Judicial Law Clerk I - Honorable Melissa Cox (Family Domestic Division)

In addition to wages, retirement plan, medical, dental, and vision benefits, the Court offers generous vacation time and has an extensive holiday schedule that includes paid end-of-year shut down. Additionally, employees of the Court may be eligible for forgiveness of their student loans under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. More importantly, if you are service-oriented and have an interest in work that is closely connected to the community, employees of the Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan are rewarded with the satisfaction of participating in the provision of justice in Michigan's largest, most populous county.

SUMMARY:

Under limited supervision of a Judge, assists the Judge in making sure the Court room operates efficiently and effectively; processes routine legal paper work and correspondence; reviews, studies and researches laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, and orders including civil, family and criminal. 

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

•Researches legal issues before the Court.

•Conducts legal research as assigned, drafts summary of findings; drafts proposed legal memoranda, documents, and opinions.

•Reviews complaints, petitions, motions or pleadings that have been filed to determine issues involved or basis for relief. 

•Compiles references on laws and decisions necessary for legal determinations. 

•Attends court sessions to hear oral arguments or records necessary case information.

•Follows up initial work with additional research after discussion with or at the request of the Judge.

•Responds to Judge’s requests for immediate information and research.

•Provides information to attorneys, litigants, and others regarding court procedures.

•Drafts or proofreads legal opinions, decisions, or citations. 

•Summarizes and compiles various court opinions, compiles and maintains standard jury instructions and other information.

•Remains current with recent changes in the law, court rules, and court procedures.

•Responds to phone calls and written inquiries from public and attorneys.

•Performs related work, including clerical, as required.

•Assists Judge and courtroom team with various administrative duties.

•Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

•Law degree from an accredited institution.

•Member of State Bar of Michigan in good standing.

•Experience conducting legal research using Westlaw, Lexis, and available legal resources.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

•Ability to interact with various Court agents and personnel and to work on significant projects.

•Ability to accept constructive direction.

•Ability to research, identify, and analyze complex legal issues, apply legal principals, and draft legal memoranda, position papers, and related documents.

•Ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce positive results.

•Ability to communicate to ask and answer questions and to explain Court procedures to internal and external customers in a courteous and professional manner, in plain language that they can understand, seeking assistance when needed.

•Ability to deal calmly and effectively in high stress situations.

•Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, employees, officials and external contacts.

•Ability to maintain a professional rapport in a variety of interview situations.

•Ability to present statements of fact, laws, and arguments clearly and logically, 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, law enforcement authorities, and for preparing reports and recommendations.

•Skill in managing one’s own time, as well as the ability to meet deadlines.

•Familiarity with Microsoft products and legal research software.

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.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 

•Candidates considered for placement in this job title will be subject to a criminal and/or IV-D background check and related fingerprinting every five years.

•Member of State Bar of Michigan in good standing.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. 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:

08/22/13 Updated for content and format

02/25/14 Updated for content

06/03/14 Updated for content

06/22/16 Updated Special Requirements

08/10/21 Updated for content

09/22/22 Updated for content