Law Clerk-Bailiff

Department: 10th Circuit Court – Date Posted: 10/17/25
[101104] Judge Darnell Jackson

Salary: Starting at $75,428.88 / annually

Type of Regular Full-Time  Regular Part-Time  Part-Time  Temporary/On-call 
Employment:

WHERE TO APPLY:
Please email a cover letter, writing sample, and resume to: Circuit Court Administrator Michael G. Yelsik at
myelsik@saginawcounty.com

Applicants are accepted until there are a sufficient number of qualified applicants or a qualified candidate has
been identified. The position could close at any time.

Saginaw County is a drug-free workplace as such individuals must successfully pass a pre-employment

drug screen (marijuana is included) and pre-employment physical.
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General Definition of Work:
Under the direction of the Judge, the Law Clerk will be required to perform legal research and analysis to assist the Judge
in determining the disposition of matters before the court. Written memoranda, summaries and analysis for use at oral
argument will be required. Written reports and recommendations as to disposition of cases may also be required. In
addition, the Law Clerk under guidance of the Judge may prepare drafts for decisions, orders, findings of fact, jury
instructions, and other legal documents. The Law Clerk may provide technical review of proposed opinions and alert
Judge to errors of fact and law. The Law Clerk will provide other professional legal research, analysis, and writing
assistance to the Judge as requested. The Law Clerk will communicate and work closely with other court personnel to
ensure timely and efficient court operations.

Essential Functions:

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs legal research and analysis to assist the Judge in determining the disposition of matters before the

• Examines briefs, case records and legal authorities.
• Writes memoranda and may recommend questions for the Judge's use at oral argument.
• Researches statutes, case law, matters of fact, administrative law decisions and other materials pertaining

to the issue or case at hand; digests and analyzes information; and prepares reports and
recommendations.

• Confers with the Judge to discuss legal research materials.
• Recommends disposition of cases, and under guidance of the Judge, drafts decisions, opinions, orders,

findings of fact and other legal documents for Judge's review and approval.

• As requested, provides technical review of proposed opinions and alerts judges to errors of fact and law.
• Prepares jury instructions for trials. Maintains and updates jury instruction notebooks.
• May serve as a bailiff in the courtroom, maintaining order, enforcing courtroom rules of behavior, and

maintaining the integrity of the jury.

• May perform other functions as necessary to ensure proper case flow and timely litigation of cases in the

Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school with coursework in constitutional and family law, contracts,
property, criminal, civil, and administrative procedures or related field.
Experience: Minimal (less than 1 year) experience in legal research and writing, including clerkships, internships, clinics,
law review, moot court, and/or other legal experience, or a combination of education and experience.
Preferred:

✓ Thorough working knowledge of legal terminology, legal research methods and resources, and the principles and
practices of legal writing.

✓ Computer literacy and knowledge of word processing, computer-based research, and database
management applications.

✓ Ability to become familiar with and comply with the Michigan Code of Judicial Conduct, Michigan Rules of
Professional Conduct, and Code of Conduct for Michigan Trial Court Employees.

✓ Ability to become familiar with and comply with privacy requirements related to the court.
✓ Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
✓ Excellent interpersonal and human relations skills.

Special Requirements:
✓ Licensed attorney in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan or attainment of licensure within three (3)

months of hire.

Perks of Working for Saginaw County
Saginaw County provides a comprehensive benefits package to its eligible employees.

Health/Dental/Vision; Defined Contribution (401a) qualified retirement plan with employer contribution, if employee puts money into
a 457 account the County will match up to 2%; Short-Term Disability insurance; Health Care Savings Plan to cover expenses in

retirement, with employer contributions; County paid life insurance; 14 paid holidays per year, accrue up to 72 hours of Earned Sick
Time in a fiscal year, accrue PTO; employee perks program to help with discounts; discount at the YMCA of Saginaw; Public Service

Loan Forgiveness help through Savi; and competitive wages.