms for Magistrate procedures.
• Officiates marriages.
• Performs all required or related clerical, computer, record keeping and related functions.
• This description is intended to illustrate the type and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. It may not be a comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities required by a person so classified.

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from ABA accredited law school; admission to the practice of law in the State of Michigan and in good standing with the State Bar.
• A minimum of three (3) years of paid full time trial court experience in the practice of law or one (1) year prior experience as an Attorney Magistrate or Attorney Referee in the Circuit, District or Probate Court and Juvenile Court.
• Applicants for Attorney Magistrate may apply at a trainee level with less than the minimum experience. The successful trainee applicant will move upon approval of the Chief Judge from trainee salary level to full Attorney-Magistrate salary level upon successful completion of the required minimum one (1) year experience as an Attorney Magistrate or Attorney Referee.

Special Requirements:

• In accordance with statutory requirements, the District Court Attorney Magistrate must be a registered voter in Berrien County.
• Must successfully complete the Michigan Judicial Institute's Magistrate Training Program within one year of employment.
• Required to possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.
• Must successfully pass a pre-employment physical, including drug testing prior to employment.
• A background check will be performed and employees will be fingerprinted.
• Subject to random alcohol and drug testing.
• The physical ability to lift 25 pounds, reach and bend for file manipulation is essential to job duties.
• May be assigned to work at any of the Trial Court locations. May work flexible hours as needed to ensure duties are current.
• Provides after-hours, weekend and holiday search warrant/arraignment duty coverage assistance to police agencies, the court, Juvenile Center and the Prosecuting Attorney's office.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of the criminal justice system, courtroom operations and procedures, including the ability to conduct specific hearings.
• Familiarity with agencies within Berrien County that serve the Court's clients.
• Considerable understanding of criminal law, statutes, court rules, case law, local ordinances and the state Motor Vehicle Code.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Capable of maintaining accurate records and reports.
• Able to maintain confidentiality, effective working relationships with other employees and interact effectively with the general public.