As part of our total benefit package, Macomb County proudly offers medical, dental, and vision coverage, with no monthly premium to employees for single, two (2) person or family coverage. Health care, dental and vision benefits are effective the first day of employment.
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CLASSIFICATION TITLE:
Research AttorneySALARY:
$70,399.42 - $91,055.76DEPARTMENT:
Circuit CourtOpening Date:
11/03/2025Closing Date:
11/15/2025 12:00 a.m.FLSA STATUS: Exempt - Overtime pursuant to Collective Bargaining Agreement
EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: Just cause subject to probationary period
GENERAL SUMMARY:
Under direction, provides legal advice and research support activities on issues of interest to the Circuit Court. Reviews legal materials submitted by attorneys and parties. Researches applicable laws. Writes proposed opinions and memoranda. Makes verbal reports as assigned.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provides research support activities and legal advice as directed.
Performs legal research online and in print materials.
Drafts legal memoranda and other legal documents for the Bench and Court Administration.
Monitors new legal materials, including but not limited to, electronic materials, newspapers, professional journals, and opinions of state and federal courts.
Exercises professional judgment on legal matters in a timely fashion and communicates accordingly.
Reviews transcripts and other materials submitted by attorneys, parties in cases and relevant authorities.
Prepares documents using a personal computer and word processing program(s).
Attends court proceedings, assists with rulings, prepares jury instructions and assists with pre-trial conferences.
Assists in the recruitment and training of interns and externs.
Maintains current knowledge base by participating in continuing legal education, attending workshops, seminars, conferences and reading related publications.
Operates an automobile while performing assigned job duties.
Performs related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Education and Experience:
Juris Doctor Degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school
Preferred Education and Experience
Previous legal research and writing experience
Required Licenses or Certifications:
Current membership and in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan
Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and operable, insured automobile for authorized travel
COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES:
Knowledge of:
Court operations at the Circuit, Probate and District Court level
Methods of legal research and writing
Computers, including Microsoft Office, Google applications, and other related computer applications
Court-specific computer applications, including CourtView and OnBase
Skill in:
Conducting and concisely summarizing legal research
Organizational ability and initiative
Managing multiple assignments, timelines and deadlines
Punctuality, working independently and meeting deadlines with limited supervision
Ability to:
Research and report on complex or technical legal issues as assigned
Understand complex legal arguments on issues of constitutionally, government immunity, contracts, negligence, medical malpractice, etc.
Proficiently conduct legal research using an on-line database such as Westlaw and Lexis
Distill legal issues and present legal findings in a clear and concise manner
Work in an environment which embraces the county’s Dignity Campaign
Effectively speak, write and understand the English language
Effectively speak, write and understand a language other than English is preferred
Understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions
Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
Maintain the confidentiality of information
WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:
The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
N/S=Never/Seldom O=Occasionally F/C= Frequently/Continuously
Work Environment
Office or similar indoor environment: F/C
Outdoor environment: N/S
Street environment (near moving traffic): N/S
Construction site: N/S
Confined space: N/S
Exposures
Individuals who are hostile or irate: N/S
Individuals with known violent backgrounds: N/S
Extreme cold (below 32 degrees): N/S
Extreme heat (above 100 degrees): N/S
Communicable diseases: N/S
Moving mechanical parts: N/S
Fumes or airborne particles: N/S
Toxic or caustic chemicals, substances, or waste: N/S
Loud noises (85+ decibels): N/S
Blood Borne Pathogens: N/S
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
N/S=Never/Seldom O=Occasionally F/C= Frequently/Continuously
Demand:
Balancing on even or uneven surfaces/ground: N/S
Bending (forward or backward bending at the waist): N/S
Climbing up or down stairs, ladders, scaffolding and platforms: N/S
Crawling (moving about on hands and knees). Inspecting in confined spaces: N/S
Digging: N/S
Driving on sealed and unsealed roads: N/S
Grasping, gripping, holding, clasping with fingers or hands: O
Kneeling to work at low levels: N/S
Manual Dexterity (fine finger movements i.e., keyboard operating, writing): F/C
Lift/Carry/Move objects from one level/position to another (covered by the items below):
Up to 24 pounds: O
Push/Pull objects away from or towards the body: O
Reaching overhead (arms raised above the shoulder) or forward reaching (arms extended): O
Sitting in a seated position during the task performance: F/C
Standing in an upright position without movement: O
Walking considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: O
Running considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: N/S
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND DISCLAIMERS
Complies with P.A. 390, as amended, known as the State’s Emergency Management Act and the County’s Emergency Management resolution as well as all related plans, policies and procedures covered by those statutes.
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment amongst other possible accommodations.
The United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 889 bargaining unit represents this position. Therefore, there may be contract language which could require consideration in the selection process.