Judicial Staff Attorney - Probate Court - Judge Huddleston

About this role

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.

T YPICAL 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 dispute

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