Job Information
Ingham County Human Resources Law Clerk Circuit Court / Probate Court – Lansing 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. Acts as a special deputy with the Ingham County Sheriff's Office providing courtroom security. 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.
Assists a Judge with their docket. Incumbents are expected to know applicable law, court rules, policy, and procedure related to the assigned Judge's docket(s). 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. Assist Sheriff's Department as directed to assist in the non-physical management of prisoners. Prepares and monitors the courtroom before, during, and after proceedings. 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, including the Court Recorder/Reporter, facilitates in-person and remote court proceedings. 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, the Ingham County Probate Court and Ingham County Circuit Court.
Assists Judge manage their docket, including receiving and reviewing filings and other documents for the Court; taking appropriate action based on the filings/documents; preparing, maintaining, and ensuring the availability of lateral files or other documents for hearings and trials; 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; among other tasks. 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.
Attends, observes, and assists with courtroom proceedings, including courtroom preparations; corresponds with attorneys or litigants on file maintenance and case management; 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 for proceedings and other events; attend meetings alongside the assigned Judge when directed, including in-chambers conferences, committee meetings, or other meetings as required; 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 Functions
Performs other duties as assigned.
Must adhere to Court standards with respect to confidentiality and other privacy issues.
May be required to report in person during public health emergencies