Closing Date: 13th February, 2026

Description:

The Judicial Tenure Commission is looking for qualified candidates for one or more temporary staff attorney positions, with the possibility that the position will be extended or become permanent if resources permit.

Staff attorneys receive and investigate complaints concerning judicial officers; report results and recommend courses of action to commission charged with preserving judicial ethics; and pursue the course of action chosen by the commission, including through litigation at contested hearings and court proceedings. Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may also be assigned:

Interpret and process complaints concerning judicial officers to determine whether they credibly allege misconduct. If appropriate, conduct preliminary investigation by interviewing complainant and complainant's counsel and by reviewing publicly available court records.
When preliminary investigation determines the complaint does not credibly allege misconduct, summarize salient aspects of complaint for Commission and recommend dismissal.
When preliminary investigation determines the complaint credibly alleges misconduct, summarize salient aspects of complaint for Commission and recommend a course of investigation.
Pursue approved investigations by all appropriate means, including interviewing witnesses, subpoenaing records, and reviewing court documents, transcripts, and audio or video of court proceedings.
As appropriate, prepare written questions for judges under investigation.
Summarize completed investigations for Commission and recommend appropriate outcome (i.e., dismissal, private letter, or public sanction).
Execute course chosen by Commission. If Commission seeks public sanction, prepare public complaint; prepare for and conduct hearing before neutral according to Michigan Court Rules, including examining and cross-examining witnesses and introducing exhibits; prepare appropriate briefs and argue motions;participate in briefing and oral argument before Commission as necessary.
Respond to inquiries concerning misconduct and interpretation of ethical rules.
Conduct legal research in support of all above duties.

Education and Experience: Juris Doctor from an accredited law school. Active member in the State Bar of Michigan. Minimum of five years of prior litigation experience.

Knowledge: Proficiency in Word, Westlaw Next, and Excel; Knowledge of Michigan Court Rules, Michigan Rules of Evidence, and court policies, procedures and case management systems.

Ability: Must possess proven excellent legal research, collaboration, writing, editing, analysis, time management and critical thinking skills; ability to synthesize information into well-organized and concise end product; excellentcommunication and interview/investigation skills; ability effectively to obtain evidence and present it in court; highest level of personal integrity; sound independent judgment; ability to evaluate information fairly to determine appropriate action; ability to recognize and set aside personal biases; ability diplomatically to maintain strict confidentiality; ability to establish and maintain positive relations with other state agencies and court personnel, including justices, judges, court supervisors, and court staff; ability to tolerate public pressure and candid internal review of work; demonstrated initiative; ability to multitask and prioritize multiple projects with competing deadlines.

Work Location: Cadillac Place, Detroit, Michigan