Attorney Referee

• Salary: $83,849 - $112,366/ Year
• Competitive Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Pension Program
• Flexible Work Schedule*

• Conducts preliminary, adjudication, dispositional and progress hearings in Delinquency and Child Protective proceedings. Swears in and examines witnesses; takes testimony; hears arguments; decides motions and objections; reconciles conflicting testimony; makes findings of fact; draws conclusions of law; renders decisions and drafts Orders.
• Prepares and reviews Orders in Juvenile and Domestic Relations cases prior to submission to the Family Division Judges.
• Exercises discretion in matters involving the apprehension and detention of minors pending formal Court action.
• Handles On Call responsibilities on a rotating basis with other Attorney Referees.
• Conducts hearings in Domestic Relations cases related to custody, parenting time, child support, temporary matters, and other matters involving children and issues findings and recommendations.
• Serves as Legal Counsel to the Director of the Office of Friend of the Court and staff.
• These tasks are illustrative only and do not include all of the tasks which may be assigned.

• Graduation from ABA accredited law school.
• Admission to the practice of law in the State of Michigan and in good standing with the State Bar.
• A minimum of five years of paid full-time Trial Court experience in the practice of law or three years of prior experience as an Attorney Referee in the Circuit, Juvenile or Probate Court.

• A legal writing sample must accompany application for the position.
• Attorney Referees must complete training courses offered by the Michigan Judicial Institute and as required by their Judges and/or the Court?s Administrator.
• Must possess and maintain a valid vehicle operator?s license throughout the course of employment.
• Candidate must successfully pass a pre-employment physical, including drug testing prior to employment.
• A background check will be performed and employees will be fingerprinted.
• Subject to random alcohol and drug testing per the Court?s policy.
• Handles on-call responsibilities on a rotating basis with other Attorney Referees.
• This Attorney Referee position will conduct hearings for both the Juvenile Division and the Friend of Court division.

• Knowledge of courtroom operations and procedures, including the ability to conduct specific hearings.
• Familiar with agencies within Berrien County that serve the Courts? clients.
• Clear understanding of criminal, civil, juvenile and family law, statutes, court rules, case law, local ordinances, and the State of Michigan Motor Vehicle Code.
• Able to exercise a high degree of independent judgment and discretion throughout each step of the legal process.
• Experience with the use of personal computers and word processing and spreadsheet software.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to maintain records and reports.
• Able to stay current on case law, legislation and laws affecting the courts and law enforcement.

If you prefer not to apply online, you may download a Berrien County Job Application and send it to our Personnel Department via email, fax, mail or in person. A Berrien County job application must be submitted in order to be considered for employment.

Submit by Email
Fax: (269) 983-5788
Address: Berrien County Administration Building, Personnel Department, 701 Main St., St. Joseph, MI 49085