Clare Gladwin Attorney Referee/FOC Director

Attorney Referee & Friend of the Court Director

55th Circuit Court – Clare & Gladwin Counties
Full-Time | Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–4:30 PM | No Nights or Weekends
Starting Salary: $90,000+ (DOQ) | Full Benefits

ABOUT THE POSITION

The 55th Circuit Court (serving Clare and Gladwin Counties) is seeking an experienced Michigan attorney to serve in a dual role as both Attorney Referee and Friend of the Court (FOC) Director. This is a unique, mission-driven leadership position ideal for an attorney who wants to combine courtroom work with program administration and have a direct impact on families and children.

As Attorney Referee, you will conduct hearings and make recommendations to the Family Court Judges: Presiding Judge of the Family Court, Judge Tara Hovey; Judge Michelle Ambrozaitis; and, Judge Marcy Klaus, in the limited circumstances where ancillary matters are assigned to her court.

As FOC Director, you will lead a dedicated team of nine staff members (currently seven filled, two vacancies—1 full-time and 1 part-time), manage office operations, and oversee child support, custody, and parenting-time services across both counties.

This position offers stable daytime hours, no weekends, full county benefits, and an opportunity to shape the future of family services in two Michigan counties.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

The 55th Circuit Court serves approximately 56,000 residents across Clare and Gladwin Counties. Families with children make up a significant part of this population, including many single-parent households. The Friend of the Court office plays a crucial role in:

• Ensuring children receive financial support
• Assisting separated parents with parenting-time and custody agreements
• Resolving family disputes
• Reducing conflict and helping parents maintain stability

Statewide, the Michigan child support system manages 760,000+ cases and distributes more than $1.2 billion in support annually — placing FOC Directors and Referees at the heart of Michigan’s family safety net.

Locally, the 55th Circuit has historically experienced high caseload pressure and growing demand for family services, making this leadership position critical to improving outcomes and strengthening families.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Attorney Referee Duties (Approx. 50%)

• Conduct evidentiary hearings in domestic relations matters, including custody, parenting time, child support, paternity, temporary orders, and enforcement matters.
• Swear in and examine witnesses, take testimony, rule on motions and objections, analyze evidence, and prepare recommended findings of fact and conclusions of law.
• Draft, review, and prepare proposed orders for judicial approval.
• Provide legal guidance to the court, staff, and stakeholders as needed.
• Ensure hearings are conducted in compliance with Michigan statutes, court rules, and case law.
• Use audio/video systems to record hearings and maintain accurate digital records.

Friend of the Court Director Duties (Approx. 50%)

• Lead and supervise the FOC office, including nine (9) employees who manage support enforcement, investigations, scheduling, and parent services.
• Oversee case management, support enforcement, parenting-time services, and MiCSES/MiCES data entry and accuracy.
• Manage the FOC budget and fiscal operations.
• Recruit, train, evaluate, and support staff; fill current vacancies; and foster a positive, professional team culture.
• Collaborate with community agencies, law enforcement, attorneys, mental health providers, and service organizations.
• Develop office procedures, internal policies, forms, and operational improvements.
• Implement new laws, rules, and SCAO directives impacting FOC services.
• Represent the FOC to government bodies, community groups, and the public.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Licensed attorney in the State of Michigan in good standing (required).
• Strong knowledge of Michigan family law, court procedures, and evidentiary standards.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Valid vehicle operator’s license and ability to pass a background check and fingerprinting.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Five (5) or more years in the active practice of law, particularly family law, or
• Prior experience as an Attorney Referee in Circuit, Juvenile, or Probate Court.
• Supervisory or administrative experience (in any field).
• Experience with MiCSES/MiCES systems, child support processes, or domestic relations case management.
• Familiarity with services and agencies serving families in Clare and Gladwin Counties.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Stable work schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM (no nights/weekends).
• Full county benefits package, including health insurance, retirement, and paid time off.
• Opportunity to lead a vital public service office with a meaningful mission.
• Direct impact on improving family stability and child wellbeing across two counties.
• Professional respect and direct reporting relationship to the Presiding Family Court Judge.
• Support for required Michigan Judicial Institute (MJI) training.

ABOUT THE 55TH CIRCUIT – CLARE & GLADWIN COUNTIES

• Serves approximately 56,000 residents combined.
• A significant share of children live in single-parent households, indicating high need for custody, support, and parenting-time services.
• Historical caseload growth has created a strong need for capable leadership in family services.
• The FOC office is essential to the stability, safety, and financial wellbeing of hundreds of local children each year.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit the following to: worpells@clareco.net

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Writing Sample (legal memo, pleading, findings, or recommendation—may be redacted)
• Three Professional References

Applications accepted until filled.
Start date: ASAP.
Equal Opportunity Employer

Note: Michigan Works Region 7B is assisting with recruiting efforts

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person