Court Attorney

CLASSIFICATION TITLE:

SALARY:

DEPARTMENT:

Opening Date:

Closing Date:

FLSA Status: Exempt

EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: Just cause subject to probationary period

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under direction, conducts and presides at hearings and proceedings as permitted by law. Provides legal consultation to the Court and to staff. Performs legal research on laws and any proposed legislation affecting Probate Court. Represents Court at designated hearings and operational proceedings.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Conducts and presides over all types of proceedings and hearings including preliminary inquiry and hearings, as permitted by statute and Court rule.

Provides legal consultation to the Court and to Court staff.

Performs legal research on laws and any proposed legislation that will affect Probate Court.

Designs, implements and trains staff as to legal procedures and processes.

Represents the Court at designated hearings and operational proceedings.

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.

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 while performing assigned job duties.

Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience

• Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited college or university

• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in the practice of law

Preferred Education and Experience

• Previous experience within a Probate Court setting

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Licensed by the State Bar of Michigan as an attorney

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Revised Probate Code, Estates and Protected Individuals Code (E.P.I.C.) and Michigan Court Rules

• Statues, court rules, and court procedures

• Legal terminology

• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment

Skill in:

• 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:

• Prepare and present legal findings in a clear and concise manner

• Research, analyze, and report on complex or technical legal issues

• 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

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS

The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

N/S=Never/Seldom   O=Occasionally   F/C= Frequently/Continuously

Work Environment

Office or similar indoor environment: F/C

Outdoor environment: N/S

Street environment (near moving traffic): ​N/S

Construction site: ​N/S

Confined space: ​N/S

In the community (homes, businesses, etc.): O

Correctional facility, detention center or jail: ​N/S

Clinical healthcare environment: ​N/S

Warehouse environment: ​N/S

Exposures

Individuals who are hostile or irate: F/C

Individuals with known violent backgrounds: O

Extreme cold (below 32 degrees): ​N/S

Extreme heat (above 100 degrees): ​N/S

Communicable diseases: ​N/S

Moving mechanical parts: ​N/S

Fumes or airborne particles: ​N/S

Toxic or caustic chemicals, substances or waste: ​N/S

Loud noises (85+ decibels): ​N/S