Attorney Referee ($86,197 - $115,512)

Benefits:

• Competitive Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Pension Program
• Flexible Work Schedule - Up to 15 hours per week of flexible work hours are available for Attorney Referees to take in full or partial day increments if they are not scheduled to be present in a hearing.

Duties: 

• Conducts hearings in domestic relations cases related to custody, parenting time, child support, temporary matters, and other matters involving children; issues findings and recommendations. 
• Conducts preliminary, adjudication, dispositional and progress hearings in delinquency and child protective proceedings. 
• Swears in and examines witnesses; takes testimony; hears arguments; decides motions and objections; reconciles conflicting testimony; makes findings of fact; draws conclusions of law; and renders decisions. 
• Prepares and reviews Orders prior to submission to the judges. 
• Serves as Legal Counsel to the Director of the Office of the Friend of the Court and staff. 
• Advises judges and court staff as requested. 
• Operates video and audio equipment for the recording of all court hearings conducted. 
• Retrieves and enters data into various computer systems. 
• Trains, assists, and coordinates in-service training with staff. 
• Represents the Courts in dealings with other governmental and private agencies. 
• Interacts with organizations, associations, and community groups to explain the purpose, role, and procedure of the Courts. 
• Contributes to the preparation and maintenance of a procedure manual and appropriate forms. 
• Participates in the development of internal policies, procedures, rules, regulations and goals and objectives as they relate to the Courts’ matters. 
• Assists in implementing new statutes, rules, and procedures dictated by the Legislature, Appellate Courts, and Court Rules in accordance with the decisions of the Supreme Court and/or the State Court Administrative Office. 
• 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. 
• Preferred qualifications include a minimum of five (5) years of full-time, paid experience practicing law in a trial court setting, or at least three (3) years of prior experience serving as an Attorney Referee in the Circuit, Juvenile, or Probate Court. 
• Candidates with less experience or a combination of legal experience in other settings may also be considered. 

Special Requirements: 

• A legal writing sample must accompany application for the position. 
• Attorney Referees must complete training courses offered by the Michigan Judicial Institute and as required by their Judges and/or the Court’s Administrator. 
• Must possess and maintain a valid vehicle operator’s license throughout the course of employment. 
• Candidate 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 per the Court’s policy. 
• Handles on-call responsibilities on a rotating basis with other Attorney Referees.

Required Knowledge and Skills: 

• Knowledge of courtroom operations and procedures, including the ability to conduct specific hearings. 
• Familiar with agencies within Berrien County that serve the Courts’ clients. 
• Clear understanding of criminal, civil, juvenile, and family law, statutes, court rules, case law, local ordinances, and the State of Michigan Motor Vehicle Code. 
• Able to exercise a high degree of independent judgment and discretion throughout each step of the legal process. 
• Experience with the use of personal computers and word processing and spreadsheet software. 
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to maintain records and reports. 
• Able to stay current on case law, legislation, and laws affecting the courts and law enforcement.

To Apply Online, Click Here:

To Apply Via Email, Fax, Mail or In Person:

If you prefer not to apply online, you may download a Berrien County Job Application and send it to our Personnel Department via email, fax, mail or in person. A Berrien County job application must be submitted in order to be considered for employment. 

Submit by Email
Fax: (269) 983-5788
Address: Berrien County Administration Building, Personnel Department, 701 Main St., St. Joseph, MI 49085