Law Clerk/Research Attorney

The Law Clerk is responsible for conducting complex legal research and preparing/presenting oral and written memoranda.  Assists with scheduling and courtroom logistics for criminal, civil, and/or family matters and performs public contact work as required.  Tracks current developments in the law including Michigan and Federal court decisions. Position is a one to two year program with six months of mentoring.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support legal work of Circuit judiciary via preparation of legal briefs, reports, and draft opinions. 
• Compile information, compose and prepare records, correspondence and reports.
• Handle responsible legal research projects as assigned by the Circuit Judge.
• Provide courtroom assistance as needed.
• Preform public contact work requiring advanced knowledge of statues, court rules and policies.  Make necessary decisions to resolve or refer appointments, complaints and request for court services.
• Perform liaison duties with other court and county offices as required.
• Assists in the coordination of office and court procedures as established by Circuit Court Judge.
• Comply with court professional code of conduct as applicable.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Work is performed under the supervision of a Circuit Court Judge.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

N/A

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, EDUCATION:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school. 
• Member in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan preferred. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Windows. 
• Demonstrated ability in legal research and writing.
• Knowledge of court organization and procedures, statutes and court rules.     
• Candidates must have the ability to prepare legal briefs, analyses, and reports based on statutes, court rules, case law and other legal authority.
• Ability to correlate material with assigned legal issues.
• Ability to analyze and organize facts, evidence, and precedents in Circuit Court cases and to present orally and in writing in clear and logical form.
• Knowledge of rules of evidence and legal reference materials including specialized research software.
• Writing, reading, mathematical principles; proficient computer skills-Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook; exercise sound judgment and decision making in accordance with policies and procedures; ability to research and problem solve independently; knowledge of County operations and functions; ability to prioritize and time manage; handle stressful situations, provide effective and friendly customer service; support the County's mission and values; ability to think critically where necessary. 
• Knowledge or understanding of basic administrative tasks: operate standard office equipment; document management; prepare and maintain records, various correspondences and reports; answer general inquiries and refer as necessary; answer telephone calls, process mail, order supplies/equipment; prepare meeting agendas, attend meetings, record/transcribe/distribute minutes; entering, transcribing, recording, storing or maintaining information in written or electronic form with speed and accuracy; maintain calendars, arrange meetings, schedule rooms and equipment as necessary.   
• Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with management, co-workers and clients; obtain and communicate accurate information; apply common sense understanding to complex instructions and respond accordingly;  communicate complex ideas through graphs, charts, presentations, reports or other professional correspondence.

ESSENTIAL ABILITIES FOR ALL ST. CLAIR COUNTY JOB CLASSIFICATIONS;

• Ability to demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.                
• Ability to read, write & communicate in English; follow written and verbal instruction and understand basic mathematics and figure checking.                 
• Ability to interpret and apply procedures, rules, technical information, instructions, manuals to complete tasks accurately and on schedule.                                      
• Ability to learn from directions, observations, and mistakes; and apply procedures using good judgment.                                                                         
• Ability to use discretion and maintain sensitive and confidential information.    
• Ability to work independently or part of a team; ability to interact appropriately with others such as County officials, employees, vendors and the general public.
• Ability to work under supervision, receiving instructions/feedback, coaching/counseling and/or action/discipline.                                              
• Adaptability to change in the work environment, managing competing demands and ability to deal with frequent changes, delays or unexpected events.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction

Proficient skills using Microsoft Office programs including, but not limited to: Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook required. Proficiency may be tested.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Prior to starting employment, the candidate must complete a satisfactory background check.  The background check is understood to encompass all forms of pre-employment screening, including but not limited to: drug screen, physical, criminal background, driving record, sex offender registry, education, training and licensing verification, employment history, credit check, and professional and personal references.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without accommodations.  Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Speak to others to convey information effectively.
• Read, interpret and understand procedures, rules, technical information, instructions and manuals.
• Hear and understand information presented through spoken words and sentences. 
• Specific vision requirement includes close vision, distance vision, color and depth perception.
• Use hands to operate a computer, handle materials and operate equipment.
• Push or pull carts, reach with hands and arms forward, above and below shoulder level.
• Lift, move or carry objects, equipment and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Sit, bend, stoop, crouch, crawl and kneel in an ergonomically correct manner.
• Stand and walk, climb stairs.
• Normal office hours are from 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.
• Generally works in a normal office environment.
• The noise level in the work environment is moderate with many interruptions

Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position.  They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job requirements or duties performed.  The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: It is the policy of St. Clair County not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability that does not prevent performing essential job functions or because he or she is a protected veteran.