Friend of the Court Attorney Referee

Berrien County Trial Court Job Description

Title: Attorney Referee

Department: Friend of the Court

General Summary:

• Duties: Conducts hearings associated with the Friend of the Court, domestic and child welfare arraignments, delinquency, protective proceedings and traffic cases referred/petitioned to the Juvenile Court. Conducts hearings related to Temporary Orders in divorce cases, contested evidentiary hearings and other matters affecting property or children. Makes decisions concerning custody; visitation and support; and release and placement. Determines appropriate programs and services for youth and their families and makes necessary referrals. Conducts complex legal research and prepares legal memorandum. Prepares recommendations and orders for the signature and/or approval of the Judge. Issues findings and recommendations on all aspects of domestic relations cases. Serves as Legal Counsel to the Director of the Friend of the Court office and staff. Trains, assists and coordinates in-service training with staff. Receives and reviews reports and petitions from the Department of Human Services, Michigan State Police, County Sheriff’s Department and municipal police departments received from the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Diverts appropriate cases to public or private agencies. May be assigned to assist in the supervision of volunteers and student interns assigned to the Courts. Provides after hours coverage, weekend and holiday assistance to the police agencies, Friend of the Court, the Juvenile Center, Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and Department of Human Services. 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.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

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.

Additional Requirements: A legal writing sample must accompany application for this position. Must possess a valid vehicle operator’s license. A pre-employment physical, drug test and background check are required before employment. Will be fingerprinted and screened for any conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice before employment. May be subject to random drug and alcohol testing during the course of employment. Must complete training courses offered by the Michigan Judicial Institute and as required.

Necessary Skills:

Thorough understanding of the criminal justice system, law, courtroom operations and the State of Michigan Motor Vehicle Code. Able to conduct specific hearings; maintain records and reports; conduct legal research; prepare succinct opinions; and provide in-service training. Familiar with agencies within Berrien County that serve the Courts’ clients. Proficient in the use of computers and standard office software. Able to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.

Special Employment Conditions:

Employees of the Berrien County Trial Court must submit to fingerprints and may be subjected to a criminal record check. Employee must not have any felony convictions. Employees must possess a valid vehicle operator’s license, pass a pre-employment physical and drug test, and are required to submit to random alcohol and drug screening tests during the course of employment. Appropriate speech and dress as well as a high level of personal professional conduct for work in a Court setting is required in accordance with the standards established by the Chief Judge. Regular, reliable and predictable attendance is required. Ability to maintain confidentiality, effective working relationships with other employees, and interact effectively with the general public. Employees may be exposed to clients in various emotional states who may be verbally abusive or hostile and must be able to de-escalate highly charged situations.

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.

To Apply:

Please visit our website https://www.berriencounty.org/581/Employment to complete the application process.

This description is intended to describe the type and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required by a person so classified.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $83,849.00 - $111,336.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person