Closing Date: 25th July, 2026

Description:

Position Summary:
Jackson County's Friend of the Court seeks an experienced attorney to serve as Referee for a variety of domestic relations matters and conducts evidentiary hearings on the record. Conducts pre-hearing conferences with parties in an effort to settle domestic relations issues. Provides legal advice to FOC staff and researches, analyzes, and prepares recommendations on other related matters referred by the Circuit Judge. Easily apply by entering your contact information and uploading your resume.

Position Description:
Responsibilities:

Conducts hearings to determine whether payers of support are in compliance with court order. Makes findings and recommendations to the court, to be entered in a court order.
Conducts hearings with parties regarding motions for modification of post-judgment child support, parenting time, and custody issues.
Conducts evidentiary hearings on the record with sworn testimony regarding domestic relations motions. Includes administering oaths, making rulings on evidence and other issues. Makes findings and recommendations to the court, to be entered in a court order.
Conducts hearings to determine whether there have been violations of parenting order and on objections filed disputing the propriety of parenting time abatement requests. Makes findings and recommendations to the court, to be entered in a court order.
Drafts reports summarizing findings on matters and recommendations for the resolution of disputes. Drafts orders reflecting the resolution of disputes.
Reviews documents generated within the office and judgments and orders as requested to ensure compliance with the law and court policy.
Researches, analyzes and remains abreast of statutes, court rules and case law related to areas of the law impacting FOC operations. Renders legal opinions and advice to Friend of the Court and staff related to domestic relations law.
Mandated reporter for CPS.

Qualifications:
Education: Juris Doctorate

Experience: Two to three years of progressively more responsible experience as an attorney preparing and presenting domestic relations cases before the Court.

Other Requirements: Licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan in good standing. Ability to attain certification as a Certified Electronic Operator (CEO).

Relevant Skills/Specialized Equipment Knowledge:

Basic office equipment such as telephone, calculator, photocopier, Fax, etc.
Photographic, audio and video equipment.
Computer programs including word processing and database entry and maintenance.
Need full understanding of the application of court rules and rules of evidence.
Strong writing skills.