Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Livingston County was named a 2025 Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press! Based solely on employee feedback, the Top Workplace title is a badge of honor for the County. With over 700 employees serving within 18 departments, 6 elected offices, and 3 Courts, Livingston County's top priority is providing effective and efficient services that improve the quality of life for all of our residents.

***Also accepting applications for individuals awaiting July 2026 state BAR results.***

Position Summary:

This position is an employee of the Court whose employment and performance is under the supervision of the Chief Judge. For the day-to-day operations, this position will report to the District Court Administrator who will monitor hours and assign work, including Magistrate on-call duties as needed. The Law Clerk/Attorney Magistrate will work to assist the District Court Judges with daily operations, including legal research, and drafting opinions as directed. This position also serves as an on-call Magistrate as prescribed by statute and court rule, adjudicating civil infraction cases, conducting arraignments in felony and misdemeanor cases, sentencing misdemeanor charges as provided by statute, disposing of minor offenses before trial, issuing arrest and search warrants, and setting or denying bail. The Chief Judge has the authority to hire, discipline or discharge this employee.

Benefits:

• Retirement plan includes a 401a with up to 8% employer contribution
• Comprehensive Medical, Pharmacy, Dental & Vision
• Optional HSA with an employer match
• Optional Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation plan
• Short-term & Long-term disability & Basic Life & AD&D insurance
• Health & Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid vacation, sick days & holidays. Unused vacation and sick time rolls over
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Up to $500 annual Wellness reimbursement* & $100 incentive for completing your annual physical & Health Assessment.
• Voluntary benefits such as Pet Insurance, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital & Whole Life policies
• Employee assistance program

*Pro-rated based on DOH

Pay Rate Information:

The Law Clerk / Attorney Magistrate position is a full-time, non-union position, and starting pay is $66,164/year . This position is eligible for step increases within our Non-Union Grade 8S Wage Scale. Top end of the current wage scale for this position is $83,324/year.

***Also accepting applications for individuals awaiting July 2026 state BAR results.***

Essential Job Functions:

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties, which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

1. Receives procedural direction from the judge, reviews case files, briefs, transcripts, and other pertinent documentation, researches applicable statutes and case law, writes bench memoranda, legal documents, orders, and prepares legal opinions for the Judge's review, comment, and modification.
   
2. Assists the judge with scheduling the docket by contacting attorneys, parties, and other groups as required, organizing and transporting files, arranging meetings, and performing related activities.
   
3. Attends courtroom proceedings to provide supporting research and analysis, document information, record actions and transport files to appropriate location(s).
   
4. Assists the judge with daily operations of the office, such as answering phone calls, scheduling meetings, following-up on cases, tracking documents, and performing related assistance.
   
5. Confers with attorneys, plaintiffs, and defendants regarding court proceedings.
   
6. May serve as a back-up court recorder.
   
7. When acting as a Magistrate, accepts and examines criminal complaints and examines witnesses as necessary in order to determine probable cause for issuing arrest warrants as authorized by the Prosecuting Attorney.
   
8. Accepts and examines affidavits for search warrants from law enforcement officers, determining probable cause and issuing search and seizure warrants as necessary.
   
9. Sets or denies bail in criminal matters based on seriousness of charge, likelihood of the accused party's court appearance, and other relevant factors. May set conditions for bond or commit accused persons to jail in lieu of bail.
   
10. Conducts arraignments in felony and misdemeanor matters, accepts guilty pleas and sentences defendants for misdemeanors within Magistrate's statutory jurisdiction, considering defendant's record and other relevant factors.
    
11. Conducts informal hearings in civil infraction matters, explains the law and procedures to parties, hears testimony, examines witnesses under oath, makes findings of fact and conclusions of law, and issues appropriate sentences.
    
12. Accepts admissions of responsibility in civil infraction cases, considers defendants' verbal or written explanations, and makes appropriate disposition of cases, including assessing fines and other sanctions.
    
13. Performs duties when on-call only including issuing warrants, fixing bail and accepting bond, conducting first appearances of defendants before the court and issuing warrants for the arrest of a person upon the written authorization of the Prosecuting Attorney.
    
14. Performs civil wedding ceremonies.
    
15. Keeps abreast of legislative and regulatory developments, new administrative techniques, and current issues through continued education and professional growth. Attends conferences, workshops, and seminars as appropriate.
    
16. Advises the district court administrator and clerks on legal matters regarding calls, forms, and procedures for the district court staff.
17. Performs other duties as directed.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

Requirements include the following:

• Juris Doctorate Degree required and some prior experience in the practice of law is preferred.
• The Court, at its discretion, may consider an alternative combination of formal education and work experience.
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan and a member in good standing with the Michigan Bar Association.
• Michigan Vehicle Operator's License.
• Must live in the County per State of Michigan law to perform Magistrate duties.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of the State of Michigan district court proceedings and procedures, case law research, and judicial administrative rules and procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of applicable local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations, organizing and maintaining legal files, and interpreting and applying laws, statutes and court decisions rules and regulations.
• Knowledge and experience in setting bond terms and conditions.
• Skill in assembling and analyzing data, preparing comprehensive and accurate reports, and preparing legal documentation.
• Skill in editing and drafting documents to lawyers and lay people.
• Skill in training and translating legal concepts.
• Skill in assembling and analyzing data, preparing comprehensive and accurate reports, and preparing legal documentation.
• Skill in effectively communicating ideas and concepts orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with County employees, contractors to the County, representatives of other governmental units, professional contacts, elected officials, and the public.
• Ability to assess situations, solve problems, work effectively under stress, within deadlines, and in emergency situations.
• Skill in the use of office equipment and technology, including Microsoft Suite applications and database entry and maintenance, as well as applications and programs specific to the Court.
• Ability to respond to emergencies or service needs on a 24-hour basis.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person and by telephone, read regular and small print, view and produce written and electronic documents and enter data on a computer keyboard with repetitive keystrokes. The employee must be mobile in an office setting, stand, sit, stoop and kneel, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must lift or push/pull objects of up to 15 lbs. without assistance. Accommodation will be made, as needed, for office employees required to lift or move objects that exceed this weight.

The typical work environment of this job is a business office setting or courtroom where the noise level is quiet and sometimes moderate.

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