SUMMARY:

The Associate Attorney reports to the Supervising Senior Staff Attorney of a department in the Legal Division of the Office of Friend of the Court. Under supervision, the Associate Attorney handles domestic relations matters on a judge’s or specialized dockets. The Associate Attorney is responsible to uphold the Legal Division’s overall objective of ensuring that the office’s procedures and court’s orders are established and enforced according to law and court rules. Employees in this title are expected to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Produces quality and timely work concerning paternity establishment and child support enforcement by conducting show cause and enforcement interviews, resolving bench warrants, advocating for bonds, liens, receiverships, employer contempt, and other enforcement remedies in accordance with state and federal laws and Friend of the Court policy.Prepares and argues motions and recommendations before Friend of the Court, Referees and Third Circuit Court Judges. Screens, reviews and verifies case information, orders, and motions prior to hearings.
• Serves as Special Assistant Prosecuting Attorney to initiate and argue paternity, family support and interstate cases.
• Performs legal research on proposed legislation, court rules, statutes, and court cases for any court departments and the Bench as required.Provides evidence, testimony and recommendations in court as required.
• Provides legal advice, answers legal and procedural questions, drafts and interprets legal documents and court orders as required.
• Interviews litigants and discusses issues with private attorneys prior to hearings.
• Presents and argues domestic relations matters before the court. Provides public with information and instructions concerning procedures.
• Attends professional seminars, training and meetings as required.
• Assists other attorneys and staff as necessary.
• Prepares records and reports as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate of an accredited law school.
• Member of State Bar of Michigan in good standing. 
• Experience conducting legal research using Westlaw, Lexis and available legal resources.
• Experience advocating and presenting matters in court, preferred.
• Experience with domestic law and litigation; and handling domestic relations matters preferred.
• Proficient using MS Office Suite and relevant software and systems.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce positive results.
• Ability to communicate and explain Court procedures to internal and external customers and deal courteously and effectively with their questions or problems, seeking assistance when needed.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas effectively, so that others can understand.
• Ability to deal calmly and effectively in high stress situations. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Directors, coworkers, employees, officials and external contacts.
• Ability to grasp, comprehend, and analyze complex legal issues and complicated factual details.
• Ability to identify and resolve problems and disputes.
• Ability to maintain a professional rapport in a variety of interview situations.
• Ability to operate office equipment.
• Ability to present statements of fact, laws and arguments clearly and logically, both verbally and in writing including before judges. Ability to understand and carry out instructions and to request clarification when needed.
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to legal problems and matters.
• Excellent communications skills for dealing with clients, the Court, and law enforcement authorities.
• Excellent communication skills for preparing reports and recommendations.
• Skill in managing one’s own time, as well as the ability to meet deadlines.
• Working knowledge of Court processes and procedures.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Normally a typical customer service office environment with minimal exposure to excessive noise.
• Employees in this title may encounter individuals who may be under duress.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time to perform job functions.
• Ability to detect, create, and interpret documents.
• Operate a computer and other office machinery, items, or equipment.
• Position self to move from one place to another.
• Communicate with clients, co-workers, and others.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Candidates considered for placement in this job title will be subject to a criminal and/or IV-D background investigation and subsequent fingerprinting every five years.
• Member of State Bar of Michigan in good standing.
• Must possess (at time of application) and maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license, no fault insurance and access to a vehicle to use in the performance of assigned duties.

In accordance with the Collective Bargaining agreement, upon successful completion of the one year probationary period, the Associate Attorney is promoted to Staff Attorney.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the title. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description. Specific job duties vary from position to position.

NOTES:

07/29/2013 Updated Qualifications

06/07/2017 Updated for content and format

09/10/2021 Updated for content