Job Information
Ingham County Human Resources Law Clerk - Circuit Court / Probate Court - Mason Location in Lansing, Michigan
Under the general supervision of a Circuit Court or Probate Court Judge, researches the law, advises the Court, and prepares opinions, orders, bench memoranda, and other documents for the Court. Acts as a special deputy with the Ingham County Sheriff's Office providing courtroom security, duties for which may include standing by out-of-custody offenders who are being remanded to jail and giving verbal commands pending the arrival of a deputy sheriff. The Law Clerk performs numerous other administrative and jury management tasks.
Essential Functions
1. Analyzes court filings; conducts legal research; drafts opinions, orders, bench memoranda, and other recommendations regarding any matter before the Court whether it be petitions, motions, objections, bench trials, jury trials, or other proceedings.
2. Assists a Judge with their docket in accordance with specific law, court rules, policy, and procedures applicable to that docket. Incumbents are expected to know applicable law, court rules, policy, and procedure related to the assigned Judge's docket(s) and to maintain up-to-date knowledge on upcoming and proposed changes. Incumbents may be required to attend continuing education opportunities to maintain and expand knowledge bases.
- Remain in the courtroom when an incarcerated individual is present. Provides security for the assigned Judge, staff, jury, and general public. Assist Sheriff's Department as directed. Duties may include use of pepper spray and hand cuffs, and participating in associated training. Prepares and monitors the courtroom. Regularly contacts and communicates with the Ingham County Sheriff's Office and other security personnel.
Assists the Court in facilitating jury trials. Assists in storage and security of related evidence during a trial or other proceeding.
In concert with the Judge and their staff. Sets up and monitors breakout rooms to ensure confidentiality of communications such as attorney/client privileged communications.
May serve a Judge who is regularly assigned dockets in two separate courts.
Assists Judge manage their dockett; taking appropriate action based on the filings/documents; cross checking the accuracy of party names, assigned attorneys, and case assignments; ensuring notices of hearing and proofs of service are properly served and are in otherwise good order and taking appropriate follow up action. Incumbents are responsible for forwarding accepted filings to either the Probate Court Office, the Circuit Court Clerk's Office, or the Circuit Court Juvenile Division for docketing and other action.
In concert with the Judicial Assistant, ensures the timeliness of judicial case processing according to the guidelines issued by the State Court Administrative Office, including the dissemination of appropriate calendars; notifying litigants, attorneys, and others regarding event dates; arranging transportation of litigants in custody; and working with attorneys and litigants to schedule trials/other matters.
Attends, observes, and assists with courtroom proceedings, and taking any steps necessary for the subsequent preparation of opinions/orders or other further actions of the Court; corresponds with attorneys or litigants; assists general public with preparation and submission of various pleadings and other filings; maintains a record of all matters under advisement; maintains and updates opinion banks; prepares, organizes, and reviews daily files; maintains and updates law library; attend meetings alongside the assigned Judge when directed; and assists other courts and court staff as instructed.
In the absence of the Judicial Assistant, answers the telephone and manages people coming to the Judicial Office.
May perform other duties as assigned by the Judge or in their absence, the Court.
Other Fun