Judicial Staff Attorney - Probate Court - Judge Huddleston

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.

When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:

https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire

General Summary

$88,732 - $118,883
This position is on-site

Are you a skilled legal professional who enjoys analyzing complex legal issues, conducting in-depth research, and supporting the judicial decision-making process? If you're looking for an opportunity to apply your legal expertise in a collaborative court environment while making a meaningful impact on the administration of justice, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Do
Research and analyze complex probate and civil legal issues, prepare pre-hearing reports, and draft Opinions, Orders, and other legal documents for judicial review.
Advise the Judge on legal matters by interpreting statutes, case law, court rules, and procedural requirements while recommending appropriate courses of action.
Participate in settlement discussions and negotiations, assessing legal positions and adjusting strategies to help facilitate resolution.
Coordinate chamber operations and manage the judicial docket to ensure compliance with applicable laws, Administrative Orders, Chief Judge directives, and court procedures.
Serve as a liaison between the Court, attorneys, litigants, court personnel, and the media to support effective communication and case management.

Why You'll Love It Here
Make a meaningful impact by supporting the fair and efficient administration of justice in Oakland County.
Work on intellectually challenging cases involving complex probate and civil legal issues that require thoughtful analysis and sound legal judgment.
Collaborate with experienced judicial professionals in a fast-paced, team-oriented court environment.
Expand your legal expertise through exposure to diverse case types, evolving case law, and high-level judicial decision-making.
Serve your community while building a rewarding career with Oakland County, where your legal knowledge directly supports the courts and the public.

Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Under the Merit Rule 1, employees in this class are excluded from the Merit System for the purpose of the manner of selection, appointment, removal from office or limitation or political activity.

The employee in this class is required to pass an employment medical examination prior to the effective date of the appointment.

NOTE: The Desirable Qualifications for this classification, when provided to the Human Resources Department, will be stated on a separate page.  These Desirable Qualifications are not to be considered as definitive but are subject to revision.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Be licensed to practice law and maintain membership in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Have graduated from an ABA approved law school and passed a State Bar examination.

• Have at least two years of legal work experience including positions of comparable responsibility with other Courts, as a practicing attorney, as a mediator, arbitrator or facilitator.  Other positions may be deemed comparable by the Judge or Circuit Court Administrator.

• Have working knowledge of both civil and criminal substantive and procedural law including such areas as constitutional law, commercial litigation, environmental law, federal preemption, class actions, murder, criminal sexual conduct, property, contracts, employment law, insurance law and torts.

• Pass the employment physical examination established for this classification.

• Successfully complete the six month probationary period.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Successful completion of facilitative mediation training and program requirements.

• Law Review, Moot Court or other comparable experience.

• Substantial knowledge of the principles of civil and criminal law. 

• Substantial knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence.

• Substantial knowledge of the principles, methods, materials and practice of legal research.

• Considerable ability to analyze, appraise, and organize facts, evidence and precedents concerned in cases, and draft Opinions and Orders.

• Considerable ability to exercise initiative in analyzing problems, present and discuss the same orally and in writing, and recommend solutions.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with the Court, litigants, attorneys,  administrators, other employees, media, and the general public.

• Ability to employ computer applications and databases including Word Perfect, Lexis/Nexus, Law Desk and other available computer services, and augment skills with advancements in technology.  

• Reasonable ability to utilize current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail and Internet software.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Instructs, assigns, schedules and reviews performance of assigned interns and Summer Law Clerks.  May assist in personnel decisions and coordinate the work of other support staff.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reviews complex civil cases to identify relevant facts and issues.  Analyzes disputed issues pursuant to applicable law and subjective interests of parties.  Meets with attorneys, litigants, experts and other relevant parties and recommends resolutions of disputes regarding discovery, admissibility of documents and jury instructions.

• Assesses and advises parties regarding the relative strengths of their respective positions and participates in negotiations to facilitate settlement of issues, adjusting strategy as necessary. 

• Reviews briefs, cited authority, transcripts and documentary evidence to determine relevance, reliability and significance for civil and criminal appeals, bench and jury trials, dispositive and other motions, writs and evidentiary hearings.  Identifies and analyzes complex factual and legal issues based on applicable law and circumstances involved.

• Performs independent computerized and manual legal research on a variety of court related issues and special projects.  Formulates summary of findings and recommendations.  Develops necessary expertise in and reaches conclusions for recommended disposition of issues in various cases.

• Writes pre-hearing reports incorporating facts, relevant issues, applicable law, analysis and conclusions to assist the Judge in determining the proper procedure and specific legal actions to be taken by the Court.  Drafts Opinions and Orders consistent with the decisions and rulings of the Judge for the disposition of legal matters.

• Prioritizes and schedules various hearings for Appeals, Applications for Leave to Appeal, motions and Writs.

• Assists Judge in Court during bench and jury trials, evidentiary hearings, oral arguments of certain motions, and other matters brought before the Court which require immediate consideration.  Listens to testimony, reviews evidence, makes recommendations on disposition and facilitates consensual resolutions where appropriate.

• Assists in coordinating chamber operations and docket to ensure prompt resolution of disputes, and to ensure compliance with statutes, case law, Administrative Orders, Chief Judge directives, and Court Rules.  Assists in administering Orders in high profile or highly sensitive cases including limitations on media conduct.

• Acts as liaison among Court, litigants, attorneys, Special Masters, County Clerk, and other Departments and officials as required by Circuit Court Judge or Court Administrator.

• Maintains current knowledge of legal trends relating to a variety of substantive and procedural civil and criminal matters decided upon by state and federal jurisdictions.  Advises the Circuit or Probate Court Judge or Court Administrator regarding changes in and interpretation of all civil and criminal statutes, case law and procedures.

• Maintains up to date knowledge and utilizes various word processing and legal research computer applications.

• Utilizes current county-wide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

Additional Minimum Qualifications

Union*

*If applicable

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.