Attorney in West Olive, MI

Job Description:
Attorney Referee
The candidate conducts domestic relations hearings, including paternity arraignments and hearings on motions for child support and parenting time that have been filed by the parties or by the Friend of the Court, and drafts recommended court orders for judicial review and approval based on testimony, findings of fact, statutes and judicial precedent. Presides at adjudicatory, evidentiary, motion, dispositional, probation violation, dispositional review and a variety of other juvenile delinquency hearings, hearings for termination of parental rights and hearings for emancipation of minors. Ensures that statutory requirements have been met, advises parties of the nature of the hearing and their rights, and determines the need for appointment of counsel in juvenile delinquency, abuse and neglect, termination of parental rights, and consent to adopt proceedings. Conducts preliminary hearings and inquiries for juvenile petitions and abuse and neglect matters; complies with 24-hour rule for hearings for juveniles held in Detention pending adjudication of petitions. Reviews authorizations for detention on a 24-hour a day basis based on statutory requirements for detaining juveniles. Hears emergency petitions to detain juveniles, Child Protective Services petitions for removal, and other matters on a 24-hour on-call basis. Rules on motions, objections, and procedural questions, makes determination and findings of fact, determines bond and/or conditions for release from detention. Grants or denies restricted driving privileges for youth whose licenses have been suspended. Serves as a staff attorney to the Court, providing consultation and guidance on legal procedures and requirements to other staff. Performs legal research and drafts memoranda relating to Circuit Court Family Division proceedings. Performs other duties as assigned. Juris Doctorate or Bachelor of Law degree from accredited school of law combined with 3 years of professional practice in family/juvenile law and domestic relations law required. Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan and a member in good standing of the Michigan Bar Association required. Thorough working knowledge of family and domestic relations law required. Thorough working knowledge of the structure and operations of the juvenile justice system required. Thorough working knowledge of the available community services related to Domestic Neglect/Abuse, and Juvenile cases required. Thorough working knowledge of Michigan Juvenile Justice Benchbook, The Michigan Probate Code (Act 288 of 1939), and the Michigan Criminal Code (Act 125 of 1927) required. Thorough working knowledge of the Federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) of 1974, as amended required. Thorough working knowledge of the Michigan Court Rules required. Thorough working knowledge of alternative dispute resolution principles and practices required. Thorough working knowledge of legal writing and legal research methods and resources required. Thorough working knowledge of the American Bar Association canon of ethics and standards of professional practice required. Computer literacy and familiarity with word-processing, spreadsheet, database management and other applications software required. Excellent interpersonal and human relations skills required. Excellent oral and written communication skills required. Ability to interact positively and objectively with juveniles, parents, step-parents, guardians, Child Protective Services representatives, prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, law enforcement officers, officers of the court, and members of the general public from a wide range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds and with varying levels of interpersonal communications skills required.

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